No updates on the road! Just enjoying life in Minas.
__________________________________
Links:
Reid, the frustration of sooooo many democrats the past year, is getting his groove on! Way to take a stand -- I want MORE! And, regardless of your awareness of Reid, healthcare, and the reconciliation debate, Reid's memo supplies such much-needed accuracy to the misdirection that's been going around.
HHS Secretary Sebelius also gets her groove on as well!
Sadly, to take the wind out my sails with these latest announcements, there's some serious theorizing going around that this is all an elaborate PR event. Specifically, the WH and AHIP already made a deal ages ago, and the Secretary's speech is more for PR than policy. Arghhhh, just too depressing to think we're damned whichever way we vote.
Alzheimer's an Infection Defense? A new concept.
If you've been following the money trail of the financial crisis, which I haven't, the author brings together some good numbers about the bailout in here. The fishy smell is definitely getting stronger.
Please, just scroll down to read some of this fool's quotes. He came this close to affecting textbooks across the country.
I often feel like I get too riled-up about politics. So, it's nice to see someone cheering along some anger.
And, for those chefs out there, I'm currently in Minas Gerais, the home of pão de queijo - cheese bread! It's very very yummy, and the link includes a recipe.
-nick
Friday, March 12, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Something Light
I'm continuing to enjoy the energy of BH and am slowly emerging from my personal studies to explore the city. I still have a bunch more personal reading I want to get through, but I'm starting to at least consider exploring the city. That's a big step. :)
Two light, easy articles over cool, new happenings.
Google Maps is turning on bike trails.
Combining multiple renewable energy ideas in a creative fashion.
-nick
Two light, easy articles over cool, new happenings.
Google Maps is turning on bike trails.
Combining multiple renewable energy ideas in a creative fashion.
-nick
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
1.5
As of March 7th, I've been in Brazil for exactly a year and a half.
And, I'm accounting for the precise month I took off in the US. So, my actual Brazil-time is at 18 months.
It feels about right. I simultaneously feel very comfortable here and very ready to come home. (A friend heard it takes about 2 years to feel comfortable in a new culture.) If I were to stay, I'd know exactly how to get situated and what needed to get done. And, if I decide to leave, I'll know that I've left speaking Portuguese and having a very good understanding of life here.
In all, even with the frustrations, a job well done.
-nick
And, I'm accounting for the precise month I took off in the US. So, my actual Brazil-time is at 18 months.
It feels about right. I simultaneously feel very comfortable here and very ready to come home. (A friend heard it takes about 2 years to feel comfortable in a new culture.) If I were to stay, I'd know exactly how to get situated and what needed to get done. And, if I decide to leave, I'll know that I've left speaking Portuguese and having a very good understanding of life here.
In all, even with the frustrations, a job well done.
-nick
Sunday, March 7, 2010
BH and the News
I've been in Belo Horizonte for about 4 days now. I haven't been much of a tourist, and that's just fine by me. Though, that's not to say I haven't been enjoying myself.
Upon entering the hostel dorm room, I immediately 4 other Brazilians who were all exceptionally friendly. They had been hanging out together, and now we all are. Most of them have been busy during the day, and we've gone out at night just chatting, eating, drink, or what-not. My Portuguese has been given a huge work-out, and I'm thrilled to say that I've completely kept up. I speak Portuguese.
Cool.
It's also been a very welcome change to my experiences in Rio, where I felt I was pulling teeth to meet people. That's not to say I think I've met some life-long friends here in BH, but I've definitely enjoyed my time getting to know these guys.
During the days, I've found myself resting, studying, and reading. I've decided to officially kick off my Spanish studies (which are already going well beyond my expectations). Without effort, I can already understand 50% of native Spanish recordings. And, upon researching the grammar, it's all coming back to me faster than expected. When I do find myself in a Spanish-speaking country (in a matter of months!), I'm going to have to find something else besides classes to keep myself busy! It's a good problem to have!
I've also just tried to soak in the BH culture. I'm somewhat reminded to something I used to hear when I studied in Mexico -- that the city I lived in, Guadalajara, was "Mexico City minus the problems". I feel that BH is Rio (or Sao Paulo, etc) without the problems. I'm clearly exaggerating. BH has its share of issues, but it doesn't seem nearly as grungy or dingy or 'tough' -- physically or metaphysically -- as Rio. In other words, people just don't seem pissed off here. That's a nice change.
Downtown BH is the original planned city from the late 1800s. It's well-organized and has large avenues, a nice bus system, and parks and plazas everywhere. The weather has been quite nice -- hot during the day, cool at night, nice breezes on & off, and, when it's rained, it's passed during the night or just for a couple hours during the day.
But, my main purpose here is to just get a sense of the city's personality, and, so far, I've been pleased. People here seem friendly, welcoming, helpful, and, to repeat my friend's observation, "to have their heads on straight". I hope this feeling lasts.
That's all I got for now. I'll be here at least for several more days, maybe even another week. After all, why not?!
______________________________________
In current events, here's what I've come across lately.
This 'trilogy' is an amazing story of reality unfolding on the US east coast. It should be required reading for... anyone. That is, anyone who's a parent, might be one, who's involved or interested in fundamental religion, or is generally interested in what it can be like to be gay.
The short of it is some teenager was maliciously outed (after a long & deceitful ploy) by a classmate. And, in payment, he gets kicked out of school and shunned by friends and family -- with only his welcoming aunt left -- and the Daily Kos community. The aunt (and active member of DK) wrote the original story here with follow-ups one and two. Mom & Dad, I want you to read these.
It's moving and disgusting, simultaneously.
Onto a completely unrelated topic, this is a cool science update on obesity and gut bacteria -- a rapidly growing and fascinating field of medicine.
Have you been following the goings-on in Congress lately? A single Republican Senator withheld unemployment benefits (including COBRA insurance) and funding for numerous employment projects -- all to garner a minuscule estate tax cut. Krugman explains and more.
Normally, Milbank is considered a hack by the DK community. (Admittedly, I don't personally know much about him.) But, I do know is that he's often backed up questionable action. And, now, even he rips apart Rove. When even your strongest supporters turn on you, it's gotta mean something.
This is a very telling list of the supporters and deniers of climate change. Give a look at the names. They speak for themselves. Takes 20 seconds.
Just a random outrage story. Bank of America forecloses on the wrong house.
State politics! There's a 'new' push (I guess started with Dean's 50-State Strategy a few years back) to rebuild democratic support from the ground up. So, this means getting involved at the local and state levels. If you're interested, take a look at these state listings of progressive websites. Colorado has two: Colorado Pols and Square State. Bookmark 'em.
I've written a lot today, but it's all good sh*t.
-nick
Upon entering the hostel dorm room, I immediately 4 other Brazilians who were all exceptionally friendly. They had been hanging out together, and now we all are. Most of them have been busy during the day, and we've gone out at night just chatting, eating, drink, or what-not. My Portuguese has been given a huge work-out, and I'm thrilled to say that I've completely kept up. I speak Portuguese.
Cool.
It's also been a very welcome change to my experiences in Rio, where I felt I was pulling teeth to meet people. That's not to say I think I've met some life-long friends here in BH, but I've definitely enjoyed my time getting to know these guys.
During the days, I've found myself resting, studying, and reading. I've decided to officially kick off my Spanish studies (which are already going well beyond my expectations). Without effort, I can already understand 50% of native Spanish recordings. And, upon researching the grammar, it's all coming back to me faster than expected. When I do find myself in a Spanish-speaking country (in a matter of months!), I'm going to have to find something else besides classes to keep myself busy! It's a good problem to have!
I've also just tried to soak in the BH culture. I'm somewhat reminded to something I used to hear when I studied in Mexico -- that the city I lived in, Guadalajara, was "Mexico City minus the problems". I feel that BH is Rio (or Sao Paulo, etc) without the problems. I'm clearly exaggerating. BH has its share of issues, but it doesn't seem nearly as grungy or dingy or 'tough' -- physically or metaphysically -- as Rio. In other words, people just don't seem pissed off here. That's a nice change.
Downtown BH is the original planned city from the late 1800s. It's well-organized and has large avenues, a nice bus system, and parks and plazas everywhere. The weather has been quite nice -- hot during the day, cool at night, nice breezes on & off, and, when it's rained, it's passed during the night or just for a couple hours during the day.
But, my main purpose here is to just get a sense of the city's personality, and, so far, I've been pleased. People here seem friendly, welcoming, helpful, and, to repeat my friend's observation, "to have their heads on straight". I hope this feeling lasts.
That's all I got for now. I'll be here at least for several more days, maybe even another week. After all, why not?!
______________________________________
In current events, here's what I've come across lately.
This 'trilogy' is an amazing story of reality unfolding on the US east coast. It should be required reading for... anyone. That is, anyone who's a parent, might be one, who's involved or interested in fundamental religion, or is generally interested in what it can be like to be gay.
The short of it is some teenager was maliciously outed (after a long & deceitful ploy) by a classmate. And, in payment, he gets kicked out of school and shunned by friends and family -- with only his welcoming aunt left -- and the Daily Kos community. The aunt (and active member of DK) wrote the original story here with follow-ups one and two. Mom & Dad, I want you to read these.
It's moving and disgusting, simultaneously.
Onto a completely unrelated topic, this is a cool science update on obesity and gut bacteria -- a rapidly growing and fascinating field of medicine.
Have you been following the goings-on in Congress lately? A single Republican Senator withheld unemployment benefits (including COBRA insurance) and funding for numerous employment projects -- all to garner a minuscule estate tax cut. Krugman explains and more.
Normally, Milbank is considered a hack by the DK community. (Admittedly, I don't personally know much about him.) But, I do know is that he's often backed up questionable action. And, now, even he rips apart Rove. When even your strongest supporters turn on you, it's gotta mean something.
This is a very telling list of the supporters and deniers of climate change. Give a look at the names. They speak for themselves. Takes 20 seconds.
Just a random outrage story. Bank of America forecloses on the wrong house.
State politics! There's a 'new' push (I guess started with Dean's 50-State Strategy a few years back) to rebuild democratic support from the ground up. So, this means getting involved at the local and state levels. If you're interested, take a look at these state listings of progressive websites. Colorado has two: Colorado Pols and Square State. Bookmark 'em.
I've written a lot today, but it's all good sh*t.
-nick
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Minas Here I Come
If all goes well, I should arrive in Belo Horizonte (in Minas Gerais) tomorrow evening. I need to get up early to pack up, catch a bus, and relax for the 6-1/2 hour ride. I have a good feeling about this.
And, really, that's all I'm gonna say for now. I've mentioned Minas several times lately. So, I'll wait 'til I have some details to recount.
_______________
In other topics, I think I've got a great line-up of 4 links today. With the exception of the first, I think they all address interesting, if not outrightly controversial, topics. The first one requires more interest in the specific topics of economics, Krugman, or one leader's perspective of modern American politics. Enjoy!
The New Yorker did a bio on Paul Krugman the other day. It's not a short read, but worth it if you're interesting in learning more about the man. I also have to say that I find myself appreciating more & more the people of his ilk who are esteemed in their field but never fail to think about the human cost involved in any endeavor. I can't seem to fully trust a corporate CEO who's always white-washing his/her company's social involvement. There seems to be something more tangible and direct in Krugman's writing.
Glenn Greenwald makes the case for Democrats' deceit. And, I'm scared to say, it all seems too plausible. I'm certainly not, and I don't think he is either, suggesting to go vote Republican. But, the past year has presented all-too-many odd situations that could be explained away by Greenwald's thesis. Give it a read.
Kristof hits on a topic that's a bit close to home for me. I really do have a problem with fundamentalists. As far as the stereotype is concerned, I just find them to be nasty human beings who are devoid of any sense of real accountability or responsibility. But, then comes along Kristof, a man who has eminently more experience than I do in the developing world (literally and figuratively), and I have to admit he makes some good points. If we're gonna make a difference, we're gonna have to find our common ground and work together. There. I said it.
And, as a look from the other side, this article on pandagon.net (no idea how I originally found it) takes on the fundamentalist approach to child-rearing. And, it doesn't hold any punches. Also, for those familiar with Lakoff's "strict father" model, you will notice some strong parallels. I've always been turned off by the few parenting tips I heard from fundie sources, but this finally articulates why I was getting the creeps.
-nick
And, really, that's all I'm gonna say for now. I've mentioned Minas several times lately. So, I'll wait 'til I have some details to recount.
_______________
In other topics, I think I've got a great line-up of 4 links today. With the exception of the first, I think they all address interesting, if not outrightly controversial, topics. The first one requires more interest in the specific topics of economics, Krugman, or one leader's perspective of modern American politics. Enjoy!
The New Yorker did a bio on Paul Krugman the other day. It's not a short read, but worth it if you're interesting in learning more about the man. I also have to say that I find myself appreciating more & more the people of his ilk who are esteemed in their field but never fail to think about the human cost involved in any endeavor. I can't seem to fully trust a corporate CEO who's always white-washing his/her company's social involvement. There seems to be something more tangible and direct in Krugman's writing.
Glenn Greenwald makes the case for Democrats' deceit. And, I'm scared to say, it all seems too plausible. I'm certainly not, and I don't think he is either, suggesting to go vote Republican. But, the past year has presented all-too-many odd situations that could be explained away by Greenwald's thesis. Give it a read.
Kristof hits on a topic that's a bit close to home for me. I really do have a problem with fundamentalists. As far as the stereotype is concerned, I just find them to be nasty human beings who are devoid of any sense of real accountability or responsibility. But, then comes along Kristof, a man who has eminently more experience than I do in the developing world (literally and figuratively), and I have to admit he makes some good points. If we're gonna make a difference, we're gonna have to find our common ground and work together. There. I said it.
And, as a look from the other side, this article on pandagon.net (no idea how I originally found it) takes on the fundamentalist approach to child-rearing. And, it doesn't hold any punches. Also, for those familiar with Lakoff's "strict father" model, you will notice some strong parallels. I've always been turned off by the few parenting tips I heard from fundie sources, but this finally articulates why I was getting the creeps.
-nick
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Chile and Other News
Initially, reports seem to indicate that Chile was relatively prepared for the earthquake itself. However, I've failed to find any reports on the tsunami that must have, by now, already hit the Chilean coast.
I have a friend living in Viña del Mar (possibly even a beachfront apartment). Does anyone have any information on how bad the tsunami was? I can't find anything. Please let me know if you do. Thanks.
UPDATE: Moments after sending out this post, I heard from my friend. He's fine. I don't have any details on the experience -- I figure he's gonna be busy the next few hours/days/weeks -- so, I didn't ask about anything else.
________________________
Any other news seems rather petty at this point. But, that's not stopping me from posting.
GOP:
Empathizing with the IRS suicide attacker
Criminal culture:
Wanna guess which country contains 25% of the world's prisoners? Yup, you got it. Us.
Sex:
I'm not trying to make the case for or against casual sex. And, this article makes a great point beyond the initial question of casual sex -- what other implications exist for women? American women can be greatly & negatively affected by this attitude, but not in the way you expect. I tend to agree with the author.
Mind:
IQ linked with liberalism and other interesting characteristics
-nick
I have a friend living in Viña del Mar (possibly even a beachfront apartment). Does anyone have any information on how bad the tsunami was? I can't find anything. Please let me know if you do. Thanks.
UPDATE: Moments after sending out this post, I heard from my friend. He's fine. I don't have any details on the experience -- I figure he's gonna be busy the next few hours/days/weeks -- so, I didn't ask about anything else.
________________________
Any other news seems rather petty at this point. But, that's not stopping me from posting.
GOP:
Empathizing with the IRS suicide attacker
Criminal culture:
Wanna guess which country contains 25% of the world's prisoners? Yup, you got it. Us.
Sex:
I'm not trying to make the case for or against casual sex. And, this article makes a great point beyond the initial question of casual sex -- what other implications exist for women? American women can be greatly & negatively affected by this attitude, but not in the way you expect. I tend to agree with the author.
Mind:
IQ linked with liberalism and other interesting characteristics
-nick
Friday, February 26, 2010
Snowstorm
In honor of the snowstorm in the US Northeast -- and the fact that I just thought this too funny -- here's a video of some Brazilians in the US (and credit to Transparent.com). It's all about the flip-flops.
-nick
-nick
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Cognitive Embodiment
A good article today that brings together:
- Cognition
- Language
- Politics
- Morality
- Science
- Journalism
George Lakoff writes about some recent studies and subsequent reporting in the field of cognitive embodiment, a relatively new field that ties together how are body interacts with our world and how are mind perceives meaning. It's fascinating stuff and apropos to current events. I recommend a read if any of these topics are of interest to you.
-nick
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Links
Just some good reads.
Some great modern history. Read the brief diary for a big surprise. This writer always puts out good stuff.
I like the track that this diary is on. Democrats have long signed onto the Republican myth that Dems are: bad for the economy and bad for national security. Both are absolute bullsh*t. And, it's well past time to start speaking the truth.
If you were a journalist, what do you think would be the best way to cover this? Really, is Fox discussing the real issue here?
Bankers lobbying in the background...
To be honest, I haven't read much or been that interested in the unfolding bank scandal. That may be that I just assumed that the administration needed to do what it did with the banks. With that said, with every day, it seems that there was a lot more dirty pool being played than was at first apparent. It's still not the highest topic on my radar, but for those who are interested in digging in, check out this diary.
This isn't some huge, national story, but I found it nonetheless interesting. Apparently, juries are becoming increasingly disgruntled. Just one of the many unexpected consequences of a national crisis.
-nick
Some great modern history. Read the brief diary for a big surprise. This writer always puts out good stuff.
I like the track that this diary is on. Democrats have long signed onto the Republican myth that Dems are: bad for the economy and bad for national security. Both are absolute bullsh*t. And, it's well past time to start speaking the truth.
If you were a journalist, what do you think would be the best way to cover this? Really, is Fox discussing the real issue here?
Bankers lobbying in the background...
To be honest, I haven't read much or been that interested in the unfolding bank scandal. That may be that I just assumed that the administration needed to do what it did with the banks. With that said, with every day, it seems that there was a lot more dirty pool being played than was at first apparent. It's still not the highest topic on my radar, but for those who are interested in digging in, check out this diary.
This isn't some huge, national story, but I found it nonetheless interesting. Apparently, juries are becoming increasingly disgruntled. Just one of the many unexpected consequences of a national crisis.
-nick
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Freedom!
I've completely and officially moved out of my Copacabana apartment and away from my sociopathic asshole roommate. Hopefully, I'll never have to hear or see from him again.
I've moved temporarily into my friend Sarah's apartment in Santa Teresa. I'm writing on her balcony overlooking downtown, the bay, and the mountains in the distance.
It rained and cooled off quite a bit today, and Rio is one of the few cities that still looks beautiful when it's wet. It was a great day, and a nice way to end it. The only way it could be better if we had a couple beers, which Sarah is conveniently bringing back from the store in a few minutes. :)
To get back to the weather for a moment, it got really hot at times. I heard on the news that in a downtown plaza, it hit 41.8 degrees C, that's a stunning 107 F! The heat index hit 122 F!!!! I've generally adapted pretty well to the heat, but last night was pretty rough. I went to bed but was so hot (with a fan directly pointed on me) I had to jump out & take a shower just to cool down. So, the cool weather today was more than welcome.
I haven't made an exact plans, but I think I'm going to explore Minas Gerais and a couple of the mountain towns in the state of Rio. It'd be nice to get away from the extreme heat, see some new people, and have some new experiences.
As for Copacabana, it was a good experience, even though it was such a shame that I chose a roommate with zero regard for anyone else. Several other expats have encouraged me to give Rio another chance and that Copa is really an awful experience for everyone. At this point, I'm not prepared to give Rio another chance, but I think I will if I return in the (distant) future.
And with that, Sarah's back. With beers.
-nick
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Carnaval in Rio and Moving On
Even though I'm still living in Rio, I mentally checked out around the New Year. I had a series of bad experiences which just put a very bad taste in my mouth for Rio, and, upon further reflection, I just don't think I'm cut out for this city.
Rio is famous - even across Brazil - for being a city of partying. The people here live in a very beautiful city, and they like to take advantage of it. Nothing wrong with this -- it's just not enough for me to spend every free moment lounging on the beach. After all, I'm from the plains of Kansas and have moved my (American) life to the foothills of the Rockies in Colorado. Water just ain't that important to me.
What was surprising is how fast I got tired of the heat and sun. I really hate cold and/or rainy and/or gray weather, and I thought Rio would be perfect. Well, I called that wrong. Three months of heat & sun is relentless. That's not to say I don't like Rio -- I much prefer the weather here over a lot of other places. But, I find myself often thinking sarcastically as I wake up, "Oh, wow! Another day of unstoppable sun!" I guess I really do miss the 4 seasons of Colorado.
Coming back to Carnaval, even if you're not into it, it's still a pretty cool phenomenon. The crowds of costumes and floats that we see on TV in the States actually take place in 1 limited area -- called the Sambódromo. It's a 700 meter open-air "stadium" -- basically a long, straight avenue surrounded on both sides with 70,000 seats for spectators. Each "samba school" (group that marches) takes about 90 minutes to complete the 700 meters and often includes 4000 people. The spectators literally stay all night partying, dancing, drinking, singing, cheering each of the schools.
But, the real parties seem to happen around the city -- Carnaval of the Street. There are 'blocos' - street parties - that happen all over the stinkin' city. Some are huge, some tiny, some advertised, others not. In fact, some are even advertised incorrectly to prevent massive crowds -- so that only those in-the-know show up at the right place at the right time! These blocos always have music, usually a big-ass truck (called a trio-elétrico) with matching big-ass speakers blasting loud-ass samba in all directions. Street vendors crowd around serving the crowd an unlimited supply of beer and other drinks & snacks as the people follow the truck. People freely watch, dance, sing, make out, etc.
I do dig the blocos -- they're really down-to-earth, fun, and you can easily get in & out (if you're fortunate enough to live in an area near the bloco). And, if you're into the club scene, there are endless parties and pre-parties and after-parties at all the clubs around town. The options are pretty much endless.
The last night of crazy partying is tonight, and the national holiday officially ends on noon on Ash Wednesday. Life, in most cities, returns to normal quickly thereafter.
As for me, I'm outta my apartment on Thursday and I'm gonna crash for a few days or week or so in my friend's apartment in Santa Teresa, a neighborhood situated on a hill overlooking downtown. Her specific apartment also sports a fantastic view. The neighborhood is worlds apart from Copacabana, and I'm looking forward to the change in scenery. Should be good.
Soon after, I'm gonna travel to Belo Horizonte (city) and the surrounding areas in Minas Gerais (the state). I'm not ready to move to BH yet as I'm still waiting for my visa. But, now, it's simply a matter of killing time. I have a flight home that expires in April. So, I'm hoping to get my visa before then. Otherwise, I think it's time to give up on the process and move on with my life.
That's it for now.
-nick
Rio is famous - even across Brazil - for being a city of partying. The people here live in a very beautiful city, and they like to take advantage of it. Nothing wrong with this -- it's just not enough for me to spend every free moment lounging on the beach. After all, I'm from the plains of Kansas and have moved my (American) life to the foothills of the Rockies in Colorado. Water just ain't that important to me.
What was surprising is how fast I got tired of the heat and sun. I really hate cold and/or rainy and/or gray weather, and I thought Rio would be perfect. Well, I called that wrong. Three months of heat & sun is relentless. That's not to say I don't like Rio -- I much prefer the weather here over a lot of other places. But, I find myself often thinking sarcastically as I wake up, "Oh, wow! Another day of unstoppable sun!" I guess I really do miss the 4 seasons of Colorado.
Coming back to Carnaval, even if you're not into it, it's still a pretty cool phenomenon. The crowds of costumes and floats that we see on TV in the States actually take place in 1 limited area -- called the Sambódromo. It's a 700 meter open-air "stadium" -- basically a long, straight avenue surrounded on both sides with 70,000 seats for spectators. Each "samba school" (group that marches) takes about 90 minutes to complete the 700 meters and often includes 4000 people. The spectators literally stay all night partying, dancing, drinking, singing, cheering each of the schools.
But, the real parties seem to happen around the city -- Carnaval of the Street. There are 'blocos' - street parties - that happen all over the stinkin' city. Some are huge, some tiny, some advertised, others not. In fact, some are even advertised incorrectly to prevent massive crowds -- so that only those in-the-know show up at the right place at the right time! These blocos always have music, usually a big-ass truck (called a trio-elétrico) with matching big-ass speakers blasting loud-ass samba in all directions. Street vendors crowd around serving the crowd an unlimited supply of beer and other drinks & snacks as the people follow the truck. People freely watch, dance, sing, make out, etc.
I do dig the blocos -- they're really down-to-earth, fun, and you can easily get in & out (if you're fortunate enough to live in an area near the bloco). And, if you're into the club scene, there are endless parties and pre-parties and after-parties at all the clubs around town. The options are pretty much endless.
The last night of crazy partying is tonight, and the national holiday officially ends on noon on Ash Wednesday. Life, in most cities, returns to normal quickly thereafter.
As for me, I'm outta my apartment on Thursday and I'm gonna crash for a few days or week or so in my friend's apartment in Santa Teresa, a neighborhood situated on a hill overlooking downtown. Her specific apartment also sports a fantastic view. The neighborhood is worlds apart from Copacabana, and I'm looking forward to the change in scenery. Should be good.
Soon after, I'm gonna travel to Belo Horizonte (city) and the surrounding areas in Minas Gerais (the state). I'm not ready to move to BH yet as I'm still waiting for my visa. But, now, it's simply a matter of killing time. I have a flight home that expires in April. So, I'm hoping to get my visa before then. Otherwise, I think it's time to give up on the process and move on with my life.
That's it for now.
-nick
Links
WH Taking the Lead
Let's hope they mean it. This past year has been so demoralizing.
The Hermaphrodite Apocalypse
I stole the title from the article b/c it's just so good. It's creepy and telling. The GOP is this whack.
Wouldn't you want debt collectors on your side?
An interesting connection to the Scott Brown victory.
Maddow on Global Warming
Bill Nye the Science Guy and logic
The Federal Budget & Government Waste - Part 1 and Part 2
This one's serious. If you'd like to get edumacated on the reality of our federal budget, take a look. Apparently, we Americans have some crazy preconceived notions of how much is spent on what. Good stuff.
-nick
Let's hope they mean it. This past year has been so demoralizing.
The Hermaphrodite Apocalypse
I stole the title from the article b/c it's just so good. It's creepy and telling. The GOP is this whack.
Wouldn't you want debt collectors on your side?
An interesting connection to the Scott Brown victory.
Maddow on Global Warming
Bill Nye the Science Guy and logic
The Federal Budget & Government Waste - Part 1 and Part 2
This one's serious. If you'd like to get edumacated on the reality of our federal budget, take a look. Apparently, we Americans have some crazy preconceived notions of how much is spent on what. Good stuff.
-nick
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Irony
I often stop by a small lanchonete (snack place) across the street from me. It's owned and run by Chinese, and they always have some Chinese music playing in the background. Tonight, while the style of music was decidedly Chinese, the melody was most definitely Oh! Susanna.
So, to clarify, I'm in Brazil. Listening to Chinese music. Of an American folk song.
It's a small world, folks.
-nick
So, to clarify, I'm in Brazil. Listening to Chinese music. Of an American folk song.
It's a small world, folks.
-nick
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Hypocrisy
There have been some interesting studies showing that Republicans and Democrats approach politics with a very different mindset. This goes so far as to show that Democrats are disgusted by hypocrisy while Republicans are... I dunno. Easier to forgive, forget, or ignore? I don't understand it myself. All I know, when I see someone say one thing and repeatedly do another, I stop believing them.
Why are people freaking out about deficits? Is it a legitimate concern? I agree with Krugman. Yes, it's a legitimate long-term concern. But, a much more critical concern -- both long & short-term -- is unemployment. We need to get that fixed for our national health and for our citizens who are suffering. And, didn't GW create the biggest deficit in history? Didn't Clinton leave a budget surplus? Didn't Reagan's administration say that deficits don't matter? Then, why all the sudden concern, GOP?
Maddow discusses bipartisanship -- where's it's taken us and where it will continue to take us. She nails it with numerous, specific examples (in video format!) -- for those who find her words hard to believe. If we had a real opposition party, bipartisanship works. But, a party that opposes the president -- even when he espouses policies with which they agree -- is only serving to strangle the government. So, as a voter, you have a philosophical decision to make. Do you want a party that believes government is always bad and wishes to strangle it (published opinions of the GOP), or a government that believes that government can be a problem but can also be part of the solution, if done right.
You hear about the obscene comment at the start of the Tea Party Convention? About the desire to go back to voter literacy laws? In case you're too ignorant to know what that really means, Maddow does a superb dissection again.
What's your reason for why the GOP is blocking a vast amount of Presidential nominations? Do they have a legitimate reason? Here are some numbers.
The GOP railed against Obama's plan to cut Medicare when, in fact, he would increase Medicare funding. And, now, the GOP's plan is to privatize Medicare and Social Security and make further cuts. Like they wanted to since the start.
Why do people continue to support those who, in their own words, contradict themselves time after time?
-nick
Maddow discusses bipartisanship -- where's it's taken us and where it will continue to take us. She nails it with numerous, specific examples (in video format!) -- for those who find her words hard to believe. If we had a real opposition party, bipartisanship works. But, a party that opposes the president -- even when he espouses policies with which they agree -- is only serving to strangle the government. So, as a voter, you have a philosophical decision to make. Do you want a party that believes government is always bad and wishes to strangle it (published opinions of the GOP), or a government that believes that government can be a problem but can also be part of the solution, if done right.
You hear about the obscene comment at the start of the Tea Party Convention? About the desire to go back to voter literacy laws? In case you're too ignorant to know what that really means, Maddow does a superb dissection again.
What's your reason for why the GOP is blocking a vast amount of Presidential nominations? Do they have a legitimate reason? Here are some numbers.
The GOP railed against Obama's plan to cut Medicare when, in fact, he would increase Medicare funding. And, now, the GOP's plan is to privatize Medicare and Social Security and make further cuts. Like they wanted to since the start.
Why do people continue to support those who, in their own words, contradict themselves time after time?
-nick
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Belo Horizonte or...?
Belo Horizonte is the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, a neighbor to the state of Rio de Janeiro (Rio city is the capital of said state). BH is one of the few capitals that's inland, and it's not known to be very touristy like many of the other capitals. I think the lack of tourists will really change the feel of the city, and I'm looking forward to seeing a city that's different from Rio and Floripa (where I lived before). I also recently learned that there's a lot of growing industry there -- a good sign for finding a job!
After Carnaval, I'm going to head to BH for a couple weeks to check it out. But, if anyone else has any recommendations or tips or advice or warnings -- on any cities -- please let me know.
Here's some of the things that are important to me:
Thanks much
-nick
After Carnaval, I'm going to head to BH for a couple weeks to check it out. But, if anyone else has any recommendations or tips or advice or warnings -- on any cities -- please let me know.
Here's some of the things that are important to me:
- Anything from Sao Paulo south is too cold for me. (And, I actually like SP.)
- I prefer big cities
- I like outdoor activities
- A city that's big enough to have some decent international services for expats like myself
- A city that has jobs -- I actually want to work (as opposed to spending my time surfing daily for the rest of my life)
- A city that's big enough to support a bit of a gay scene. Doesn't have to be crazy, but I would like to meet some guys.
- Having a beach is NOT a priority for me -- I'm from the plains and mountains of the US -- nowhere near the water
Thanks much
-nick
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