By Doug Gray, Contributing Reporter
The new name will come into effect in the next few weeks, with the old web address forwarding to the new www.www.riotimesonline.com.
RIO DE JANEIRO – The Gringo Times will have a new name, but it is not a change that was taken lightly. Following last week’s story about the meaning of the word “Gringo”, and the survey participation of over 100 of readers, the polls are in, and Rio’s only English language local news source has a new name – The Rio Times.
Whether pejorative or not, the word Gringo has sensitive connotations for some foreign nationals living in the city. Brazil may be one of the few countries where its use is largely light-hearted and affectionate, but for some, it’s a word that will always be uncomfortable.
The focus for the news company has always been the English speaking foreign community in Rio, and to cause offense to or alienate anyone in that core readership base does not pay-off. As one survey respondent commented; “The Gringo Times (to use its current name) is a credible, reliable and entertaining news source and while I know the ´gringo´ tag is not (always) derogatory, in terms of tone and the initial impression upon hearing the name Gringo Times, it doesn’t do justice to the quality of your output”.
At the time of publishing, only slightly more votes cast for a new name in the survey conducted over the last week.
Another survey respondent provided a different perspective; “You’re a gringo. Don’t be afraid of the word. Of course it’s slightly pejorative in the mouths of ill-natured people, but if you use it on yourself, it becomes less so. It’s now a known brand and very distinctive.”
Not surprisingly, the great proportion of those in favor of retaining the name The Gringo Times were indeed Brazilians, many of whom enjoyed the self-deprecating and self-aware approach to reporting news in a foreign country.
This also reasserted the fact that there is generally no malice associated with the word in the eyes of most Brazilians, and as such it was a close run issue as publisher Stone Korshak is well aware; “I’m not surprised that the results are so close – from the beginning people really loved the name The Gringo Times, so these results validate us starting with it. I do think, though, that there are enough people out there uncomfortable with it, especially advertisers, so it is clear that the answer is to go forward with the Rio Times.”
At the time of publishing, over half of the survey respondents are foreign nationals living in Brazil, while over 25 percent of the respondents were Brazilian.
Ultimately The Rio Times is a serious news outlet for the comings and goings of Rio de Janeiro, always with a slight slant towards foreigners living here, and as such the flippant associations with the old name made for a somewhat incongruous match up which Stone realized needed addressing; “Although the word Gringo resonates with a lot of people, ultimately it is not doing our brand justice, as it takes away from how serious a news publisher we are. We didn’t want anybody to hear the name Gringo Times and misunderstand what we are doing.”
The name change will happen in the next few weeks, with a new logo and web address; www.www.riotimesonline.com. The old URL will redirect to the new one to ensure everyone can find the site, and the change will happen at a time to minimize any disruption to readers. All the past stories will still be available, so the news company will continue to build an archive of record for the Marvelous City.
By Jaylan Boyle, Contributing Reporter
Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto Station in Angra Dos Reis, photo by Rodrigo Soldon.
RIO DE JANEIRO – A second Brazilian power station is to be built in the northeast of the country, at an as yet undisclosed location close to the coastline between the cities of Recife and Salvador, confirmed the president of the state-owned company Brazilian Electronuclear, Orthon Luiz Pinheiro da Silva. The announcement was made at a recent joint public hearing held by the Committee for Environment, Science and Technology.
The northeast station is to be the next of three nuclear facilities Brazil plans to construct, with no details yet available on the third facility other than the fact that it will be situated in the southeast.
Construction of the northeast station is to be completed by 2019, with an initial capacity for two nuclear plants, but with room and facility for an expansion in years following to a total of six plants. This is a format that will be followed closely by the third southeast facility.
The government has said previously that in total, it’s intent would be to have eight nuclear stations operational in by 2030, in line with stated government policy of diversification of Brazilian energy generation, something Mr da Silva warns is imperative if the state is to keep pace with the changing needs of a growing Brazilian population, as well as uncertainty as to the impact of climate change on traditional methods of generation, such as coal-fired plants, which may need to be phased out in order to reduce carbon emissions.
According to the Ministry of Development of Mines and Energy, Brazil will need to double it’s current electricity generation by 2030. Spokesman Altino Ventura Filho, said that this extra required generation will need to be spread in the coming decades over methods such as biomass, coal, nuclear and wind. According to Mr Filho, Brazil has in addition the world’s third greatest potential for hydroelectric power generation, or about 260 thousand megawatts. It was noted however that as some 80 thousand megawatts of this total could only be tapped in regions of high sensitivity in terms of indigenous settlement and environmental damage, the Brazilian population would likely not accept the exploitation of all this energy.
Mr Filho said therefore that, as the planet is rich in Uranium, nuclear energy is seen by the government as an effective way of meeting the increasing demand of coming decades. However, he also commented that the Brazilian people needed to be active in their participation in the discussion of how Brazil’s needs are to be best dealt with, given an increasing importance placed upon environmental concern, and how that discussion may change people’s attitudes towards methods of generation such as nuclear and wind.
By Tricia L Chaves, Contributing Reporter
Praia da Feiticeira, photo by Valdiney Pimenta/Flickr.com.
RIO DE JANEIRO – Ilha Grande (the Big Island), was a decades-long home of a prison before the structures were destroyed in the 1950s. Now, its remote location creates the ultimate natural respite from Rio‘s bustling intensity. This getaway is ideal for the traveler who wants to experience unspoiled nature, leaving modern technology ashore (though cellular service will work in parts of the island, reception is spotty).
The island is over 193 km² with 86 different beaches, and automobiles are prohibited on the island to preserve this ecological sanctuary.
Accessible by boat, your island escape to Ilha Grande’s departs from Mangaratiba or Angra dos Reis, both around two hours’ drive from the city of Rio de Janeiro. A ferry runs daily back and forth from either port to Vila do Abraão, a popular spot on the island for shopping and dining. Transit time on the shuttles varies from one to just under two hours, depending on water conditions.
Private boat charters with a captain or boat rentals for the experienced sailor are available at the port in Angra dos Reis and allow for the most flexibility in exploring the various points of interest on the island. Pousada Aguá Viva operates daily tours of Ilha Grande departing from Angra dos Reis. Seven different itineraries, ranging in price from R$20-80, visit up to four locations per tour, spending 40-60 minutes at each stop. Schooner tours departing from Vila do Abraão and Araçatiba are R$5-45 and visit Enseada de Palmas, Lopes Mendes, Saco do Céu, Enseada das Estrelas, Lagoa Azul, Freguesia de Santana, Lagoa Verde and Gruta do Acaiá.
Ilha Grande, photo by Tricia L Chaves.
Island activities include hiking, dining, shopping and exploring historical sites. Water enthusiasts will enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, waterskiing, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Crystal-clear green-blue waters make admiring marine life an enjoyable experience from inside or out of the boat.
ATM machines and banks are nonexistent on Ilha Grande, and debit and credit cards are frequently not accepted. Be sure to travel with sufficient cash for your spending, and confirm payments ahead of time for boats and tourism services when possible. Should you wish to spend the night, or a few on Ilha Grande, accommodations include camping, hostels, houses and pousadas (small charming hotels) are scattered at various sites around the island. Booking early will ensure the best selection. Ask about any available boat tours or activity packages when booking your stay. Be sure to pack lightweight, light-colored clothing, sunscreen and a topical insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes.
For overnight or extended stays on Ilha Grande, Ilha Grande.com offers some security suggestions, noting that you should park in paid garages near the ports vs. on the street, and advises against accepting hotel offers if approached in Vila do Abraão, as they may be operated illegally and hence, may be more risky. The site can be translated from Portuguese using Google Translate for a wealth of tourism information including port driving and parking directions, how to get there, lodging, dining and things to do.
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Tricia Chaves lives in Rio de Janeiro and writes a blog at www.movetobrazil.blogspot.com with information for Gringos who want to learn more about traveling, living or investing in Brazil, and writes about her daily life in Rio at www.postcardsfrombrasil.blogspot.com.
By Bruno de Nicola, Contributing Reporter
Mangueira's Master of ceremonies and Standard Bearer will be dancing at the Palácio do Samba, photo by www.mangueira.com.br.
RIO DE JANEIRO – Pink and Green are the colors that represent the Estação Primeira de Mangueira, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous and infamous Samba School, home of many Brazilian music idols and TV celebrities.
Certainly the most glamorous and advanced, the “Gremio” Mangueira is a very traditional institution that attracts Cariocas from any social class, especially because of its strong influence over Samba history. The school lays at the feet of the Morro da Mangueira, a renowned Favela, yet it offers a perfectly safe environment for whoever wants to join a frenetic uncontainable Saturday night party.
The Estação Primeira de Mangueira is not just a Samba School, its a business and a brand that stretches out to several channels: like the kiosks you will find on the ‘Calçadão’ of Copacabana Beach. Its a ‘company’ that has also gone through a few dark moments in history, particularly when the Brazilian media exposed its connections with ‘Bookie Mobsters’ and drug dealers in 2008.
80 years of tradition back the 17 times Sambodrome Champion Mangueira, who’s symbol is a Surdo (Traditional Samba Bass Drum) with a wreath of bay leaves. Over the years many famous samba writers and singers built their music careers within the walls of the ‘Quadra da Magueira’ (Mangueira’s Dance hall); today many celebrities support and attend the Samba School activities.
Among the ‘Mangueirenses’ are samba authors Cartola and Jamelão, who sang tunes for the school from 1949 till 2006, and international celebrities such as the tropicalists Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Maria Bethania. Even Diego Armando Maradona considers himself to be a Magueira fan.
Magueira nights are really special, exciting events. The drum beat and the beautiful dancing bodies, along with the partying crowd are all supported by a truly advanced infrastructure. The school’s facility, called Palacio do Samba, is state of the art in technology and air conditioning, with its opening rooftop and its water spraying fans: ‘Mangueirenses’ keep cool as they dance beneath the stars.
Mangueira’s engines are marching full speed towards the 2010 Carnival. Every Saturday the ‘ensaios’ (rehearsals) go on all night long. This year’s ‘enredo’ (theme) for the Sambodrome contest is: Mangueira è música do Brasil (Magueira represents Brazilian music), a cruise through Brazilian music history.
The Samba soundtrack has already been selected and the school is now recruiting people for the Carnival parade, that will occur on February 15th. Costumes are already being sold, the cheapest ones cost around R$500 (US$260), enter Mangueira’s site at www.mangueira.com.br to gather further information and taste a bit of Carnival history. School Director, Ivo Mereilles, welcomes “whoever is willing to win the carnival contest”.
The Estação Primeira de Mangueira has a very busy agenda in November, full of amusing and exiting events for its fans. Among them are: the school rehearsal on the 7th, the drum section rehearsal on the 11th, the Mangueira ‘Feijoada’ (Traditional social meal) on the 14th and again school rehearsals on the 14th, the 21st and the 28th.
The Palacio do Samba, in São Cristóvão, is easy to reach and not too far from the Zona Sul area. Take a taxi, from Copacabana or Ipanema it should cost around R$25, or €$10 or US$13.
For more information about schedules and transportation, visit the official www.mangueira.com.br.
By Jaylan Boyle, Contributing Reporter
A field of sugarcane, photo by Simeon.
RIO DE JANEIRO – The Brazilian sugar-ethanol industry, which heavily indebted itself in order to expand just before the financial crisis and subsequently suffered badly, is guardedly optimistic that the worst is over.
In Brazil, the world’s largest producer and exporter of sugar, many mills during the crisis were forced to cease operating. This however is precisely the reason that the industry is now recovering: When Brazil, along with other major sugar nations, scaled back it’s production, the world experienced a supply deficit that has driven prices up and is helping the sector to get back on it’s feet.
The Brazilian sugar crop by the end of the calendar year will in all likelihood break records, with a total expected harvest of nearly 630 million tons. This represents an increase of 10 percent on 2008 figures. Factors behind the growth are better rainfall distribution and expanded planting area, which reached 7.74 million hectares. Figures were not readily available as to exactly where new planting area was made available, a sensitive issue in Brazil as crops threaten environmentally sensitive areas of the country.
Around 45 percent of the year’s crop is to be used for sugar, with the remaining 55 percent earmarked for ethanol production, translating to around 27.8 billion gallons of raw ethanol.
The news of recovery comes as a much needed tonic to the industry and to the government’s heavy investment in ethanol, which is widely available at Brazilian fuel pumps. As the world’s largest exporter of ethanol, the government has spared no expense in aligning Brazil as a big part of the answer to the fossil fuel question. Biofuels or ‘biodiesils’ such as sugarcane ethanol have been touted for years as a viable solution: Their biggest draw being the fact that they purportedly emit when burnt in engines only the amount of carbon that they absorbed as growing crops, making them ‘carbon neutral’. Many governments in tropical countries recognized many years ago a profitable industry and invested heavily.
Doubt is mounting however as to the efficacy of ethanol as an answer to the world’s oil addiction. As representatives of the world’s major ethanol-producing countries gathered in Paris in early November, a growing chorus of concern is questioning whether ethanol may in fact not be as harmful, if not (seemingly unbelievably) more so, than the extraction and burning of fossil fuels. The main problem centers around the need for vast tracts of arable land to be mono-cropped in ethanol plantations such as cane, palm, and soy. This has led to the felling and burning of huge areas of forest in Argentina, for example, according to the website SpiegelOnline. The effects, as with many aspects of the environmental challenges that face us, are interconnected, such as the resultant depletion of topsoil.
The problems seem not to be only environmental; attendant social problems such as laborers working in near-slavery conditions have been widely reported.
This means that some nations are backing away from biofuel as a solution. Recently Germany scrapped plans to increase the percentage of ethanol at it’s fuel pumps; whether this was due to the government’s desire to retain environmental credibility or pressure from groups concerned that many cars will be rendered useless seemingly depends on which publication one reads.
Facing pressure to halt the clearing of land for sugarcane, Brazilian producers have reportedly been casting an eye west to the vast empty spaces on the African continent. Giant Brazilian industrial complex Odebrecht plans to inject US$220 million into sugar and ethanol production in Angola, which would result in the production of 30 million liters of biofuel. Odebrecht plans to create a partnership with the Angolan state-run oil firm Sonangol. After many years of civil war, the agricultural industry in Angola will certainly benefit from investment.
Whether biofuels stay in contention as a long-term direction may hinge on whether large complexes such as Odebrecht can resist the temptation to turn countries like Brazil into a giant cane field, and instead produce in countries such as Angola with available arable land that does not impinge on communities or areas of environmental sensitivity.
By Ananda Alves, Newsroom Intern.
The band played in October 29, in Teatro Caupolicán, Chile, photo by Héctor Millar.
RIO DE JANEIRO – Faith No More Keyboarder, Roddy Bottum, confirms via Twitter that the band will be playing in Rio de Janeiro, November 5, at Citibank Hall. It’s not their first visit to Brazil, the band played in Rio in 1991, at the Rock in Rio 2 festival.
Over 117,000 people watched that night at Maracanã Stadium, excited to hear the set list based on their three first albums; “We Care a Lot” (1985), “Introduce Yourself” (1987), and “The Real Thing” (1989).
Back in 1991, the band’s energy was impressive, Mike Patton, the vocalist, sang himself to exhaustion by the end of each song. Patton dedicated “The Crab Song” to the Brazilian soccer player Pelé. After performing their biggest hits “Epic” and “Falling to Pieces”, by the end of the concert, the crowd made the band come back on stage and play “Easy”, a cover song from the band Commodores.
“There’s nothing like Faith No More. Their sound is unpredictable, a Frankenstein of hard rock, hardcore, hip-hop, epic progressions in Rush-ELP line and Californian music. Faith No More is an intelligent band, with a gigantic approach. It was a massacre!” wrote André Forastieri, reporter for the Bizz magazine, that year, on his review about that night.
The band was formed in 1981, in California. After testing a couple of singers, Chuck Mosely was chosen for the position, in 1983. A four-song demo tape was recorded in 1984, leading to the first album, “We Care A Lot”, released in 1985. Two years later, they signed up with Slash Records, and their second album, “Introduce Yourself”, was released. The band had a great press response in Europe, but they decided to fire Mosely due to his constant problems with alcohol, limited vocal capabilities, and squabbles with bandmates.
Mike Patton presents the band's new mature look, in Teatro Caupolicán, Chile, photo by Héctor Millar.
Mike Patton, front-man of the band Eureka, was hired in January of 1989. Six months later, their third album, “The Real Thing”, was released. It was a critical success, granting the band a short tour with Metallica, and huge audiences. One year later, the song “Epic” took off in U.S., followed by the successful song “Falling to Pieces”.
Unfortunately, nine years later, break-up rumors spread intensely. On April of that year, the bassist, Bill Gould, started spreading the note: “After 15 long and fruitful years, Faith No More have decided to put an end to speculation regarding their imminent break up… by breaking up.”
Last February, the members decided to get together again and reform the band, confirming tour dates in Europe, and a more mature path as a band. The audience response was so good, the band decided to book a world tour, including South America. Now with seven albums in their discography, Faith No More will be playing in Rio, November 5, at Citibank Hall. For those who were too young or missed the concert in Rio, in 1991, this is a great opportunity to see the band live on stage.
Check their website for news and further details about the band.
Faith No More at Citibank Hall
November 5 9:30PM
Av. Ayrton Senna, 3000 – Barra da Tijuca
Tickets from R$75 to R$300.
By Doug Gray, Contributing Reporter
Fred reluctantly celebrates the winner against his former club Cruzeiro, photo by Emanuel Pinheiro/Photocamera.
RIO DE JANEIRO – A remarkable week for Rio’s clubs in the Brasileirao ended with Fluminense finally off the bottom of the table, having recorded impressive back to back wins against title-chasing sides Atletico-MG, and Cruzeiro and Flamengo hitting the top four at last. The picture could have looked even rosier for Flamengo had they not suffered a resounding 2 x 0 defeat at the hands of minnows Barueri on Wednesday, but with five games left to play they are now just four points off the top. Botafogo scraped two 1 x 0 wins to see them out of the relegation zone and with a little breathing space at last.
Cruzeiro 2 x 3 Fluminense
The return of star striker Fred has seen a remarkable run of 6 games unbeaten for a club that has struggled to find any consistency all season, and if it continues it could still save their Serie A status. Maicon had a golden chance for the visitors early on but tripped over having beaten the keeper, and Cruzeiro responded immediately with a strike from Jonathan that beat Fernando Henrique at his near post. Wellington Paulista missed a penalty for the home side but made amends on the half hour with a coolly taken strike to make it 2 x 0 at the break but it could have easily been 5 or 6.
The interval came at the perfect time for the Carioca club, and they came out a different side in the second half. Within ten minutes they got one back through Gum with a snapshot from inside the area, and moments later it was all square, Fred receiving the ball from deep and finishing well from a tight angle. Remarkably the striker completed the spectacular turnaround against his old club, latching on to a great ball from Maicon to make it 2 x 3.
Flamengo 1 x 0 Santos
Bruno put the disappointment of the midweek defeat at Barueri behind him with two penalty saves that keep his team in the title chase. Inside ten minutes Flamengo were ahead with a cracking header from Adriano after a hopeful cross from Leo Moura, but Santos reacted strongly and were awarded their first penalty soon after, which Bruno saved at full stretch to his left.
Adriano was repeatedly denied by the Santos keeper, but with little support from the usually dependable Petkovic or the rest of his side, Flamengo had to absorb repeated attacks as Santos pushed for an equalizer. Then it was Bruno again who had to be on top form to keep out a second penalty, this time Ganso drilled it straight down the middle and the keeper’s feet saved the day.
Internacional 0 x 1 Botafogo
What should have been a straightforward win for high flying Inter turned into a nightmare after just two minutes of football when Juninho gave the visitors the lead with an inch perfect free kick from 30 yards out that left Lauro with no chance in goal. At the other end Jefferson was repeatedly called into action, pulling off some excellent reflex saves to maintain the advantage.
The second half was a more pedestrian affair, but even with Andre Lima sent off for a second yellow card Botafogo managed to shut out Inter and as the crowd turned on their team, so the job became even more difficult for the players, and despite several good efforts on goal, there was no way past and in-form Jefferson.
Next weekend sees Fluminense take on leaders Palmeiras at The Maracana, Flamengo travel to fellow title candidates Atletico-MG and Botafogo host Coritiba, all to be played on Sunday.
By Tricia L Chaves, Contributing Reporter
Reserva Jardim Interior, photo by Daniel Nicolau de Medeiros Chaves.
RIO DE JANEIRO – Any Realtor will agree that the location of your home or investment purchase is just as important as the property itself. With incredibly close proximity to the 2016 Olympic village combined with a grand neighborhood plan, Barra de Tijuca’s Cidade Jardim development delivers on both location, and exceptional quality in design and construction of its homes and community space.
The 170,000 square meter sprawling property that encompasses Cidade Jardim is segmented into phases, where individual communities will be built, situated within a flawlessly landscaped park-like neighborhood setting. At its completion, this master-planned bairro (neighborhood) will feature condominium and single-family residences, restaurants, schools, retail and commercial space.
Today, a handful of condominium homes are still available in the project’s first phase, Reserva Jardim, in construction for completion in April, 2010, and selling continues for Reserva do Parque, phase 2 of the community, which will be move-in ready December, 2011.
Although much of Rio de Janeiro condominium living is quite luxurious when compared to the U.S., Cidade Jardim is in a league of its own–you can literally live without ever leaving the space! Community amenities are diverse, designed to exceed your basic needs and satisfy your cravings for entertainment, health, refreshment and relaxation.
Grocers, convenience and floral retailers will operate alongside casual and elegant restaurants. Your business meeting, barbecue or party can be easily accommodated in a variety of indoor and outdoor areas. Quieter spaces for reading and reflecting mingle with vibrant studios for hobbies, art or even garage-band practice.
On Plan & in Construction, photo by Daniel Nicolau de Medeiros Chaves.
Toddlers to teens will have an opportunity to socialize while enjoying incredible diversions like indoor and outdoor playrooms, a children’s music room, theater, car park and pools, plus gaming and media lounges.
Sports and fitness enthusiasts will enjoy access to Olympic-sized lap pools, in-water and indoor spinning bikes, dance and martial arts studios, outdoor exercise stations, sport courts, biking and walking paths, weight-lifting and cardio fitness centers. The mini-golf course and the interactive video game room offer entertainment, combined with family-friendly fitness.
Each community boasts an aquatic center with unique features like child play pools, adult and all-ages areas, water slides, a solarium, jacuzzis, poolside bar, grills, dining and locker rooms. There area both indoor and outdoor areas for adult board-gaming or card-playing. Along with unsurpassed amenities, the gated communities within Cidade Jardim offer 24/7 security and constant cleanliness. All condominiums have at least one veranda, and indoor garage parking. In some cases, outdoor parking as well.
Reserva Jardim will have 1,292 units in eight buildings, spread out over 42,196 m² of green space. The two, three and four bedroom condominiums and penthouses range in size 77 to 150 m². The six buildings of Reserva do Parque will be seated on 36,561 m² of the community area. Each building will home about 200 units consisting of two, three and four bedroom condominiums and penthouses from 74 to 107 m². As of press time, condominiums at Cidade Jardim were priced from R$275,000.00.
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Tricia Chaves lives in Rio de Janeiro and writes a blog at www.movetobrazil.blogspot.com with information for Gringos who want to learn more about traveling, living or investing in Brazil, and writes about her daily life in Rio at www.postcardsfrombrasil.blogspot.com.
