· November, 2008

Stories about Brazil from November, 2008

Brazil under flood: Bloggers form solidarity networks

  30 November 2008

While mainstream media was first slow to report news of the grave floods that have devastated the south of Brazil and then sensationalized the tragedy, bloggers responded by creating a network of support. This post explores the difference in the approaches between conventional media professionals and amateur and freelancer produced news blogs.

Brazil: Over 80 deaths in the worst environmental tragedy

  26 November 2008

Over 80 people have been killed in landslides and floods caused by heavy rain in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, and the death toll is rising by the minute, as rescue workers sift through the wreckage of the flooding that started at the weekend.

Latin American Bloggers jump into Reality Television

  24 November 2008

Chevrolet and NatGeo have launched a reality show that mixes driving, tourism, gadgets and blogging throughout South America. On The Road Again follows 6 bloggers in 6 different countries, driving around, taking tours and documenting their experiences through streaming video, blog posts and pictures, and it will later on be featured on a NatGeo channel show.

Brazil: Attempts to censor a documentary about censorship

  20 November 2008

Gagged in Brazil, a documentary about the relationship between politics, media and censorship in Brazil was taken off the Current TV networks after a political party's complaint. After a full investigation into the sources, the film is back online - but media censorship in Minas Gerais is an old and ongoing issue.

Brazil: Flash mob protest against Digital Crimes Bill

  16 November 2008

Brazilian bloggers and netizens took to the streets of São Paulo to protest against the Digital Crimes Bill which typifies the cyber-crimes punishable by law and stipulates penalties accordingly, but might end up considering trivial conduct when surfing the Internet as a crime. At a public hearing held in the parliament, the project supporters "ended up sounding silly and unprepared".

Brazil: Romário, football star and blogger

  12 November 2008

“Couch career? Don't count on me, I would rather career as a blogger”, said Brazilian football player Romário. Cocada Boa [pt] announces that he has just launched his blog and speculates on the 10 reasons for the star to start to have done so.

Brazil: National Park Under Threat from Illegal Fires

  11 November 2008

For over a month now the Chapada Diamantina National Park has been burning relentlessly and lost 50 percent of its forest area (roughly the size of New York City). Authorities say the fires were started by ranchers clearing land for pasture. The situation is out of control and if not reforested, Chapada may lose its exuberance for ever.

Brazil: Criminal fire at Chapada Diamantina National Park

  11 November 2008

Paulo Bicarato [pt] echoes the news that fires that have destroyed 50% of the Brazilian Chapada Diamantina National Park, roughly the size of New York City, were likely started by ranchers clearing land for pasture. “For those who had the pleasure to have been to that piece of paradise, it...

Brazil: The “Empty Biennial” fills up the blogosphere

  9 November 2008

The 28th Bienal de São Paulo represents a paradigm shift from previous editions and offers a platform for observation and reflection upon the culture and system of biennials on the international art circuit. Dubbed the "Biennial of the Emptiness" before opening its doors, the fair has indeed managed to heat a debate on the blogosphere.

Brazil: New Orleans is more dangerous than any Brazilian city

  4 November 2008

“Though Rio certainly suffers from other forms of criminality, like armed robbery, kidnapping, and a favela drug war, it is actually safer than most people would assume, since the media constantly bombards both foreigners and Cariocas alike with scenes of blood and gore, even though most people go about their...

Brazilian myths and haunts in the Lusosphere – Part 3

  1 November 2008

To bring this series about Brazilian myths, legends and haunts as seen on the Lusosphere to a great close, we couldn't choose a better entity to speak about than Saci Pererê. After being introduced to mythic beings like Cuca, Boitatá and Curupira in the first article, and reading the intriguing narratives about Cabeça de Cuia and Caboclo D'Água, among others, in the second article of the series, now it's time to delve into the mysteries of the most famous being from Brazilian mythology.

About our Brazil coverage

Fernanda Canofre
Fernanda Canofre is the Brazil editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.