Brazil is Naked
Brazil loves to be naked. With the hosting of the world’s biggest party, Carnaval, I might be referring to the women of the Samba schools, some of whom dance on top of the floats in the Carnaval competition wearing almost nothing. And when Carnaval ends, the nudity doesn’t stop. A visit to any of Brazil’s famous beaches will offer More...
Expect the Unexpected
By B. Michael Rubin Living in Brazil, I’ve come to expect the unexpected because Brazil is a country of contradictions. There is great wealth, like Eike Batista, Brazil’s richest individual, whose goal More...
Following the Rules
By B. Michael Rubin The entrance to Parque Tanguá has the appearance of a European garden. Parks in Europe are famous for their formal structure and rigid design. Even on nature, rules and organization can be More...
Workshop
By Maryori Vivas In May 2012, Paris will be the setting for a workshop to train global leaders in how to take advantage of cultural diversity. This Executive Workshop will provide new tools to enhance leadership More...
The Future is Now
By B. Michael Rubin Once a year in late January, the President of the United States gives a speech to all of Congress. It’s called “The State of the Union” speech, and it’s the only time all the More...
Something Sí, Yanqui No
By James F. O’Callaghan How does a country define itself? The subject has inspired both scholarship and bloodshed. At a small conference on Chilenidad in Concepción, Chile, I heard academics and others More...
Advertising Politics
By Terry Caesar It’s presidential primary election time in the United States and here comes another wave of television commercials. Of course their sheer volume depends upon many factors. Some states, for example, More...
Is this Germany — I’m not Sure
By Maryori Vivas JLfladjfijfladjfla. No, it is not mistyping. This is exactly how I feel when I visit a place where I cannot understand anything around me. It is clear – communication is the most important More...
Holiday Hospitality
By B. Michael Rubin A good example of the holiday spirit in Brazil, which isn’t seen in the US, is Brazilian hospitality, the way people open their homes to family and friends. In the summer, apartments on More...
Summer: Time for Vanity
By B. Michael Rubin In Brazil, vanity is an art form. It’s expensive, takes time to perfect, and is considered valuable. Anyone who thinks appearance isn’t important in life is kidding himself. However, More...