Beloved Amado

It saddens my heart to read of the passing of Jorge Amado. I have read every book he has written and have seen every book turned into film. He was inspiration in turning me onto Brazil and its culture as a teenager. Please express my deepest sympathy to his family. Today the “Eyes of Chango” close and so closes the life of one of Brazil’s greatest authors.

That Glorious Moment

I just read your article “To Cheat is to be Smart in Brazil” and I would agree. But, for a brief (shining) moment, I believe that Brazil did have national pride. In the early seventies, after the administrations of Jânio Quadros, and during the military government of Medici, there was the Brazilian miracle. The economy was booming! Pelé was a super star. People were truly enamored over their country’s perceived dominance. They really imagined that they would be a superpower; “Brasil merece o nosso amor” signs were all over. The movies showed propaganda “movie reels” for thirty minutes before every movie. It was an interesting time to be there for this “pro-Castro” flower child. Thanks for an interesting article.

A Call to Heroes

Please help us! My 23-month old granddaughter has just been diagnosed with a very rare and deadly form of leukemia and she desperately needs a bone marrow transplant. Because her mother is Brazilian, the best chance of getting a match would be someone of mixed ethnicity—Brazilian/white.

I am looking for ways to get this message to the Brazilian community. I have already contacted the Brazilian consulate, but I have not yet received a reply.  It isn’t often that we have the chance to be a hero and save a life, but that is exactly what those people that are willing to be screened as bone marrow donors have the chance to do.

There is no cost to be screened for individuals of Brazilian ethnicity, and all that is needed is one small vial of blood. I have attached a flyer for your information. We have so little time to save Kayli’s life. Thank you for your help.

In Brazil for Good

After reading Dolores Jenkins opinion in the July/August issue, I felt the need to express my opinion. As an expatriate from Indiana, I have been to Brazil many times and have retired to Bauru, Brazil since last October. I am married to a Brazilian, who is typical of most Brazilians. She is full of life and energy, always with a big smile and a hug for everyone.

Brazilians are family oriented and very close to all members. It is amazing for me still, to watch a family say goodbye after a get together. First it is time to go...so they hug and say goodbye and talk awhile, then they go to the door and do it all again....then to the car and once again they hug and say goodbye. It seems they just do not want to leave each other.

The love for each other is obvious. There are energy problems, crime and poverty, but the Brazilians take it all in stride. It is just the way it is! We (I include myself now) live for vacations. We work (if necessary) to earn money to take a vacation.  In the States you work to buy stuff and more stuff. I love it here and would not consider moving back for anything. I go back every year to visit my six kids and nine grandkids......but Brazil is my home!

The Real Brazil

I love your magazine and can’t wait for each new issue. I don’t think that the sometimes sexiness of some of the articles merit any criticism. I take it that your magazine is a cross-reference of Brazilian culture as we accurately see it today. I don’t want to read a pseudo Brazilian magazine, glossed over with American politically correct viewpoints. I bet the critics don’t write letters of complaint to “Cosmopolitan” or “Men’s Health” magazines about them showing a bathing suit or two. Why should they to yours?

A word on “No Apologies Necessary.” On being American by birth and Japanese by lineage, I am aware that I may be considered a child of two of the, ‘economic engines of the world’. I cannot place my feet in the shoes of the Brazilian executives of the mentioned article, but faced with ones business peers of such prosperous nations may seem a daunting atmosphere. I just ask that these good men and women consider the next time that they are in a similar situation, to first ponder: What would the world be like without Brazil and Brazilians?

The Race Card

It’s was interesting to read about a black American’s experiences in Bahia in “Down in Black Bahia”. Being Nigerian-American myself, the similarities experienced on my last two trips to Brazil (São Paulo, Rio, Tocantins and Goiás) are all too uncanny. Right on about Church in Brazil. Seeing words like acarajé, Ilê Aiyê and Olodum and recognizing their Yoruba origin, filled me with muita saudade for Nigeria. The bonus was discovering last year that I had a cousin in São Paulo.

Despite my last five weeks in Brazil (over Carnaval), injury prevented me from visiting Salvador, much to my vexation. Regarding ethnic discrimination in Brazil, I agree with Mark that there are Brazilians in “denial” or (in my opinion) just not cognizant of their history. I once had a  Paulista make a derogatory remark about Baianos. I knew enough Portuguese to call her on it. Her explanation was that everyone referenced Baianos that way. I dug deeper to discover the source of her discrimination was that Baianos were more African in origin that other Brazilians. When I reminded her where I came from and that her own linage was probably West African she began to reconsider.

Brazilian Pride

I am originally from São Paulo and I have been in the States for four years now. Everyone who meets me says that I love Brazil. I really do, I always talk about my beautiful country with proud, and I love and miss the happiness that surrounds every Brazilian, independent of their social, economic status. I just want to say that may be most of the Brazilians that Ms. Dolores Jenkins meet are ashamed of our country because they have being with too many other businessmen from other countries that may be better than Brazil economically.

No other country is like Brazil. And I’m aware I’m from a unique place filled with so much beauty and happiness. Of course, my country has its weakness as all other countries do, but in may opinion, as I do often, all Brazilians should invite their friends to come visit one of the most beautiful countries in the world. As Ms. Dolores Jenkins said, the beauty is not only in the nature but within every Brazilian.

Serendipitous Mail

You can imagine my surprise when I opened my mailbox yesterday morning and found a copy of your online magazine there since neither myself or my wife (who as it happens is Brazilian) had never heard of it before. Having said this it seems already like a nice read and my wife was especially interested in finding out more about the current electricity situation there. It would be nice to see future copies of your online magazine appearing in my mailbox in the near future, both myself and my wife will look forward to reading it now.

Portuguese Differences

That was a very interesting article which A. Fabres wrote about the differences between the types of Portuguese spoken on both sides of the Atlantic, but was it intended to be partly tongue-in-cheek? It claims that if you have to get used to someone in order to understand what they’re saying, then you do not speak the same language as them. Following this criterion however would mean that a number of the dialects spoken in various regions of England and Deutschland (Germany) which are never to my knowledge classified as languages are indeed just that, since their speakers likewise often have problems with mutual understanding—and while I can imagine that learning another dialect within your native language may still present some difficulties (including possibly confusion with the one you’re most used to) if you really want to make a good job of it, I don’t feel this is enough to regard them as separate languages.

The same goes for standard British and American English—i.e. while they have many differences which cannot be dismissed as trivial and it wouldn’t surprise me if the average American struggled to learn British English properly (not due to lack of intelligence, but because it’s a form of the language which the majority of Americans do not encounter that frequently), it would still be quite wrong to claim that they are anything more than variants of the same language.

I’m not yet knowledgeable enough about Portuguese to give a well-informed opinion as to whether the Brazilians still speak it or not, but I am rather doubtful about theirs being another language altogether if what I’ve heard about almost all the characteristics of the standard Portuguese in Portugal being present in either standard Brazilian Portuguese or some dialect of Brazil is correct. That said however, dialects can and do evolve into languages in their own right; and if the differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese are ever-increasing, then I daresay Brazilian will be more or less universally accepted as a language within a century or so. I do find it interesting that they should become less rather than more similar as time goes by though.

Here in England, there’s a great deal of prejudice against spellings and terms perceived as American—yet in spite of this (and thanks no doubt to our heavy exposure to American TV), there is a growing tendency for Americanisms to be incorporated into British English, and I can also envisage the Internet contributing towards making American and British

English become more and more alike. I don’t know whether there’s a parallel situation between Brazil and Portugal, but I would have thought that however much the Portuguese despise Brazilian influence on their language, it would still be almost inevitable that some would come about bearing in mind they probably watch a fair amount of Brazilian TV programs.

Bright Idea

I just read your amazing, magnificent article on government aid for AIDS with condom awareness. I have a suggestion to add to the already creative ideas. Use a model or cartoon character in print and/or in parades wearing a gorgeous headdress of blown-up condoms—in keeping with Rio’s Mardi-Gras Carnaval! Flowers and bells and jewels and feathers and blown-up condoms would be sensational and extremely effective. Does Brazil (or its source for) manufacture condoms in colors? I think so. My “antennae” are out for headdress ideas because I am the coordinator of the Carmen Miranda-inspired annual Gala Food Bank Headdress Ball here in Hawaii on the Kona Coast of the Big Island called Hawaii. This year’s wild Gala Ball is happening August 25^th. I send my warmest aloha to you,

Right On

I think this is great what you are doing in your country about AIDS prevention. May the Holy Spirit and Yashua, the Christ, always bless you. Can’t say this for my country, the USA. We are not doing enough. Much less sending condoms to every home. LOL.

Making Contact

I am 16 years old and I am from São Paulo, Brazil. I have lived in the United States for 11 years because I was adopted when I was five. I have forgotten most of my Portuguese and don’t know that many Brazilians in my area. I would just like some pen pals to write to in Portuguese and maybe even to do things with. I am planning on going to Brazil next year and staying there for a whole year. Please contact me at my e-mail address.

Long Lost Relatives

I happened to see your site and saw information about Família Roitman. My family was separated when my relatives left Russia and some of the family went to Brazil and their last name was Roitman. We have been searching for them for many years and was wondering if this musical group has some knowledge of them. Can you send me an email address to help me conduct further research about locating our Roitman relatives who settled in Rio?

You’ll Be OK

I read your article on Brazilian Portuguese. I started learning a few weeks ago with a French method called ASSIMIL. I guess here in Québec it’s the same thing with our French, which is far different from Europe. However it will never be a written language because it is a dialect, ever-changing, and most educated people try to avoid it. It is called Joual. So with my Brazilian Portuguese that I’m learning, will I be able to be understood in Portugal?

Passion Brazil

Dear Bruce Gilman, I wanted to congratulate you for the chronicles I read from you in the Internet. I am part of a French association, Brésilpassion, we have an Internet website (http://www.bresilpassion.com), and I am in charge of the music. I traveled to Brazil and discovered many basic MPB singers. Lately I had the pleasure to see in Paris the great Chico César. We made an interview with him who was such a great and very nice person. Good people, like they say in NY.

I wrote some reviews for the website, and had to look for information. I found many times your articles, which contain lots of interesting information. They are well written, too. One feels that you love and know pretty well Brazil, this country which still is to be discovered. You have a very good taste, too!

Stop Xuxa

Could you please do something about the excessive Xuxa posts on this board? I was touched by the letter by a young girl describing her desire to reconnect with Brazil—see the thread “Brazilian Friends.” And now one of these Xuxa fans dares to spoil it with a nonsense response that is not about the girl’s letter, but, of course, about their hero Xuxa. A posting that strikes me as rude, completely insensitive, and wildly inappropriate. And it’s repeated three times. Please do something!

Must Read

Re: No Apologies Necessary. This comment made by Dolores Jenkins is just right on the spot and all the Brazilians who live in the USA or in Brazil should read it. Thank you, Dolores.

That Brazilian Mood

My husband and I are in love with the Brazilian culture and background. We try to attend as many Brazilian events as possible because we are just intrigued by the atmosphere, the fun, the friendliness of the people and the pure spirit of bliss in the air. Where can we get more information on events going on in New Jersey Essex county area (Newark) or New York? I’m aware that there are festivals running in September around the first week. Would you have any further information on this? I would also like any other information on private clubs or parties relating to Brazilian culture.

All the Women I Love

I just came back from an unforgettable vacation in Rio de Janeiro two weeks ago. I fell in love with Rio! The Brazilian people are warm, friendly, kind, hospitable. The Brazilian women are the most beautiful women in the world. I fell in love with Tatiana, Luciana, Erica Maria, Camila, Carolina and Michely. I plan to visit in the next year, perhaps for Carnaval. Please send me travel tips and economical travel for College Students and Professors/Counselors. Thank You Very Much! Obrigado!

The Way It Is

I am from Moldova and I want to go to Brazil sometime. This magazine is very realistic, that is why I like reading it. Thank you!!!

Call from Paradise

Aloha, Brazzil! I’m really excited to be the one to introduce and represent Brazzil magazine here in Hawaii, if you guys are interested in doing it. I love the idea! Hawaii has everything related with your articles. This could be at least so much fun and good experience for us. Maybe I can cover some news from here related to surf, life styles, clubs, night life on paradise, secret spots, hikes and radical sports. We do have a lot of Brazilians around these islands doing some good things. I’ve been around these islands for seven years. My business is multimedia. I have my own company and we do a lot of videos and film productions involving Hawaii environment. Anything connected with multimedia. Please, let me know if is interesting for you guys. Tell me some options to help. I’ll really appreciate that. Mahalos!

Spreading the Secret

Thanks for letting me know when the magazine will be out. I would love to have two hardcopies (let me know how to arrange payment for that). Love your magazine and Website. I’m always mentioning it to anyone I meet from Brazil. Many people don’t know about it. Why not have the consulates publicize it. It’s great for anyone overseas who wants to keep practicing his or her English, because it’s difficult, if not impossible, and very expensive to get English publications abroad. I would love to have the job of publicizing Brazzil to the “world”—it’s such a beautiful, well-kept secret—and it shouldn’t be.

All These Questions

I love your magazine and I am glad that I can read it online! I hope you can answer a question. I have been watching Xica, and even though it is a few years old, I love the novela. There is an actor I have been admiring, and his name is Vitor Wagner. I am a big fan of his. What are his most recent works? What has he been doing? Is he doing more novelas and movies in the future?

Flying High

I’m living in Curitiba, Brazil, and wrote this because I want very much to stay and work a long time in California. I am eighteen years old and study science aeronautics at Paraná’s University Tuiuti to become a commercial pilot. I speak a little English. My e-mail is gutoscavazza@zipmail.com.br

Brazzil Searching

I’m living in San Diego and I found your Website. It’s so interesting because this is a magazine about Brazil, but in English, for foreign readers, not Brazilians. I have an American boyfriend and I’d like for him to read this magazine. So, I’d like to find the magazine here. How can I find it? Where do you sell it? Is it free?

Thanks, but No Thanks

Please don’t send me any mail to tell me that the latest Brazzil Magazine is out. I have a link to Brazzil magazine on my Brazilian Portuguese Language web site (www.sonia-portuguese.com) and I can take a look at it whenever I have time. I wish you would also add a link to my web site. I’ve sent you some e-mails, but nobody answer my e-mails! Who is the person in charge for links?

Time to Mobilize

I am Brazilian and I live in New Hampshire with my husband, who subscribes to Brazzil. Would Brazzil be interested in publishing and divulging material related to a pending bill in the US Congress that would allow children of illegal immigrants to continue their education in the US?

The Boston Globe published a full page material in their Metro section on July 1, 2001. Unless there is a mobilization from both Americans and immigrants, by calling and writing to their representatives in support of this bill, nothing will happen. Please let me know if you would like to publish something about that, and how I should proceed.

Hydroprojects

Do you have any information on Hydrological projects in Brazil? Please email me any sites or contact information you might have.  

Tour in a Rush

We will have only one day in São Paulo and wish to see as much of the REAL City of São Paulo by way of a day trip in a luxury bus. Can you please advise us by return e-mail to pauwjacques@hotmail.com which company to call at this very late stage? Maybe this is not your business or interest at all although we found your site extremely informative and comprehensive. I am very sorry to bother you with this request.

Calling London

Gostaria de contatar brasileiros que vivem em Londres ou associações/organizações de brasileiros naquela cidade. Vocês poderiam fornecer links, telefones ou endereços para contato? O que vem a ser o BA&CC? Pelas informações disponíveis, essa organização fornece ajuda a brasileiros recém-chegados a Londres. Vocês teriam o e-mail/telefone do BA&CC?

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