Caroline Kahl

Patriotism

When I was living in the USA the omni-presence of the American flag and the overall patriotism really scared me, especially when my class mates at high school rose every morning from their chairs and pledges allegiance to the flag.
The more I enjoy living today in country which has little signs of patriotism except for when it comes to soccer. The World Cup only a couple of days ahead, the whole city and country seems to be colored in green, yellow, blue... amazing. Suppose these colors will also be the predominant ones in Germany for the upcoming weeks to.
And no, dear O Globo, two museums in Germany opening new exhibitions are for sure NOT a "new wave of patriotism". Our historic heritage made us too  sensitive to ever feel that way, nor do we want to!

Ambition brésilienne

Is what I call Brazil´s attempt to become member of the Club of Paris. After paying back a depth of USD 17 million to Italy, maybe you are receiving a formal invitation..

Vive la Fête!

Confirmed for shows in São Paulo and Rio:
Lauryn Hill will be giving shows on 14th of July at Credicard Hall in São Paulo and on 15th of July at Claro Hall, Rio de Janeiro.
And finally, my beloved and crazy Vive la Fête will be back to Brazil.
Els Pynoo e Danny Mommens will be participating in a special event on 23rd of June in São Paulo. Listen 2 ViveLaFeteKL.WMA

Patience and will power

You are a foreigner and would like to open up a company in Brazil?
Do not mean to discourage you, but you need to be prepared and a have a lot of patience. A recent study by the Brazilian Ministry for Development proves what us entrepreneurs already went through and what the World Bank published in 2003/2004 putting Brazil at that time on the position of the 6th worst country in the world. Now we are on the 83rd position, up 67 positions.
Founding a company in Brazil takes an average of 40 days. São Paulo breaking the record with 77 days and Rio de Janeiro with 65. By the way, the indicated costs are misleading. Calculate at least with R$ 2.500. Besides the basic administrative fees you can´t do anything without an accountant for the whole registry process in so many public organs and without a lawyer who elaborates your articles of incorporation.
But let me tell you, that is the statistics, my first company foundation lasted 3 months, the second company took only 10 days until it was running.
How? Jeitinho de gringa ;-)

Brasil, país do futuro

...is one of the most important books in my life and which my Dad gave me once. Blame it on that book that one day I came to Brazil. Everybody who is curious and fascinated about Brazil I recommend reading it.
Stefan Zweig fled from Europe during WW2 and projected on Brazil his hope for peace for humanity. And all of us foreigners living  here have their own personal projections on this country which is fascinating and no Brazilian understands.
His house in Petropolis will become a museum soon and The National Library will host a Stefan Zweig exhibition in August. L&PM is expected to launch a new edition of the book the same month.

Real versus Dollar

Great article on ft.com
Real's fall versus dollar might offer clue to Brazil's prospects.
..At 49.2 per cent of gross domestic product, domestic public debt is a significant impediment to growth in Brazil.
It uses up public revenues that could otherwise be freed for investment and crowds other more productive borrowers out of the market. Reducing the ratio of debt to GDP is the priority of the economics team at the finance ministry and central bank, while improving the profile of domestic debt (making it less vulnerable to changes in external conditions and reducing the cost of borrowing) is the narrower priority of the Treasury....

A mistura perfeita

Coisas do Brasil..
I guess in no other country in the world would Cintra be able to launch a beer brand called"Mulata".
Raises the question of racism and at the same time the media declaring constantly how proud this country is of "A Cor do Brasil", a mulata, only with sexual conotation.
"Quero uma mulata bem gostosinha e geladinha" you will hear in the bars soon from now.... And worse, Brazilian women will feel flattered about it. Don´t you forget, Mulato is not only applied to people of mixed races. It comes from the Latin derivative of Mule, which is half-horse and half-donkey. In other countries half casts feel offended to be called Mulato.

Mobile War

Sorry, but I simply do not get it. São Paulo under conditions of war and violence and all the politicians do is waste their time on blaming the mobile operators that they do not block mobile communication among prisoners. Can´t you just fiscalize their cell phones?
So fatally ridiculous.

Women, Business, Brazil

Making business in this country as a woman, what a challenge!
Saia curta e justa, sentar bota.... that´s  what I´ve been taught lately. Hard job and all you need is a wide collection of high heels.
malanina.mp3

Ultraviolet

I know most of the critics and you condemn these movies, but I must admit that I recently enjoy some Sci-Fi movies and I love to see strong Heroines on screen, Aeon Flux or Ultraviolet, even if it is just for the sake of a great music you discover in the soundtrack, a single line, which makes the movie worth seeing....
And I can't believe
How I've been wasting my time.
It is over tonight.
Me personally speaking have been wasting 2 much time on some persons in this country. And I will not waste any more. Download jem_24.mp3