Posts from December 2007

Meu Nome Não É Johnny

Posted by Transparent Language No Comments
Dec 12 2007

johnny.pngUpcoming Brazilian movie promises to be exciting and polemic.

On the heels of Tropa de Elite comes another movie that deals with the drug trade in Rio’s posh Zona Sul neighborhoods. Meu Nome Não É Johnny tells the true story of João Guilherme Estrella, a well-liked ‘playboy’ (rich kid) whose personal ambition and intensity lead him down a dangerous path, that of a traficante (drug dealer). Pursued by police and eventually jailed, Estrella is lucky to be around today to tell his story, and he is doubly lucky to have such an amazing cast on board for the movie version of his exploits. Playing Estrella is Selton Mello, a popular soap and movie star originally from Minas Gerais. Here’s a terrific interview with Selton on Jô Soares: (email readers click the title of this post to see the videos)

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And the Winner Is…

Posted by Transparent Language No Comments
Dec 10 2007

winner.jpgParabéns Leanna for scoring a perfect 20/20!!

First of all, I have to say that I was extremely impressed by both the volume and quality of the responses that came in from all of you lovely readers out there. A true testament both to the vigor with which you all pursue knowledge of the Portuguese language and to your pure ability, the results were stellar.

I hope that this little contest also tells you all that I am always eager to hear from you, the readers, both in the comments on the blog and through email. I hope to be able to better serve you and your specific interests as the blog looks forward to 2008.

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Brazilians Leaving the USA

Posted by Transparent Language 15 Comments
Dec 5 2007

return.jpgA series of events has led to many Brazilians abandoning their lives in North America to return to Brazil.

The New York Times reports that immigration policy in the USA, the falling dollar, and the sub-prime lending have all contributed to a dramatic turning of the tide for Brazilians living in the USA. Many of the reasons for living in the USA have now disappeared or diminished, for example the once dramatically greater earning potential of an American job over a Brazilian job. Additionally, Brazilian immigrants, many of whom are in the country illegally after arriving on now-expired tourist visas, now face the realities of non-renewable expired drivers’ licenses. Inability to operate a car alone is enough to paralyze one’s entire existence in this country.

A large number of the Brazilians who are in the USA illegally, it ought to be noted, have tried fervently to gain citizenship to no avail. There is no doubt that if the process to become a legal citizen were easier – or at least more feasible – that many of these well-adjusted, affluent Brazilians would stay here and continue to participate in their communities and business endeavors. The irony is arguably that citizenship is very hard to attain partly because of the illegal immigration problem in the US right now. It is a real Catch-22 as far as I can see it.

This is a very interesting issue; I encourage everyone to comment at the bottom of this post.

Edit: PMarca provides an interesting resource for understanding the best arguments of the great USA immigration debate.

Miss Landmine

Posted by Transparent Language No Comments
Dec 3 2007

MissLandmine.pngAn Angolan beauty pageant empowers women and draw attention to a common plight.

The Angolan Civil War, which formally ended in 2002 after 27 years of the strife that followed Portuguese occupation, left the country torn, impoverished, and littered with live landmines. The Miss Landmine pageant aims to bring attention to this reality, as well as empower women and the disabled alike. In addition, the event has the clear goal of redefining the popular notion of beauty in the country and globally.

The event is very interesting to read about, and worth forwarding on to friends who might be interested in such a powerful effort.

It is definitely worth reading more about the Angolan conflict; it was a complicated and tragic war. In many ways, the Angolan war was a proxy war between the USA and the communist bloc, which received aid from Cuba and the former Soviet Union. Diamonds and oil were also huge motivating factors for conflict, the illegal trade of which supported the warring factions as the years went on. Movies such as Blood Diamond have brought some attention to this col reality lately.

To learn more about Angola, the relevant geography of the area, and the war, check out these articles on Cabinda, Blood Diamonds, and the MPLA.

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