The Brazilian Post - 24

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Rio to raise ÂŁ2bn fund to renovate port

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

US & UK - Friends again

ISSUE NO. : 024 | WWW.BRAZILIANPOST.CO.UK

HIGHLIGHTS: CRIME:

P05

Activists shot dead in Amazon .

LONDON:

P06

London satisfaction with mayor rises.

MADE IN UK:

P08

Brit girl survives lightning strike.

SHOWBIZ:

P15

Who dares to trapeze?

WORLD:

P19

Violent storms sweep central US.

ECONOMY:

P20

Chopping down the Amazon

SPORT: Ferrari making changes

for Hi Life

P11

Kendra drops to size zero

WHAT'S UP:

LOVE

P22

In the course of the past few years, Gucci, Chanel, Burberry, Christian Louboutin and other big names have opened shops in Brazil, lured by new luxury malls and the rising purchasing power of the country's middle class.

As a sign the country is now on the radar screen of the luxury world, the International Herald Tribune newspaper is hosting its annual luxury conference in Sao Paulo in November.

02

Brazil

The Brazilian Post

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

BRAZIL ON WAY TO DRIVING LUXURY GROWTH Once a country associated with the slums known as favelas, Brazil is on its way to becoming a new engine of growth for the luxury industry. Luxury sales in the football-loving country are tiny as compared to other emerging markets such as China, Russia or the Middle East, but they are rising much faster than many expected. Many luxury groups long refrained from building a big business in the country, deterred by Brazil's high import duties, complex bureaucracy and lack of retail space.

But in the course of the past few year years, Gucci, Chanel, Burberry, Christian Louboutin and other big names have opened shops in Brazil, lured by new luxury malls and the rising purchasing power of the country's middle class.

The number of very high net worth individuals in Brazil has also risen exponentially. Billionaires in Brazil in 2010 totaled 30, up 60 percent against 2009, having benefited from higher commodity prices and a stronger currency, according to Forbes.

Diane von Furstenberg's shop, opened two years ago in the Iguatemi center in Sao Paulo, ranks now No. 2 after her New York flagship store in terms of sales, the designer said this week. "I did not expect that," Furstenberg told the Luxury and Fashion Summit in Paris. "Brazilians love life. Brazil is really an incredible market."

Hermes says trading is boom-

ing at its store in the upscale Cidade Jardim shopping mall in Sao Paulo.

It opened two years ago after many unsuccessful attempts to lure partners.

As a sign the country is now on the radar screen of the luxury world, the International Herald Tribune newspaper is hosting its annual luxury conference in Sao Paulo in November.

"Brazil's evolution is impressive," Jean-Marc Jacot, chief executive of luxury watch brand Parmigiani, told the summit in Paris.

"There a big luxury culture there, they are very similar to us, the problem often is distribution," Jacot said, predicting Brazil one day would be one of the brand's top five markets.

But if many brands are taking Brazil more seriously than before, it is also because Brazilians are spending more money on luxury outside their home country than they have in the past.

Brazilians' expenditures in French shops last year rose 56 percent and were up 53 percent in the first three months of 2011, marking the biggest increase of all nationalities, Global Blue, a provider of value added tax refund services for tourists, said in a report published this month.

At Paris' Printemps department store, a major tourist destination, Brazilians have been spending more than Americans overall since last year, Printemps Chief Executive Paolo de Cesare told the summit.

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also in Europe," de Cesare told the summit.

Expensive adventure But if going to Brazil is an adventure, it is an expensive one reserved mainly to top brands, some executives said.

"Only big luxury brands have the means to go to Brazil and absorb part of the taxes, but the market there is becoming so attractive that it is worth it," Florent Perrichon, chief executive of Italian brand Cerruti, told the summit.

Perrichon added that local competition was so fierce that only very big luxury brands had a good chance of breaking into the market.

Citing the country's import taxes, which can be so high as to double the price of an item, luxury

watch and jewelry retailer Harry Winston said it was not planning to enter Brazil in the near term.

Guy Salter, deputy chairman of the British luxury body Walpole, said Brazil seemed easier to enter than India but said other emerging markets such as Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand were also attractive.

Brazil is only just over 1 percent of the global luxury goods market, but luxury sales are set to grow there by 10 percent to 15 percent between 2010 and 2013, according to experts.

Meanwhile, luxury sales generated in greater China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, reached 17.6 billion euros, up 23 percent last year.

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MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

The Brazilian Post

Brazil

03

Services from bikini waxes to car repairs are getting pricier in Brazil If you're getting a bikini wax in Brazil, you'll likely find that the cost is rising. And as an economist you'll likely see that as a problem, since the bikini wax is one of the items the Brazilians track to figure out inflation. As with services ranging from car repair to dentistry, the price of waxing is going up in one of the world's most important emerging markets. Inflation is moving above the government's target.

Price increases for services, which make up 24.1 percent of Brazil's benchmark inflation index, outpaced all other categories in the past two months, according to data released on May 11 by the central bank. They rose 8.57 percent in the year through April, the fastest pace in at least 15 years. "Services will continue to be the main villain of inflation," says Fernando Fix, chief economist at Votorantim Wealth Management in S達o Paulo. "Domestic demand is too strong."

That includes demand for bikini waxes, which are often considered a necessity, says Elzimar Siqueira, former owner of a beauty shop and now head of administrative affairs at the Syndicate of Women's Beauty and Hairdressing Institutes of Rio de Janeiro. "We have summer all year, we're always wearing bikinis and miniskirts," she says. At the Imaculada Hair and Makeup shop

in Brasilia, owner Alessandra Rita de Arruda Lopes says she's raised the price to 35 reais ($21.63) from 30 reais. The average price of the depilation procedure rose 12.4 percent in the year through April, the national statistics agency says. A bikini wax at J. Sisters in Manhattan costs $75.

Consumer price increases in Latin America's biggest economy breached the government's 6.5 percent target ceiling in the year through April for the first time since June 2005. The benchmark interest rate has now reached 12 percent, and economists expect the central bank to boost it to 12.5 percent by year-end, a recent survey showed.

Gross domestic product per capita reached a record $10,813 last year, after the economy grew 7.5 percent, the fastest pace in more than two decades. Such growth boosts demand for services. Also contributing to higher prices is a tight labor market, which drives wages up. Wages may be bumped up again after collective bargaining late this year and next, says Constantin Jancso, an economic analyst at S達o Paulo-based HSBC Bank Brasil. "Negotiations with metalworkers and bankers begin in the third quarter," he says. "I wouldn't be surprised to see increases of 10 percent."

Banderas helps raise money Brazilian companies offer education to needy kids for the disabled in Brazil Spanish actor Antonio Banderas auctioned off six photographs from his collection entitled "Secretos sobre negro" in Rio de Janeiro with the aim of collecting funds for a non-governmental organization supporting disabled people in vulnerable situations.

"I've been making photos for many years, but without publishing them, and now they offered me the chance to start this charity project," Banderas said at the event held last Tuesday night.

The auction took place in Rio's City Palace, where some 200 invited guests attended the bidding to support the Spanish artist's initiative, which also received the backing of Mayor Eduardo Paes.

The six photographs that were sold belong to the "Secretos sobre negro" collection made up of 23 images with which the actor made his first foray into the world of photography. The collection pays tribute to the art of bullfighting from a feminine perspective in which semi-nudes predominate, with abundant references to the Spanish culture, and particularly the culture of Andalusia, which is Banderas' home region.

The funds collected from the auction will be donated to the NGO RioInclui, a civil organization headed by Cristina Paes, the mayor's wife, and dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and who are in vulnerable circumstances.

Banderas since 2010 has visited several countries in which he has undertaken to auction half a dozen photos from his collection with the aim of collecting funds for various local NGOs.

Brazil painter earns more than supermodel and soccer stars

Meet Romero Britto, the Brazilian painter who brings in more moolah than the best Brazilian soccer players and Brazilian beauty Gisele! Romero Britto is a Brazilian neo-pop wall decorator, painter, serigrapher, and sculptor. He combines stereotyped elements of cubism, pop art and graffiti painting in his boldly colored work. In 1989, Absolut Vodka selected Britto to design an artwork with their famous logo, effe tively launching a career that today, is represented in galleries and museums across five continents. Britto, who has been working out of his Miami area studios for over a decade, received 30 million dollars for his art last year, while the average soccer player brings in 10, and a supermodel like Gisele Bundchen, 25. Recently, the Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Health Minister Alexandre Padilha had invited artist Romero Britto to join them in launching the Rede Cegonha, or Stork Network, program in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, at the Palacio das Artes in March. The project had a budget of 9.4 billion Reais through 2014 reaching at least 61 million Brazilians. Britto created 10 stunning original pieces as well as the programs logo at the request of President Rousseff, creating a storyline celebrating the joy of pregnancy to the birth and growth of a healthy child in a loving and nurturing environment, and donated these 10 pieces, a total of $800,000 USD, to Rede Cegonha.

Thousands of Brazilian companies are now stepping in to improve public education for poor students.

The idea is to help Brazil and its dynamic economy stay competitive with China and South Korea, where public education is a top priority.

Brazilian companies, large and small, are involved in running pilot programs or developing new teaching models or improving school management. No one suggests that the private programs are an alternative for Brazil's public education system, which educates 50 million children. But the private initiatives - particularly those developing new teaching methodologies have been well received by government officials as they work to improve public education.

And indeed, there are improvements in public education. Enrollment has risen fast. The budget grew more than threefold since 2003. Test scores have also inched up. But education researchers say the biggest challenge will be improving classroom instruction.

04

Brazil

The Brazilian Post

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

Brazil welcomes Rio seeks to raise ÂŁ2bn real competition for estate fund to renovate port IMF post Brazil is pleased there is competition for the job to head the International Monetary Fund and will seek commitments to give emerging markets more clout in the IMF, Finance Minister Guido Mantega said on last Wednesday. "I think it's good that candidacies are launched," Mantega told reporters in Brasilia. "More important than the names, for us, are the candidates' commitments regarding the IMF agenda," he said.

Mantega's remarks come as Mexico's central bank chief Agustin Carstens, who faces French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde in the race for the IMF job, will travel to Brazil next week to seek support.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn stepped down as the IMF managing director to defend himself from charges including attempted rape.

Brazil and other emerging market nations have criticized EU officials for suggesting the IMF chief must continue to be a European, a convention that dates to the founding of the global lender after World War Two. Mantega also repeated Brazil's call that the next IMF chief only fill out Strauss-Kahn's term, through next year. "We will propose to the executive directory, perhaps because of the lack of time to have a deeper debate, that this could be a mandate to finish the mandate of Dominique," Mantega said, referring to Strauss-Kahn.

The city of Rio de Janeiro is seeking to raise ÂŁ2 billion for a real estate fund to renovate its downtown port area ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympics.

The fund, called Fundo de Investimento Imobiliario da Regiao do Porto, will raise the funds by selling 6.4 million certificates authorizing developers to build in the port area at a minimum of 545 reais apiece, according to an announcement published in a newspaper. The so-called Cepac certificates, which are to be regulated by Brazil's securities agency, will be sold in auctions and may authorize developers to construct buildings higher than current zoning laws allow. Cultural, historic and public buildings will remain protected.

The private money from the certicificate sales will boost city, state and federal government investment to revitalize the area, the website says. A highway along the coast that divides the Porto Maua port from the mostly commercial downtown area will be demolished and the historic hillside neighborhood of Morro da Conceicao will be renovated, the site says.

The overall design will be modeled after Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires and Port de Barcelona in Spain.

The government plans to improve lighting, plant trees, fix sidewalks and refurbish cultural centers in the neighborhood surrounding the port, turning it into a tourist hub, according to the site.

Brazil is boosting spending on infrastructure as it develops the biggest oil fields in the Americas since 1976 and prepares to host the 2014 soccer World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. Expenditures to

improve airports, ports, highways and the power grid are set to rise to 160 billion reais by 2012 from 121 billion reais in 2009, according to the Sao Paulo-based Association of Infrastructure and Industries.

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

Brazilian nun beatified, on path to sainthood Tens of thousands of Roman Catholic faithful flocked to Salvado for a ceremony that puts a Brazilian nun known as Sister Dulce on the path to sainthood.

Some 70,000 people were in Salvador for the event, including President Dilma Rousseff and some 500 Roman Catholic priests and nuns.

The ceremony, carried out in the church of Our Lady of Hope, was led by Brazilian Cardinal Dom Geraldo Majella Agnelo in representation of Pope Benedict XVI. Born Maria Rita de Souza Brito Lopes Pontes, Irma Dulce or Sister Dulce founded a charity group that provides health, welfare and education for the poor in the state of Bahia. Irma Dulce, also known as "The Angel of Bahia," died in 1992 at the age of 78.

Pope Benedict signed decree beatifying Sister Dulce in December 2010, after he ruled that the late nun was responsible for a miracle during a highrisk birth in 2001.

Beatification is the third of four steps leading to sainthood. In the Catholic Church the canonization process -- the process that leads to sainthood -can take years, sometimes centuries. A proven miracle is needed for the last two stages. In heavily Catholic Brazil, the beatification event was broadcast live on television.

The Brazilian Post

Brazil

05

Rousseff orders report on ethanol volatility Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff ordered a team of ministers to look into ways of reducing volatility in ethanol prices, including the possibility of government intervention in the market, the Financial Times reported, citing Energy Minister Edison Lobao.

The ministers, who include Lobao, Finance Minister Guido Mantega and Agriculture Minister Wagner Rossi, have 10 days to prepare a report, the newspaper said.

Although Brazil is the second-biggest ethanol producer after the U.S., prices have reached their highest levels in five years in recent weeks, leading many people to switch to more gasoline-based fuel.

Brazilian activists shot dead in Amazon

A husband and wife team of environmentalists have been killed by gunmen in Brazil's northern Amazon state of Para, one of the most restive regions in the country due to land disputes, officials said last Wednesday.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff ordered an immediate federal investigation to find those responsible for the double murder in a wild region where owners of large estates are alleged to have gone unpunished after killing local farmers.

Jose Claudio Ribeiro da Silva, 52, and his wife, Maria do Espirito Santo da Silva, 51, were stopped in their vehicle by unknown gunmen, taken out and shot, prosecutors said, adding that the circumstances appeared to be the work of hired hit men. The pair had been working for Amazon-focused non-governmental group CNS, set up by legendary environmental activist Chico Mendes, who himself was killed by landowners in the Amazon in 1988.

According to the organization, the pair had been receiving death threats since 2008 over their work to preserve the rainforest in the state, and prevent illegal deforestation for charcoal production and to clear land for cattle pastures.

"They fought for the preservation of the forest and against illegal loggers," said Ataginaldo Matos of CNS in Para's state capital Belem, adding that Jose Claudio had his ear cut off after being killed as a sort of calling card of the gunmen.

Brazilian lawmakers, meanwhile, late last Tuesday controversially approved a revised Forestry Code that relaxed protections for the Amazon. Brazil, the world's fifth-largest country by area, has 5.3 million square kilometres of jungle and forests -mostly in the Amazon river basin -of which only 1.7 million are under state protection. The rest is in private hands, or its ownership is undefined.

06

Made in UK

London satisfaction with mayor Boris Johnson rises A third of Londoners are satisfied with Boris Johnson's performance as mayor, according to his annual London survey. His 32% score is the highest satisfaction level since he took office three years ago and compares with 26% in 2010. Those who are dissatisfied number 15%, a total of 33% said they were not satisfied or dissatisfied and 21% stated they had no opinion. The survey of 1,400 people also suggests fear of crime has fallen.

According to the survey, 64% of Londoners are not worried about crime in their local area, compared to 54% last year. Fear of being mugged or attacked on the street has dropped significantly, from 30% last year to 18% this year. Almost three-quarters of Londoners (73%) feel that increased police presence has helped to reduce crime and 8 out of 10 (81%) believe it has helped them feel safer. Gun crime was 22% lower in London 2010/11 compared with 2009/10, while robbery on public transport has fallen by 46.5% in the past three years. Javed Khan, chief executive for the charity Victim Support, said: "We are pleased that this report shows more Londoners feel safer in the capital, but we shouldn't become complacent in the fight against crime. "While the continued fall in crime is a reflection of the hard work of

the police and criminal justice agencies, we must remember that nearly 60% of crime is still unreported."

Mr Johnson said: "We have achieved a lot over the past year, such as freezing the council tax for the third consecutive year and increasing funding for policing.

But we can't rest on our laurels as there is still much to do, not least the challenge of staging the best games in Olympic history and creating a lasting legacy for all Londoners."

A spokesman for Ken Livingstone said: "It is telling that Boris Johnson's own opinion poll shows what we are finding across London, that on crime and public transport Londoners do not support the mayor's police cuts and fare increases."

Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Lib Dem group on the London Assembly, said: "As much as the mayor might try to spin the results, the harsh fact is that under Boris Johnson a growing number of Londoners have serious concerns about the cost of living in the capital, including the huge hike in fares that have taken place in the last three years."

The survey was carried out by BMG Research, who interviewed the respondents in their own homes.

The Brazilian Post

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

U.K. agency warns travelers to Germany of E. coli outbreak The U.K.'s Health Protection Agency is warning travelers to Germany about an infectious outbreak that has killed two people and sickened 214 in the last two weeks. Reports of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome, or HUS, related to enterohemorrhagic E. coli bacteria, or EHEC, have been linked to fruits and vegetables. Those who became ill in the Hamburg area ate a significantly higher amount of raw tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce, the Robert KochInstitut, which is tracking the number of cases, said in a statement posted on its website last week. It recommended that people not eat these items raw until further notice.

Infections have mainly been reported in northern Germany and have also spread to southern and eastern states, the institute said. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, and the outbreak has mainly affected adults, almost 70 percent female. The strain of the infection is “rare” and seldom seen in the U.K., the Health Protection Agency said in a statement. Britain has had two cases of it in German nationals, while other European countries have reported cases in those returning from Germany, the agency said.

“The HPA is actively monitoring the situation very carefully and liaising with the authorities in Germany, the European Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organization as to the cause of the outbreak,” Dilys Morgan, head of the gastrointestinal, emerging and zoonotic infections department at the HPA, said in a statement.

The German institute recommended cooking vegetables to at least 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes and observing standard food and water hygiene.

Michelle Obama lit london with bright colors Michelle Obama packed a wardrobe of cheerful, colorful clothes to accompany her husband on a state visit to England. She made quick changes from one dress to another last Tuesday, wearing designer labels that stretched from Los Angeles to London.

But Mrs. Obama wasn't the only trendsetter at Buckingham Palace: The new Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, wore a sandcolored dress by the British label Reiss to an arrival ceremony with Queen Elizabeth II. Her appearance sparked such a rush in demand for the above-the-knee sheath, with a retail price of $340, that the retailer's website traffic increased by more than 300 percent, resulting in several crashes throughout the day, according to the company.

The dress was sophisticated and chic, if not a bit understated, but the duchess put her own twist on the outfit with her black pointy-toe pumps and black satin clutch handbag by Anya Hindmarch. The bag was engraved with her initials. The 29-year-old newlywed "looks her age. I was afraid the minute she got in the royal family, she'd be wearing clothes that were too formal.

I like that there's no coat or suit," said Kate Betts, author of "Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style." Mrs. Obama also hit it right, said Betts. "She looks so pretty. The dress is so English. In my opinion, she rarely makes a mistake, and today is no different."

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

The Brazilian Post

Made in UK

07

Auschwitz concentration Immigration at camp to get UK funding new high despite

The government is set to contribute £2.1m towards the preservation of the AuschwitzBirkenau concentration camp in Poland, it has been announced.

The joint contribution will mainly be provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Foreign Office. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation will be funded over the next three years.

More than a million people were murdered by the Nazis at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. The concentration camp was the largest site for the mass murder of Jews.

In recent years a number of countries have contributed to the fund to maintain the main concentration camp, Auschwitz, and its nearby satellite camp of Birkenau. Auschwitz and Birkenau were operated by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II, and opened as a museum in 1947.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said the camp, which stands as an enduring symbol of the Holocaust, was an importance place of remembrance which served to educate people about the horrors of the Holocaust. Speaking at the Jewish Museum in London, he said: "It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Auschwitz-Birkenau stands as a perpetual reminder of the pain and destructive force of hate. "We must ensure that the lessons from the Holocaust are taught today and to future generations."

And Foreign Secretary William Hague said Auschwitz-Birkenau underlined "the horrific consequences of intolerance". Mr Hague said he was "proud that the UK is able to play a part in commemorating the millions of victims who died there" and was helping to ensure the camp's preservation to educate future generations on "the evils of that period in history".

And Lord Greville Janner of Braunstone, who chairs the Holocaust Educational Trust, said the financial support sends a clear message that the camp should be maintained for future generations. He said: "Through our Lessons from Auschwitz Project, the Holocaust Educational Trust gives over 3,000 British students each year the opportunity to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau. "This announcement will ensure that when young people visit Auschwitz, they will see for themselves what can happen when racism and prejudice is allowed to go unchecked."

Bravo travel and TAP airline: Towards new vistas Bravo Travel and TAP airline announced new services and promotions on flights to Brazil at a joint event last tuesday(24). A gala dinner organized at Da Spago Restaurant in South Kensington was attended by dignitaries from various prestigious companies and government sectors associated with Brazil.

Cameron pledge Expert says immigration target makes little sense and can't be hit without damaging the total British economy David Cameron's promise to cut immigration heavily by the next election was in doubt yesterday after a surge in numbers of east Europeans heading to Britain for work. The Home Office announced recently that net migration – numbers of people moving to the country minus those leaving – had reached a five-year high of 242,000. The rise was partly fuelled by the surprise return of large numbers of Polish and Lithuanian workers during 2010, after an exodus the year before amid alarm over the health of the UK economy.

Mr Cameron pledged in opposition to reduce immigration from "hundreds of thousands" to "tens of thousands" by the next election. But with net migration steadily rising over the past two years, the Prime Minister's chances of achieving that target appear to be fading.

The number of people coming to Britain has remained broadly constant since 2004, at close to 600,000. But the total of those leaving has dropped from 427,000 in 2008 to 344,000 in 2010, leading to a leap in net migration to 242,000. Net migration fell in 2009, partly because the steady influx of east European nationals – 70 per cent of whom are Poles – suddenly stopped. That year, the number of east Europeans leaving the country exceeded those arriving, but the most recent figures showed the previous trend encouraged by the expansion of the European Union in 2004 had resumed, with 42,000 more east Europeans arriving than departing.

Matt Cavanagh, the associate director of the Institute for Public Policy Research thinktank, said: "A couple of years ago people might have thought the Polish economy was a bit better than Britain's; they don't now." He said ministers would be forced into "even more drastic measures" to try to deliver on Mr Cameron's promise. Mr Cavanagh said it was time for the Government to admit its target "makes little sense, and can't be achieved with-

out damaging Britain's economy".

The Government last month introduced a cap on the numbers of non-European migrants coming to the UK, as well as announcing a drive against bogus students and on those seeking to settle in the UK. Damian Green, the Immigration minister, said: "These statistics show immigration was out of control thanks to the old system. That is why we have already introduced radical changes to drive the numbers down and we will shortly be consulting on a range of new measures."

But Gerry Sutcliffe, the shadow Immigration minister, said: "The Government has gone very quiet on what was a flagship Conservative promise. [ministers] need to be clear whether this is Government policy or not, and they need to explain what workable policies they have to deliver it." The number of asylum-seekers arriving in Britain rose by 11 per cent in the first three months of the year, compared with the first quarter of 2010. Separate figures showed that the total of foreign-born workers in low-skill jobs had more than doubled over the past decade from 298,000 to 666,000.

08

Made in UK

The Brazilian Post

UK nationals urged to leave Yemen‎ Britain urged its nationals on last Thursday to leave Yemen immediately because of worsening violence and said it was reducing staffing at its embassy there. Foreign Secretary William Hague said it would be extremely difficult for the British government to help its nationals in Yemen to reach safety if violence spread. "I therefore reiterate our clear advice that British nationals should leave Yemen immediately while commercial flights are still operating," he said in a statement after a government crisis committee met to review the Yemen violence. Because of the deteriorating situation, Hague said Britain was temporarily removing four staff members from its embassy in Yemen, leaving the minimum needed to work on the most vital British national interests.

More than 40 Yemenis were killed in pitched street battles in the capital Sanaa on last Thursday as fighting aimed at ending President Ali Abdullah Saleh's three-decade-long rule threatened to ignite civil war. Hague condemned the latest violence and said he was appalled by the deaths. He urged Saleh to sign a transition agreement that would see him cede power. Hague also said he had met Bahrain's Crown Prince, Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, on last Wednesday and had made clear Britain's "strong concern over the recent arrests of protesters and medical staff" there.

Bahrain suppressed a wave of pro-democracy protests this year. "We agreed on the need for a long term political solution in Bahrain and I welcomed the role the Crown Prince intends to play in building a dialogue," Hague said. "I call on the government of Bahrain to create the conditions under which this can take place and on all sides, including opposition groupings, to engage," he said.

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

The Action for Brazil's Children Trust and The London 10K Run

Sooo it is that time of year..the ASICS London 10K will be jogging its way through beautiful London on July the 10th. Be a part of it and do some good for the children of Brazil. It is organised by ABC Trust, for more details visit their website www.abctrust.org.uk.

Portuguese Food Festival from 5-12 June

The first Portuguese Food Festival will take place in Lambeth, between 5 and 12 of June.Through this event, held during the days when the Day of Camões is celebrated in Portugal and the Portuguese Communities, lovers of good food can commute to one of the 18 Portuguese restaurants located in the Lambeth area that participate in the initiative, in order to have access to a special menu of excellent local representative cuisine. Each participatingrestaurant will provide customers with a menu with a choice of special dishes of meat or fish at the discretion of each restaurant, thereby promoting the rich variety of Portuguese cooking.The participating restaurants are Pascucci, O Moinho, Britannia Restaurant, A Tasca, Casa Madeira, Pico, Grill House, Estrela, Nacional, Grelha D'Outo, O Campino, Cultural, Café-Bar Madeira, Porto, Sintra Delicatessen, Cantinho de Portugal, O Castelo and A Torre. For further information, contact the number 077 68693162

Scottish beach cleanliness below UK average The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has said the cleanliness of Scottish beaches is below the UK average in its annual Good Beach Guide.

The society sampled 110 beaches and gave only 50 an excellent bathing water quality rating. Seven beaches failed to reach minimum legal water quality standards, which is still an improvement on last year's 13 failed beaches. But five excellent Shetland beaches were recognised for the first time. Some beaches that were awarded the blue flag, which recognises high quality beaches across Europe, were not given as high recommendations in the good beach guide.

St Andrews East sands in Fife was given a blue flag last week, but failed to reach the MCS' basic water quality standards.

MCS spokesman Calum Duncan told media sources: "The good beach guide is the only award focusing purely on water quality, established by MCS to help drive up water quality standards which we felt were not tough enough.

"The MCS recommendation is a higher standard than other beach awards since we don't recommend any beach that has had any sample fail the minimum legal European standard and we consider all samples, including those which can legally be discounted when reporting back to Europe due to extreme rainfall events." MCS said the quality of beaches could be lower after heavy rainfall because of combined sewer overflows (CSOs). CSOs are an emergency diversion system that allow excess water from the land to run in to underwater pipes that normally carry sewerage. The resulting diluted waste is then diverted to the sea rather than flooding homes. Mr Duncan said: "We know of at least 120 Scottish coastal sites with one or more of these pipes.

“There are many places where they don't cause a problem but 55% of tested beaches aren't recommended by MCS because of pollution. "We believe that CSOs are partly to blame. "We want all of these pipes mapped and monitored, and for the public to be told at the time when, and for how long, the sewage is flowing. "Mapping costs relatively little yet it could make the difference between an enjoyable trip to the beach or one that ends up in A&E with ear, nose and throat infections or stomach upsets."

HIGHLIGHTS: MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

GUIDE

Showbiz: Cheryl Cole declines UK Xfactor return. Page 10

What's up: Taste of Spain . Page 15

Sacred Chat: Transforming anger.

Page 16

Amy Winehouse pukes on the way to rehab!

Amy has become bored with life and has decided to go back to rehab. After necking a vodka bottle the star vomited in a shop toilet on her way to the rehab

SUCCESS!!!

El Ibérico celebrates 1st anniversary in style!

On monday- the 23rd, the Spanish newspaper El Ibérico Gratuito celebrated its 1st anniversary. The party took place at Camino, a Spanish Tapas Restaurant placed in King's Cross. Paco de la Coba and his partner Angelique Berger, directors of El Ibérico hosted more than 150 guests; clients and friends, who enjoyed an unforgettable evening . The wine served was from Galicia Wineries Alan de Val, North of Spain; the beer was Estrella Dan accompanied with one of the best Jamon de Bellota (Bellota's ham) of Spain, Jamones Quintin Sanchez. Besides that a variety of delicious tapas from Camino made the night even more special.

Thank you London!

We are overwhelmed by your response to the English edition of The Brazilian Post. So from now every 2nd issue released will be in English. Do not forget to grab your copy!

centre. Page 11

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Showbiz

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

The Brazilian Post

Hello beloved readers, Here's this week's share of spicy celeb stories. Russell Brand managed to create controversy again by managing to get kicked out of Japan and terminator-governator Arnold is falling deeper into more scandals. Follow me for more!

Pete Doherty jailed for six months for cocaine possession The indie rock musician Pete Doherty was jailed for six months after being filmed taking crack cocaine by documentary-maker Robyn Whitehead the day before she died of heroin poisoning. Doherty, 32, who previously said he was "shocked and saddened" by the tragedy, was in court for sentencing and was jailed for a third time for allegations relating to drug offences. In total, this is reportedly his 25th such conviction. In March 2009, Doherty was one of four people taken into custody after 27-year-old filmmaker Whitehead died from a suspected overdose in January 2009 at an East London flat. Whitehead had been making a documentary on Doherty at the time and he previously admitted to visiting the property the day before and the day after she died but on the night of her death Doherty was at his home in Wiltshire.

In sentencing, Judge David Radford stated: "From what I have heard and what I have read there is no doubt that you are a talented and successful musician." "However, you have an appalling record of committing offences of the kind for which you are to be sentenced today."

CHERYL COLE

declines UK 'X Factor' return Cheryl Cole has not expressed any desire to join the UK 'X Factor' as a judge irrespective of being dumped from the US version of the show and replaced by Nicole Scherzinger. Simon Cowell seemed to be instrumental in the move of prompting ITV to approach Cole for a return on their show.

However, Cole is so annoyed with the treatment of US 'X Factor' bosses, including Cowell, that she is now considering turning her back on the show. Both the X Factor and Cole''s spokespeople have refused to comment on Cheryl''s abrupt departure, however Cheryl reportedly has been informed of the decision by the network and is believed to have fled the States.

"Cheryl is furious. This is another slap in the face. She moved to America in full public glare – and now she's being asked to come back to do the UK again. She feels hurt and let down," a close friend of the star was quoted as saying.

LILO

bares bottom in sexy bikini shoot Lindsay Lohan stripped down to just a white bikini in Malibu, California, for an upcoming short film, giving an ample display of her curvaceous bare bottom.

Lindsay is starring in the 90 second flick aptly titled 'Lindsay Lohan' and shows up looking sexy frolicking in the water. "Lindsay has an incredible emotional and physical presence on screen that holds an existential vulnerability while harnessing the power of the transcendental moment in transition," Artist Richard Phillips, who shot the film, was quoted as saying.

"She is able to connect with us past all of our memory and projection expressing our own inner eminence.

"I never met her before the shoot. We only texted.

But she showed up on time and worked an entire day and hit every take on the money," he said.

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

The Brazilian Post

Amy KENDRA Winehouse WILKINSON pukes on drops to size zero way to rehab

Former Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson has dropped down to a US size zero, thanks to her stint on TV show " Dancing with the Stars". The gruelling workout routines and perfo mance schedule made her shed pounds, but she prefers her figure now, reports say. "I was a size two or four before 'Dancing With the Stars' and now I'm a size zero.

My waist is still shrinking," she said. "When you work out, you produce so much lactic acid, so my body always looks thicker and more muscular. Now that I've had a couple of weeks off, my body is fuller and looks better. I hope I'll look like this forever. But to be honest, I will never be satisfied," she said.

After several months of playing gigs in Dubai and enjoying the Brazilian sun, Amy winehouse has become bored with life and has decided to go back to rehab. Amy Winehouse who has had trouble with drinking and drug addiction in the past is ready to give rehab another go after shocking onlookers in North London yesterday where she bought a bottle of vodka on her way to the rehab centre. After necking a bottle of vodka the star reportedly vomited in a shop toilet, making a total mess.

"I just puked all over your bathroom." She said after storming in. One punter said: "I felt really sorry for the staff. I think they were too scared to say anything." She then followed this up by popping over the local newsagents and buying a bottle of vodka, where, according to onlookers: "She seemed out of it. She was stumbling about, slurring her words. "I was shocked to see her buy vodka so early in the day, and even more shocked to see her knock it straight back." Folks, Amy is back!

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Showbiz

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Rough sex with Arnold left lover in hospital It seems the former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will not stop shocking us anytime soon. After news of his fathering a love child of his family's former housekeeper leaked, he's back in the headlines again.

According to media sources, the actress Gigi Goyette, another alleged lover, not only revealed that she had an affair with the actor, but also that after an intense night of sex, she ended up in hospital because of Schwarzenegger's intensity. "She said Arnold was unbelievably frisky and that she had to go to hospital he was so rough. She was embarrassed turning up with an injury like that", added the friend. Ouch! The incident happened in 1989 in Mexico City, when where Arnie was filming the sci-fi hit, 'Total Recall'. According to sources, the couple ended the relationship after the trip, as Goyette suspected of other possible lovers. In fact, he was already married to Maria Shriver, who has hired a top celebrity lawyer and a private detective to delve into her husband's private life ahead of their reported divorce. The duo is splitting after the actor admitted fathering a love child, who is 13 years old now.

by

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MY HOUSE, MY LIFE

In 2009 the Brazilian Government announced the "Minha Casa, Minha Vida" ("My House, My Life") program, which outlined the structure of their investment of R$34 Billion Reais (US $18 Bi) to provide low-income Brazilian families with a place to live. The Brazilian government wants to see growth in the affordable housing supply to keep up with the high demand created by this program. To do this they are funding the entire project, from the developer and construction loans to mortgages by low-income Brazilians.

As part of the purchase subsidized by the government, insurance included in the house price, taxes and reduced acquisition costs, the plan also guarantees mortgages at very competitive prices for buyers, up 100% financing for properties up to ÂŁ 80,000. The demand is huge but Minister of Planning, Miriam Belchior, said the number of 500 000 homes delivered by the program "My House, My Life" should be reached by the end of the year. She also assured that the construction of homes continues to be a "commitment" from President Rousseff

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13

INTERVIEW WITH BUILDING BOOM ANTHONY ARMSTRONG, IN THE BRAZIL THE PROMOTER OF THE NORTHEAST PROJECT "ARCO IRIS" Brazil remains the target of real estate investors worldwide. According to Exame magazine, the building sector had the highest increase in the world in recent months, especially in Northeast Brazil. The magazine's exclusive research shows that property prices in Brazil rose 25% in 12 months, a world record. Meanwhile, the housing markets of much of Europe and the United States remain shrunken, with prices falling and sales slowing down. Brazil has enormous potential to attract foreigners, principally the Northeast and states like Natal, where the sun shines the whole year round. That makes the Brazilian Northeast an excellent candidate to receive foreigners interested in a "second home " or a safe alternative investment.

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Anthony, what is your relation with Brazil?

I have lived in Brazil now for almost 7 years, speak the language fluently and I am married to a lovely Brazilian lady. Historically, my family has a long standing relationship with Brazil. As a property developer with over 20 years experience I very quickly identified the opportunities in Brazil and have been involved in commercial and residential development there since I moved to the country.

What is Ecohouse developments? When did you start and what does it do?

EcoHouse Developments is a development company focussing on the Social Housing programme in Brazil. The company was established a year ago in order to introduce "Minha Casa, Minha Vida" to the UK marketplace and generate interest and investment from outside of Brazil. Investors’ money is secured in a Lloyd’s TSB escrow account and fully managed by a law society registered and insured Solicitor, giving 100% security to our clients. The investment has a guara teed 20% pay back in one year.

What is the Arco Iris Developments? And what is the program “Minha Casa, Minha Vida”?

Arco Iris is a project of houses and apartments under the "Minha Casa, Minha Vida" government social housing programme. The programme is designed to provide funds to Brazilian nationals to allow them to purchase their own properties. The programme regulates very closely building standards and specifications and aims to address the 12 million unit housing shortage throughout Brazil. In the area of Natal alone more than 70,000 have successfully applied for domestic finance within this programme.

Why did you turned your attention to brazil?

I began focussing on Brazil more than 6 years ago and have always believed the potential to be excellent. The recent ongoing increases in GDP in the country and their success in the global marketplace have proven me right and I anticipate continuing to be at the forefront of property development in Brazil for a long time to come.

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Fashion

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

Abi,19

Zaza Oliva our Cool Hunter takes from the streets the latest fashion trends and tells you where to find what you're looking for. Clothes and accessories that fit your style and budget.

British/student Jumper: Vintage shop:£7 Denim jacket: Vintage shop £1 Skirt: Topshop:£45 Bag: Vintage shop:£15 Boots: Marks&Spencer:£45 Music: The Drums Best thing of London: High Street

Eliza,20 Latvia/model Hat: H&M: £15 Dress: Primark: £7 Shirt: Army at E-bay: £36 Belt: Warehouse: £18 Jacket: Army at E-Bay: £85 Leggings: Primark: £4 Shoes: Candem Market: £30 Bag: H&M:£35 Music: Hip Hop Best thing of London: everything, English guys

COOL HUNTER BY

Minna,20 Swedish /sales assistant Dress: Zara:£12 Blazer: Vintage shop:£3 Bag: Monky: £4 Socks: H&M:£3 Shoes: Levi's by vintage shop:£40 Music: Hip Hop Best thing of London: Primark

ZAZA OLIVA

Maria,20

Norway/student Headband: H&M:£3 Sunglasses: Primark:£1 T-shirt: H&M:£3 Skirt: Carlings:£5 Coat: H&M:£30 Bag: Vintage Shop:£20 Tights: Primark:£1 Shoes: Dinskol:£10 Music: Rock, metal, indie, pop Best thing of London: people

Eleonor,21 British/actress Hat: Charity shop:£1 Necklaces: Vintage shop:£40 Dress: H&M:£10 Jacket: Top Shop:£150 Tights: Primark:£3 Boots: Kurt Geiger:£150 Music: a bit of everything Best thing of London: trends

Holly,19 British/fashion student Jacket: Primark:£8 Dress: Primark:£10 Leggings: Primark:£3 Shoes: Vintage shop:£10 Bag: Burberry:£650 Music: Drum & Bass, dubstep Best thing of London: Clubs

Luiza,29 Brazilian/sales assistant Necklace: Primark:£1 Dress: Love at Topshop:£32 Belt: Love at Topshop:£3.99 Jeans: Uniqlo:£20 Shoes: Primark:£8 Bag: H&M:£24 Music: Reggae, rap, ska Best thing of London: parks at the summertime

The Brazilian Post

What’s Up

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

You don't have anything to do?

Dada, our columnist is going to fill your week's schedule with the best programs, cultural tips and all that is happening in London. Make the most of it!

£22.50 Acton Green, Chiswick till 8th June Regents Park, from 10th June to 22th August Battersea, 23th August to 12th September

04/06 - 05/06 12pm - 7pm Free Regents Park NW1 4NR

JewelEast If you are looking for an exclusive gift pop in at Old Spitalfields Market between 06th and 12th of June, then find out what Jewel East is displaying in terms of jewellery. With a range of workshops on jewellery, demonstrations and catwalk events the fair will showcase innovative creation of different designers, their latest creation and vintage pieces that you won't find anywhere else.

Old Spitalfields Market Brushfield St Spitalfields E1 6DT Info: 0207 247 8556

More London Free Festival From 1st of June till the 30th of November The Scoop grounds will be more lively than ever with theatrical performances, film screenings, live music and sports. All the performances and activities are free.

In June the festival showcases work from experimental arts organizations; Palladini Productions debut their new play 'Citiest of Cities', Kit Hesketh Harvey directs The Merry Opera Company's 'Troy Boy' and the open-air theatre company The Pantaloons present their take on 'The Canterbury Tales'. Award-winning Chickenshed perform their hugely successful, hard-hitting production, 'Crime of the Century' and, for kids audiences 'Tales from the Shed'.

01/06 - 30/11 Free The Scoop More London, SE1 2DA Info: 0871 971 6110

With just £9.90 you can have a really different night enjoying an evening-season open air cinema on the roof of the Queen of Hoxton.

The Rooftop Film Club starts on 1st of June and will be on till 1st of September with five nights a week of modern and classic cult screenings such as Psycho, Casablanca, Goodfellas, Donnie Darko and Amelie.

01/06 - 01/09 £9.90 8pm Queen of Hoxton 1 Curtain Road, Hoxton, EC2A 3JX Info: 020 7422 0958

London Green Fair Regents Park is holding an ecofriendly event which will amuse the whole family. The London Green Fair comes to replace the former Camden Green Fair after 18 years and continues its role on reflecting and discussing environmental

15

enced instructors will be happy to share their knowledge with children and adults of all ages and during the classes the participants are safe by a net protection.

The fun time lasts 90 minutes and will enable the apprentices to perform proper acrobatic tricks for a mere £22.50. For more information check on http://www.gorillacircus.com

issues that affect London. The twoday event will be offering activities and leisure spread on 10 different ecological zones. The festival which is entirely powered by renewable energy has a variety of attractions including music, food, activities for children, a health and healing area and talks that will guarantee fun and make people aware of the importance of preserving the environment.

Alfresco Cinema

The Brazilian Post

Free Opera and Ballet Outdoor Season London is not only about outdoor film screenings this summer. For opera and ballet lovers, the BP Summer Screen at Trafalgar Square has a great outdoor season of plays from both these categories that will be on throughout June and July. The Royal Ballet will open the season with the production of the 1731 French story Manon, about a love affair between a poor student and a flirt who chooses a life of luxury over true love. This is only one of a great selection of plays that you will be able to watch, these include Madam Butterfly and Cinderella amongst others.

01/06 - 13/07 7:30pm Free Manon - 7.30pm, Wednesday 1st June Madam Butterfly - 7.30pm, Monday 4th July Cinderella - 7.30pm, Wednesday 13th July Trafalgar Square WC2H 7HG

Who Dares to Trapeze?

If your are seeking some adrenaline to make your life a bit more interesting have a go with Gorilla Circus Trapeze School and spend an afternoon flying upside down. The trapeze classes can be taken at three different places this summer as the school will be offering outdoor classes around London. The classes are 100 % safe. Two 20 year experi-

Taste of Spain Giant paellas from Valencia, dancing horses from Menorca, drummers from the Tamborrada de San Sebastian, flamenco dancers. You don't need to go to Spain to enjoy the best things this country has to offer in terms of culture. On 05th of June, Spain comes to us in a shape of a big fiesta in Regent St, which will be traffic free on this day, with lots of food, DJ's from Ibiza, fashion show and dance performances.

05/06 Free 12pm to 7pm Regent Street, W1B 4HL

16

Sacred Chat

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

The Brazilian Post

TRANSFORMING ANGER

Anger is just a letter away from 'danger'. It’s a sign that there is some kind of inner conflict.

Why do we get angry? Usually it is because we are trying to control what we cannot possibly control - other people, events and situations. We have made our happiness dependent on things happening as we want them to be. Behind anger is the fear of losing something or of not attaining something. When we become angry we can do one of three things: express it, suppress it or transform it. The voice of ego says ‘react’ whereas the voice of our conscience says ‘keep your self respect - don’t react.’ The best way is to transform it and this begins with a determined thought. Our true nature is of coolness (peace and positivity) not of anger and the easiest way to begin transforming anger is to increase our cool. Make it your aim to increase your positive awareness a little more every day and get to know your good qualities and bring them into everyday action. Begin the day by arming yourself with a positive experience. In meditation focus on your innate peace, for example, and experience that feeling of peace, even if only for 5 minutes. Then throughout the day reflect on what peace means and take some time out to read something positive. It‘s our minds’ job to think so why not give it something meaningful and nourishing to explore? Another thing is, if you know you are going to meet someone who always irritates you resolve beforehand to take it as a chance to practice being cool. Rehearse the scene in your mind beforehand and then when you meet them make it a game, see how cool you can remain on a scale of 1-10.

Whilst we increase our cool, for the times we do become

ARIES Your self-worth is set to receive a bonus. Prosperity and pleasure are on the agenda for you this week. It could be that moneys owed to you will reach your account or that you can negotiate an excellent deal for yourself; on the other hand, finances may not be the source of an ego-boost but you will instead have proof positive of someone’s admiration and faith in you.

You may have to be careful you are not led astray by your desires. But this is a good time for love and money generally, and good things come to you. Make sure you are deserving, because you are not the one in control, and favors bestowed can also be taken away.

TAURUS For those with partners this is a time to reaffirm relationships, and you can expect your loved one to be totally receptive to your charms. The single Taurus can scarcely remain single now, and there are people out there that not only want you but are willing to make many compromises to get you. Love and romance top the agenda so if you’re about to walk down the aisle, rush into someone’s waiting arms or simply remind your significant other of the scent or roses and your pheromones, don’t dilly-dally. This is also an excellent time for achieving your agenda, and both money and success will come your way.

You are irresistible.

GEMINI There may be some confusion about what you actually want and where you want to go. Confusion can be good if it means that you stop and meditate on where your true values are. The planets have been far from kind this year so although you may not

feel like painting the town red you can take a breather and reflect on the good that has come out of events.Your fantasy is incredibly strong right now, especially in matters of the heart, and you need to throw out what is unrealistic and build on what is real. This can be an extremely enriching time for you spiritually. In love what counts is the communion of values.

CANCER You feel the presence of a certain poignancy or confusion about your direction in life and the values that motivate you on your path. This is a good time to read literature on, or familiarize yourself with, spiritual ideas and thoughts. There is also a very strong focus on your social values right now, and this is a wonderful time for getting together with friends and groups whose values you share. Desires and sensuality are very strong this week.

A meeting taking place this week could have unexpected results and even if a prospective change turns out to be minor you will see its benefits quicker if you are prepared for alternatives.

LEO You may feel alone and isolated, but this is in fact a good time to gather impressions from new trends around you and refine your ideas and interaction with the world. The scene is being set for a lasting bond to a partner, friend or group. In business there are very powerful trends for an economic transformation that can put you in an extremely strong position.

A full-on charm offensive should work wonders now, whether you need to impress the powers-that-be or someone of importance to your heart. Don’t be surprised if someone suddenly gets in touch.

This is not the time to assume that every-

thing will work like clockwork.

VIRGO You are in a very strong position these days, especially in terms of intellectual attainment and influence. It appears that you are closely involved with two people who form an unbreakable bond and who need your guidance. Your values – both economic and moral – are sought after, and your knowledge of the nuts and bolts of organization and finance can be valuable.

Business partnerships can be a little shaky or confusing however, as several options are available and clarity is lacking. Things should firm up in a week or two. There could also be an unexpected cost to an endeavour or an out of the blue financial bonus.

LIBRA You cannot always predict what people will do, and certainly not this week. Someone could turn out to be surprisingly generous or an endeavour in which you had had little faith may suddenly deliver.

Long-distance matters are in focus, whether you are dealing with plans intended to cover many years or exchanging information with people overseas. There are still some hurdles to overcome, especially in regard to money and material concerns, but every opportunity to progress that comes your way – no matter how small – should be grabbed. If you are in a relationship now is not the time for intellectual discussions.

SCORPIO This period is about love, sex and relationships for your sign.

You may have met someone recently and wondered whether or not the relationship would take off. Well, you

angry we need to manage it, rather than suppress or express it. First, acknowledge and accept that you feel angry. You could go on to ask yourself, ‘Why do I suddenly feel angry? Is it that someone isn’t doing what I want them to do? Something isn’t going as I want it to go?’ Become aware of how the feeling of anger is connected with our expectations. Next, step back and observe – imagine that you are describing the emotion to someone or see if you can find a funny side to the situation. Now, tune into your inner core of peace and power. Understand that whatever happened has happened and we can't change that, we can turn it around though by learning from the event or by finding something positive in it, this is important as it enables us to move on and not get stuck in that scene. It’s powerful when we know that we have a choice. When we recognise that we are the creator of our own anger we give back to ourselves the power to choose to be angry or cool. Our happiness is no longer dependent on others, events or situations being ‘just so.’ We come to see how we are responsible for our own thoughts and feelings and so also the source of our own peace and happiness.

When we empower ourselves in this way we free ourselves, and now instead of trying to control others we become a positive influence and empower them to increase their cool. In sharing coolness of peace with the world we make a very valuable, real and personal contribution to the world. Inner Space, Covent Garden www.innerspace.org.uk.

should be in no doubt about its potential by the end of this week. If someone does not reveal an interest under these stars, he or she is unlikely to do so. Of course, romance is not the only reason other people could express an interest in you now, and if you’ve been looking for investment or hoping for a positive response to a job enquiry, your chances of success are higher than of late. Open your mind and your heart – you may be surprised what pops in.

SAGITTARIUS Working closely with key colleagues in your job is the key to success at the moment. Financial and organizational transformations are working well and creating the right environment for working with the many resources available and creating stability and prosperity. For the romantically inclined, there are temptations and attractions to colleagues, but as far as clarity in relationships is concerned, the week starts on a confusing note. If you do not want to be confused by choice, concentrate on practical issues at work.

Friendship may work better than romance. You may feel something is about to happen, although you do not know what.

CAPRICORN It is possible that you have a sense of inertia in your professional life at the moment, and it may seem like you are going over the same old material and repeating yourself.

If you are bored at work, at least there are great pleasures to be had at play. This is a wonderful time for children, and if your children are old enough, it is a great time for them to meet someone, although you may not approve. If you are in the market for romance, you could easily

TO ADVERTISE mail us at sales@brazilianpost.co.uk or call Marcelo 078 2816 5812

meet someone who is irresistible. For some Capricorns it is all about love at the moment, whether you are planning to allow someone into your life permanently or Cupid is about to strike.

AQUARIUS You are treading water these days, and if it seems that you are not getting anywhere in particular, why not just relax and enjoy.

If you are in a relationship this is an excellent time for travel, adventure and fun, and if you are single, then there should be a few people who woo you in the weeks to come. You home is a place where people gather this week, and there may be happy family news - a wedding perhaps or a new relationship formed.

The great pleasures in life are found in home and garden right now, or together with family and friends. These influences may also inspire you to improve your su roundings or contemplate a house move.

PISCES You may well be feeling pleased with yourself these days. Finances are in order, and pleasant communications are blessing relationships with your friends and networks generally. After improving your capacity for earning, you are impatient to move on and work with issues that present a challenge to your mind and your creative talents.

There are ideas about that you can earn money on, or which can make life more pleasurable. This can also be a romantic period and a journey for love could be on the agenda and even if you cannot be sure you will achieve your desires, just making the trip will have earned you respect.

World

The Brazilian Post

17

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

Former IMF chief Mubarak and sons to be DNA found on tried for killings, corruption maid's clothes

Investigators found traces of DNA from former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn on the clothes of a hotel maid who accused him of sexual assault, US media reported.

The DNA was found on the shirt of the 32-year-old worker at the Sofitel in New York who has accused Strauss-Kahn of attempting to rape her, according to reports on last Monday. DNA testing on other evidence from the hotel suite used by the French politician is continuing.

Strauss-Kahn has denied charges made against him. New York police and the district attorney's office refused to comment on the reports which came as Strauss-Kahn raced against time last Monday to find a new home.

He has also told former staff how he is confronting a "personal nightmare."

Under house arrest pending trial, he has been rejected by one luxury residence because of his newfound notoriety and must soon leave his temporary abode. Charges that he attempted to rape and sexually assault the chambermaid on May 14 forced him to resign as head of the International Monetary Fund last week and torpedoed his chances of standing in the French presidential election next year.

But Strauss-Kahn again denied the accusations in an email message sent to IMF staff late last Sunday in which he expressed "profound sadness" at the way he left his USD 450,000-a-year tax-free post.

"I deny in the strongest possible terms the allegations which I now face; I am confident that the truth will come out and I will be exonerated," he wrote.

Italy wants to reduce its Lebanon troops Italy says it wants to reduce its contingent in a peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, a day after six Italian peacekeepers were wounded by a roadside bomb on a U.N. convoy there.Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa said in a newspaper interview published last Saturday that the attack was "a terrorist act of Palestinian fringes." It was the first such attack on U.N. peacekeepers there since 2008.La Russa told that Italy wants to reduce its 1,780 troops to about 1,100. But he said that any downsizing of Italian troops would be gradual and that Italy would not "abandon" Lebanon.

The minister also called for "new diplomatic action to push other states, including non-European ones, to provide troops and equipment."

Ousted Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak and his two sons were on last Tuesday referred to a criminal court on suspicion of graft and ordering deadly fire against anti-government protesters, state media reported.

A local news agency said the 83-year-old former strongman and his two sons Alaa and Gamal have been charged with "premeditated murder of some participants in the peaceful protests of the January 25 revolution". "The public prosecutor Abdel Maguid Mahmud has decided today to refer former president Hosni Mubarak and his two sons Alaa and Gamal and businessman Hussein Salem to a criminal court," the report said. They have also been charged with profiteering and using their positions for illicit gains and squandering public funds, it added. Several of the charges extend to a fourth defendant, Hussein Salem, a businessman close to Mubarak who has been blamed for a controversial deal to supply Israel with gas at lower than usual prices.

He has fled the country.

Mubarak, who was forced to resign on February 11 in the face of 18 straight days of mass protests, has been in police custody in hospital since April 13 in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The veteran leader, who ruled Egypt for three decades, was hospitalised after reportedly suffering a heart attack during questioning.

Prosecutors allege that Mubarak "participated by agreeing with the former interior minister Habib al-Adli and some former police commanders in committing premeditated murder," the agency said. They "incited some officers and policemen to shoot the victims and run them over with vehicles."

An official inquiry found that at least 846 people were killed in the protests, many of them from gunshot wounds. Mubarak's

security chief Habib al-Adli has already been sentenced to 12 years in jail for corruption and faces another trial on charges of ordering the shootings of demonstrators.

The public prosecutor had ordered Mubarak's transfer to a hospital in Cairo's Tora prison, where his two sons are imprisoned. Alaa, Mubarak's elder son, is believed to have used his position to gain a foothold in many businesses but he stayed out of politics, unlike the younger Gamal, who was widely seen as the apparent heir. Gamal, 47, was an investment banker who rose in the former ruling party's ranks in the past decade to head the powerful policies committee. He had reportedly taken a hawkish stance during the protests against his father's rule, urging the president to crack down. The belief that Gamal was being groomed to succeed his father was a main grievance of protesters who took to the streets starting on January 25 to demand Mubarak's overthrow. The spectacular demise of one of the region's most powerful leaders, and a key US and Israeli ally, did not end protests by tens of thousands of Egyptians demanding the former leader be put on trial. The demonstrations throughout March and April placed immense pressure on the military, which assumed power after Mubarak's resignation, and led to a deadly clash with soldiers when they tried to clear an overnight protest in April. Mubarak himself has denied any wrongdoing in an audio tape broadcast on an Arabic-language television station in April.

His lawyer, Farid alDeeb, said that he had no immediate comment.

Several former regime officials are already facing trial for corruption or violence during the revolt.

Mubarak's wife Suzanne was released on bail this month after she returned assets to the government. She is suspected of corruption.

Taliban claims responsibility for Pak bombing The Taliban has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in northwestern Pakistan that killed at least five police officers. The attack took place on Wednesday in Peshawar. Police officials say a bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a building housing a police unit. The blast flattened the building and also left at least 28 people wounded. The Pakistani Taliban has carried out a string of attacks recently that it says are revenge for this month's killing of Osama Bin laden. The al-Qaida leader was killed by U.S. special forces during a raid in Pakistan. Prior to Wednesday's bombing, the Taliban had claimed responsibility for three other incidents, including a Monday attack on a Karachi naval base in which 10 security personnel members were killed.

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18

World

The Brazilian Post

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

Suicide bombing in Kazakhstan Malaysia ranked world's 10th largest consumer of alcohol The World Health Organisation (WHO) has named Malaysia as the world's 10th largest consumer of alcohol. To combat the problem, the government will initiate a campaign to create awareness on the dangers of alcohol abuse. Ten seminars would be held nationwide this year, conducted in Mandarin, Malay, English and Tamil and aimed mostly at those from the ethnic Chinese and Indian communities, which had a high alcohol abuse rate.

"The public has to understand that alcohol is not part of our culture and it will bring harm if it is abused," Malaysia's Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Heng Seai Kie said.

Statistics by the international body this year also showed that Malaysians spent over USD 500 million on alcohol with a per capita consumption of seven litres. Beer consumption in multi-ethnic Malaysia is 11 litres per capita.

The country's 28 million population comprises 60 per cent majority Malays who are Muslims, 25 per cent ethnic Chinese who are mostly Buddhists or Christians and eight per cent ethnic Indians who are mostly from Tamil Nadu and are Hindus. Seai Kie said the problem of alcohol consumption in the country was getting serious, a newspaper report said. "Alcohol is not only causing a lot of health issues but is also contributing to a significant number of accidents," she said. The Road Safety Council estimated that drinking and driving caused 30 per cent of road accidents nationwide, with 38 per cent of these resulting in fatalities. A study also showed that absenteeism from workplace among alcoholics was 16 times higher than others.

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside the headquarters of the security services in the Kazakh capital Astana early last Tuesday, causing casualties, a news agency said. A car with one or two people inside exploded outside the entrance to the headquarters at around 3:30 am (0130 GMT) and body parts of the passengers were blown out by the force of the blast, witnesses told the agency.

One witness showed the agency a video filmed on a mobile phone showing a headless body of a man lying around 10 metres (yards) from the centre of the explosion.

A press secretary for the KNB security services told the agency, however, that a car simply caught fire outside the entrance. "A car just caught fire and blew up. Nothing special happened here. Any car can catch fire in any place," spokesman Kenzhebulat Beknazarov told the agency. The blast came just days after a suicide bombing outside the headquarters of the security service in the northwestern Kazakh city of Aktobe on May 17, which wounded three people including a member of the security services. Such attacks until now have been hugely rare in Kazakhstan, the most stable state in Central Asia which has been run since even before the fall of the Soviet Union by strongman President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

WIKILEAKS: Pak military taught to dislike US Leaked U.S. diplomatic cables accuse the Pakistani military of purposefully trying to instill anti-Americanism in many of its top officers. The 2008 cables obtained by the WikiLeaks website and other media organizations discusses classes for military officers at Pakistan's National Defense University. In one cable, a U.S. military officer who attended classes at the military university said the lecturers would teach the officers information that was heavily biased against America. The American officer said that one guest lecturer, whom he described as a Pakistani one-star general, "claimed the U.S. National Security Agency actively trains correspondents for media organizations." Other lecturers, he said, "thought the CIA was in charge of U.S. media.”

The American officer also said students in the classes shared "many of the biases prevalent in the Muslim world, "including a belief that the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on New York and Washington were part of a "Jewish conspiracy." In contrast, he said the Pakistani instructors and students were adamant in their approval of all things Chinese.

Anti-Americanism runs high in Pakistan, but its has deepened since U.S. special forces covertly entered the country in a May 2 raid that killed al-Qaida leader, Osama bin Laden.

Separate cables written by former U.S. Ambassador Anne Patterson referenced what she called a "lost generation" of Pakistani military officers. Patterson said many of these officers missed out on training opportunities in the United States after Pakistan was slapped with sanctions in the 1990s for pursuing nuclear weapons. The former ambassador suggested increasing U.S. exchange programs with the Pakistani military to give Pakistani officers a chance to get a more balanced view of the U.S. In an interview with a news agency, a teacher at Pakistan's National Defense University denied the allegations. He said he has not seen any indication of antiAmericanism.

THE 2011 PERUVIAN ELECTIONS: National, Hemispheric and Transnational Perspectives Why both candidates wants to be the next South American Lula?

Roundtable with George Philip, chair Professor of Government, London School of Economics Natalia Sobrevilla Head of Hispanic Studies, University of Kent Isaac Bigio Peruvian journalist, Minka News; Correo Paulo Drinot

Date and time: 3 June 2011; 6:00 – 9:00 PM

•••••• Venue: The Beveridge Hall, Ground floor, University of London, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU

Senior Lecturer in Latin American History, Institute for the Study of the Americas

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

The Brazilian Post

World

19

Violent storms Clinton gives clean sweep central US chit to Pakistan Violent storms that swept through a chunk of the central US killed at least nine people in three states, toppling trees, crushing cars and tearing through a rural Arkansas fire station.

The high-powered storms arrived as per forecast last Tuesday night and early last Wednesday, just days after a massive tornado tore through the southwest Missouri town of Joplin and killed 122 people. After killing two people in Kansas and five in Oklahoma, they continued their trek east into Arkansas before petering out. At least two people died as the storms ripped through Arkansas' Franklin and Johnson counties, the state's Department of Emergency Management spokesman Tommy Jackson said. One person died after a tornado ripped the tiny western Arkansas community of Denning shortly after midnight last Wednesday. Another person died in an area called Bethlehem, in Johnson County.

Emergency officials had accounted for everyone else in Bethlehem, said county emergency management director Josh Johnston. Crews were working through the night in the hopes of saying the same thing for other communities. Just outside Denning, winery owner Eugene Post listened to the tornado from his porch. He saw the lights flicker, as the storms yanked power from the community. "I didn't see anything," Post, 83, said early last Wednesday. "I could hear it real loud though. It sounded like a train — or two or three — going by." A number of people were injured in both Franklin and Johnson counties, though officials weren't sure exactly how many. A rural fire station in Franklin County was left without a roof as emergency workers rushed to the wounded. Downed trees and power lines tossed across roadways also slowed searchand-rescue crews' efforts.

Hours earlier, several tornadoes struck Oklahoma City and its suburbs during the last Tuesday night rush hour, killing at least five people and injuring at least 60 others, including three children who were in critical condition, authorities said. Some residents said they had been warned about the impending weather for days and were watching television or listening to the radio so they would know when to take cover. "We

live in Oklahoma and we don't mess around," Lori Jenkins said. "We kept an eye on the weather and knew it was getting close." She took refuge with her husband and two children in a neighbor's storm shelter in the Oklahoma City suburb of Guthrie. When they emerged, they discovered their carport had been destroyed and the back of their home was damaged. Chris Pyle was stunned as he pulled into the suburban neighborhood near Piedmont where he lived as a teenager. His parents' home was destroyed, but the house next door had only a few damaged shingles.

"That's when it started sinking in," he said.

"You don't know what to think. There are lots of memories, going through the trash tonight, finding old trophies and pictures."

His parents, Fred and Snow Pyle, rode out the storm in a shelter at a nearby school.

Cherokee Ballard, a spokeswoman for the state medical examiner, said four people died west of Oklahoma City in Canadian County, where a weather-monitoring site in El Reno recorded 151 mph winds.

At Chickasha, 25 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, a 26-year-old woman died when a tornado hit a mobile home park where residents had been asked to evacuate their trailers, Assistant Police Chief Elip Moore said. He said a dozen people were injured and that hundreds were displaced when the storm splintered their homes.

In Kansas, police said two people died when high winds threw a tree into their van around 6 p.m. near the small town of St. John, about 100 miles west of Wichita. The highway was shut down because of storm damage.

The path of the storms included Joplin, which is cleaning up from the recent Sunday storm that was the nation's eighthdeadliest twister among records dating to 1840. Late-night tornado sirens had Joplin's residents ducking for cover again before the storm brushed past without serious problems. The storms also blew through North Texas, but the damage seemed to be confined to roofs and trees and lawn furniture and play equipment. "The hail was probably more destructive," said Steve Fano, National Weather Service meteorologist in Fort Worth.

Arnold's sexual liaisons under lens

Arnold Schwarzenegger is reportedly being investigated by the California attorney generals office over claims that the former governor of the state used state-funded security measures to cover up his many sexual liaisons behind his wife's back.

The Terminator stars former security supervisor, William Taylor, has claimed that the star used tax payers money to cover up his extramarital affairs, reported media sources. The veteran law enforcement officer made the explosive claims and even passed a polygraph test. He said that Schwarzenegger used California highway patrol officers and vehicles to drive young, scantily-clad women to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Sacramento on a regular basis. He claims much of the hotel and the governors staff knew what was going on but that they were all too scared to speak out.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Friday she was even more committed to Pakistan after Osama bin Laden's killing, but said the country needed to do more in its battle with Islamist militants. Clinton is the most senior US official to visit Islamabad since relations between the wary allies went into freefall over the US Navy SEALs raid on May 2 that killed the al-Qaida chief in the city of Abbottabad. Shrouded in blanket security, she met Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, before talks with army chief Ashfaq Kayani and the chief of Pakistan's intelligence agency Ahmad Shuja Pasha.

The discovery that the world's most-wanted man was living just a stone's throw from Pakistan's equivalent of West Point raised troubling questions about whether anyone in the Pakistani establishment was protecting him. She said the United States had "absolutely no evidence that anyone at the highest level of the Pakistani government" knew where bin Laden was and said she would return to Washington "ever more committed" to the relationship. "This was an especially important visit because we have reached a turning point. Osama bin Laden is dead but Al-Qaeda and his syndicate of terror remain a serious threat to us both," Clinton said. "There is a momentum toward political reconciliation in Afghanistan but the insurgency continues to operate from safe havens here in Pakistan," she added, saying she believed that Pakistan and the United States had the same goals.

Pakistan has suffered a wave of attacks since the May 2 raid, with the country's main Taliban faction vowing to strike Pakistani and American targets to avenge his death in the American raid.

On the eve of Clinton's visit, 35 people were killed in a suicide car bombing outside a Pakistani police station in the northwestern town of Hangu late last Thursday. Islamabad's alliance with Washington is deeply unpopular in Pakistan, where the bin Laden operation and a CIA drone war against militant commanders in the tribal belt fuels widespread anti-American sentiment.

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Economy

The Brazilian Post

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

Chopping down the Amazon

cholanda@brazilianpost.co.uk

Understanding what is happening to the world's largest tropical forest is hard: efforts to monitor deforestation in the Amazon are hampered by cloud cover, which can prevent satellites from getting a full picture of what's happening on the ground. The numbers also tend to ping around month by month, prompting alarm among conservationists one month and triumphalism from Brazil's government, which tries to prevent illegal logging, the next. The most recent release from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research showed a 473% increase in deforestation during March and April 2011 compared with the same period last year. This sounds alarming, and it may well turn out to be so. But it also comes in the context of falling deforestation. It will probably be a couple of years before it is possible to tell for sure whether the government's proposal to regularise land tenure in the Amazon region is resulting in more active chainsaws there.

Upwardly mobile nannies move into the Brazilian middle class In a decade working as a nanny, Andreia Soares finally clambered up the ladder into Brazil's middle class. Andreia Soares played with a child at her employer's home. The training she has received has helped her command higher pay. With the money she saved, she bought a two-bedroom apartment with granite kitchen countertops and a small veranda, a house for her mother, a plot of land for her brother and a Louis Vuitton purse from Paris that she proudly pulls from a closet. Later this year, with her monthly salary of $3,100, which she earns caring for a 10-month-old girl in an upscale neighborhood, she plans to buy a $39,000 car — in cash.

“I have always had this dream of buying a house and a car,” said Ms. Soares, 39. “Today that dream is closer than ever for nannies.”

While she has done better than many of her counterparts, Ms. Soares is part of a nanny revolution that is shattering the colonial stereotype of inexpensive but dedicated domestic help in Latin America. As their expectations for a better quality of life rise, nannies are increasingly seeking to work for the very wealthy and becoming less affordable for many middle-class families. The shift is causing ripples of class tension, posing a nettlesome problem in a society in which more women are entering the work force without the sort of elaborate system of day care that exists in some industrialized nations.

Fading fast are the days when white-frocked nannies worked for a menial salary, with only two days off every 15 days.

Better-qualified nannies are refusing to work weekends and are demanding salaries that are two to four times what they were paid just five years ago. A growing number are refusing to sleep over or are leaving the field, choosing jobs that allow more time for a private life, according

to parents, nannies and directors of nanny placement agencies. The income of domestic employees in Brazil, including nannies and maids, rose 34 percent from 2003 to 2009 — more than twice the average increase for all of Brazil's active workers — said Marcelo Neri, an economist at the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. At the same time, he said, the working hours of domestic employees fell by 5 percent to 36.2 hours a week.

“Today, what I need from a nanny job is different than before,” said Ieda Barreto, 32. Seven years ago, she was making about $400 a month and had only 24 hours off every Thursday, making it tough to hold onto a boyfriend. Today she expects to make almost $1,900 working Monday to Friday, and she charges an additional $250 to work weekends. The rising expectations reflect the growth of Brazil's middle class, which rose to nearly 55 percent of the population in 2010 from 37 percent in 2003, Dr. Neri said. “Brazil is becoming like the United States,” where hourly paid housekeepers are more common than sleep-over nannies, said Jacqueline Szwarc, a psychologist who was picking up her children outside a private school in São Paulo. “The salaries have gotten very high, and the search for domestic help has become very difficult.”

The supply of nannies has thinned as some have sought other work in the expanding job market, driving up salaries for those who stay in the field, economists, nannies and nanny agency directors said. Many remaining nannies are taking courses to become better qualified and to help them find work in wealthier homes, where they can charge much more. While some mothers embrace the changes as good for Brazil's development, many are up in arms. Once isolated, nannies now trade information about the market and working conditions through e-mail, blogs and social networks.

Google set to introduce credit card alternative Google is planning to launch an "electronic wallet" that will allow users of its Android phones to use their device to make payments as an alternative to using a credit card.

The technology giant is making its move into the nascent market for mobile payments in partnership with MasterCard and the US bank Citigroup, and announced details at a media event in New York.

New Android phones will be fitted with so-called nearfield communications (NFC) technology, which means they can communicate wirelessly with readers at checkouts. Advocates say the technology will speed up queues and will also give retailers access to more information about their customers, which can then be used to offer discounts and loyalty schemes.

Banks, telecoms companies and the major payment-processing companies – MasterCard, Visa and American Express – have all been examining ways to use the new technology, but have found it hard to agree how to split the fees that they will charge merchants. With Android now the fastest-growing operating system for smartphones, Google's intervention has the potential to galvanise the market, though the company is likely to be cautious in its promises for the technology today. NFC chips are embedded so far only in the Nexus S phone and initially retailers could be limited to New York and San Francisco.

Reports suggest that, behind the scenes, the e-wallet is expected to consist of a MasterCard credit card account and a prepaid Google MasterCard. Google may not take a cut of sales made using its devices, hoping instead to profit from the possibility of advertising to customers.

The analysis group Juniper Research predicts that by the end of 2014, 300 million devices will be able to offer their users swipe-and-pay. The value of contactless payments and ticketing using NFC will hit $113bn per year by 2016, it said in a recent report.

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MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

The Brazilian Post

Runways required Private investors can make airports bigger, but not big enough With their crowds, delays and “retail opportunities”, airports impart feelings that range from irritation to despair. The experience is likely to get worse. Over the next 20 years the number of jets circling the planet is set to double, but investment in airports probably won't. In Europe twice as many passengers are expected to squeeze through 41% more capacity.

One reason why airports are grim is that many are state-owned. Of the world's 30 busiest ones, 19 are stateowned and most of the rest are public-private partnerships. In the past they were “administered rather than managed” to serve state-owned airlines, says Andreas Schimm of Airports Council International (ACI), an umbrella body. Governments now try to run airports on commercial lines, but few do it well. Privatisations could help. Incheon and Cheongju airports in South Korea are likely to seek private investors soon. So are Munich, Moscow's two smaller airports, France's regional airports and a host of others. Even in America, where complicated federal rules discourage either selling or buying airports, a scheme to privatise Chicago Midway and four other airports is picking up speed again. In Brazil, however, an effort to woo private cash to spruce up shabby airports before the football World Cup is stalling.

An airport ought to be a sound investment. BAA, which runs Britain's biggest airports, has coined it. Eyebrows were raised when Macquarie, an Australian bank, bought Sydney airport in 2002. But it quickly boosted revenues and profits.

The “release value” of taking public assets private can be enormous, says Peter Morris of Ascend, a consultancy. Inves-

tors could now be more wary, however. Empty public coffers might encourage governments to demand too high a price. The liberalisation of air travel has increased competition between big hubs, especially in Europe and the Gulf. And the soaring growth of low-cost airlines has added to the pressure. Budget carriers are far more flexible and ruthless than their full-fare competitors. If business sags or landing fees rise, they will drop an airport as surely as a baggage-handler will drop a bag marked “fragile”.

Privatisation can improve efficiency and service quality. But passengers may face other torments. Airports earn just 18% of their revenues from airlines, according to ACI. The rest comes from passenger fees, parking charges, rent from retailers and so on. Rather than squeezing airlines, which can fly away, it is more tempting to go after passengers, who are hemmed in by metal detectors and armed police. Airlines grouch that landing fees always rise at privatised airports.

Giovanni Bisignani, the boss of IATA, a group that represents airlines, argues that the best airports are those with good managers and tough regulators, and that ownership matters less. But regulations will surely have to weaken to attract private money. By some estimates $1 trillion of new investment will be needed over the next two decades to match airport capacity to flight plans.

Yet there are barely a dozen airport groups that might be tempted to bid for the terminals and runways on the block.

They are unlikely to raise enough cash to keep pace with the rising volume of passengers. The queues will only grow longer.

P&G Financial celebrates anniversary with a new name The accountancy & consultancy Firm P&G Financial UK Ltd has changed its name and is now called Global P&G. William Pineda and Patricia Giraldo, a Colombian graduated accountant couple, commenced their business ten years ago, offering bookkeeping services to the Spanish speaking traders in London. Their first customers were owners of Latin-American products businesses, cleaning companies, mass media, restaurants and bakeries. During their first years, they focused on giving a personalized service; their standardized levels together with the commitment to their clients, cooperated to their mutual growth. It further strengthened and bolstered their slogan “Seriousness and Professionalism at your service”. Three years later, they changed their legal structure, creating a limited company: P&G Financial UK Ltd, as this would generate more confidence and communicate stability to their existing and new clients, employees, suppliers and to the community in general.

Now P&G Financial Uk has changed its name to “Global P&G”, since its strong and permanent growth has allowed it to establish strategic alliances in different countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and USA. This valuable move will lead to successful handling of the challenges raised by globalization and competitiveness; thus, its clients will be able to be in contact with people from countries outside the UK who want to create business and vice versa.

Global P&G is a team made of qualified and professional people, capable of giving advice to its customers in different areas such as administrative, accountancy, audit, taxes and general business consultancy.

Being always surrounded by clients and employees of different nationalities has allowed them to know

more about cultures, habits and histories, which has become an important factor taken into account for an appropriate advice to its clients on topics such as strategies to manage their business, costs control, imports, exports and more. Its clients are small and medium sized businesses, the majority of which are managed by their own proprietors. The objective of Global P&G is to help business owners to fill the existing shortages through a multifunctional team, adapting the existing resources to maximize their usage thus offering to its clients an integral and complete support system. A clear example of the guarantee that Global P&G offers is advising not to pay any fine imposed by the Tax Office (HMRC) and/or Companies House, as long as the client submits the information opportunely.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Global P&G has teamed up with Producer Alex Daniel Albuja to create a cultural event which will be held at The Bloomsbury Theatre in Central London to thank their clients for making this company what it is today; some of their clients have even taken an active role in providing a wide range of services to make this event happen. Also, the occasion will be marked by the presence of Ambassadors, Members of Diplomatic bodies and Members of the Government such as the Mayor of Lambeth.

Global P&G would like to take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to all its clients for their trust and loyalty during these 10 years, and pay a tribute to those, who as immigrants have proudly created their own businesses, encouraging the economy and taking an active part within the English Community. If you are interested in establishing your own business, are looking to solve a tax or accountancy issue or simply would like to know new strategies to promote your existing business, Global P&G is your solution.

Economy

21

Sony sees profit this fiscal year, despite PSN breach Although Sony had a rough time in its most recent fiscal year, the situation is apparently looking up for this year. In the 12 months that will end March 31, 2012, Sony expects to generate revenue of 7.5 trillion yen ($90 billion, based on Sony's exchange forecast) and a profit of 80 billion yen ($963 million). Sony's expectations of its performance stand in stark contrast to its most recent fiscal year, which ended March 31. The Japanbased company said it lost nearly $3.2 billion in FY 2011 on revenue of nearly $88 billion.

Earlier last week, Sony prereleased its earnings, asserting that much of that loss was due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11. The company was forced to take a quake-related sales hit of 22 billion yen, Sony has said. For the current fiscal year, Sony said its higher revenue and profit will be attributable to LCD TV sales. In addition, the company believes it will see higher sales in its game business, likely due to the possible launch later this year of the Next Generation Portable. This device, which will replace Sony's current PlayStation Portable, is expected to feature dual thumbsticks, a 5-inch display, and vastly improved graphics as compared.

On the downside, Sony is forecasting declining sales and operating income in its music business due to the continued "contraction of the physical music market."

Another issue Sony is still handling is the fallout from last month's PlayStation Network and Qriocity security breach, which left the personal information of millions of people open to hackers. The services weren't restored until mid-May. Last week, Sony unveiled an identity-theftprotection service, called AllClear ID Plus, to help safeguard its subscribers.

It also offered a $1 million insurance policy to each person in the event of identity theft. All those efforts, in addition to the cost of rebuilding its security infrastructure, could lead Sony's video game operating income to "significantly decrease," the company said in its recent release.

22

Sport

The Brazilian Post

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

Brazilian dream alive After 4 Brazilian teams got kicked out of the most important South America club competition, Santos became the only Brazilian hope in the Libertadores Cup. After a 1-0 home win over Cerro Porteno of Paraguay last week, the Brazilian team could reach their fourth Libertadores Cup final with one draw against Cerro Porteno on the following Wednesday match. Santos could count on Paulo Ganso’s return, the player was out from the first leg because of an injury, but all eyes are still on Neymar, he is the player that can make a difference in these games. In the other semifinal, Penarol of Uruguay and Velez Sarsfield are playing for the other place in the final.

VILLAS BOAS: A success story at 33

José Mourinho calls himself as the Special one and he has the right to do that. The Real Madrid’s coach is one the most talented and polemical professionals but it looks like he is not the only ‘Special’ one at the moment. Villa Boas, 33, had a brilliant start to his career in his first season as Porto’s coach. He won the Primeira liga, Portuguese Cup and the UEFA Europa League and became the youngest football manager in history to win a European title.

Although Villa Boas worked as Mourinho’s assistant for many years, he has developed his own style. Mourinho is a tactic man, whereas Villas Boas prefers to give freedom to his players; he likes to talk to the players and because of that the atmosphere at the club is amazing. However, even with different visions about football, Mourinho and Villas Boas certainly have things in common, other than both being Portuguese, they both are natural champions.

Villas Boas is only 33 years old and his career has just begun but everyone can already see his potential and he is now becoming the target for big clubs like Juventus and Roma so it won't come as a surprise if we see someone paying €15 million to take Villas Boas away from Porto next season. See below some of Villas Boas records: • The club record for the most matches across all competitions unbeaten (36). This record was previously held by José Mourinho at 33 matches.

• Most wins in Europe in one season by a Portuguese club.

• Most points in a 30-game Portuguese league season.

• The highest number of consecutive wins in the Portuguese league.

• The biggest margin over the second placed team in the league.

• The only team to go unbeaten through a Portuguese league season aside from Benfica in 1972/73 and 1977/78.

Work on new WC 2014 stadium delayed

The biggest Brazilian city club could be out of the World Cup opening. Sao Paulo is fighting to host the first World Cup match in 2014 but the delay to start the building of the new stadium is putting their dreams at risk. The initial project was valued at £265 million but after FIFA officers required some necessary changes in the stadium security, press accommodation and parking, the new project is now valued at £380 million.

Sao Paulo’s government has claimed they don’t have the money to make those changes and they are asking private companies to help them. FIFA has announced that Sao Paulo is already out of the Confederation Cup in 2013 and if they don’t get on time with the new stadium building they will be out of the World Cup too, which will be a big deception and huge loss of money and consequently of tourism and new jobs creation.

Ferrari making changes

Ferrari looks like it is out of the party this season. The Italian team has claimed just one podium finish so far and is currently third in the constructors’ table, 110 points adrift from championship leaders Red Bull. Trying to change this situation, Ferrari has announced last week that Aldo Costa has relinquished his position as technical director to take on new responsibilities within the company. The team also unveiled a new three-part structure for their technical department. They are trying to improve their performance but in my point of view they will need more than few changes in the technical department to get back in the race.

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

The Brazilian Post

Sport

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Guadalajara 2011 - Gilberto Silva returns home Pan American Games The 2002 World Cup Champion is back at home after more than a decade playing in the European football scene. Gilberto went to Europe in 2002 where he joined Arsenal for a fee of £4.5 million, he was essential in helping Arsenal win the FA Premier League title whilst going the entire season unbeaten. But after that, during the winter months of the 2007–08 season, Gilberto started a limited number of games for The Gunners and become more and more frustrated with not playing regularly. This was the reason why he left Arsenal to join Panathinaikos. As a Panathinaikos captain, Gilberto managed to win 2009/10 Greek Championship and Greek Cup in the 2009/10 season. Now he has decided to end his 11-year European career and to return home to Brazil by signing an 18-month deal with Brazilian giant Grêmio.

Brazil set for Volleyball World League

Brazil is the likely winner in the men’s category while in the women’s, Mexico has great possibilities. In general, Latin America has grown significantly in the last five or six years; it’s a level of quality we had been missing since the 1990s. Over one hundred players from 27 countries are competing for a pass to the Guadalajara 2011 Pan American Games. The Latin American Table Tennis Senior Championship taking place in Guadalajara, has Brazil as the greatest team, according to Raul Calin Clemente, Competition Director of the International Table Tennis Federation.

Sixteen teams from around the world prepare to face-off in the world’s premier annual volleyball competition, set to span over seven weeks and concluding with the Final Round in Gdansk-Sopot, Poland from July 6 to 10.

Teams have been divided into four pools and will face each other four times, twice at home and twice away and the top two teams from each pool will qualify for the finals. Brazil meanwhile will be looking to capture a record tenth title this year and will be the favourites after a stirring victory in last year’s Men’s World Championship. But coach Bernardinho is under no illusions that victory is a sure thing after a gruelling domestic season for most of his players, but has said that he will need to be careful in his team selection.“The World League is long and wearing, so we will need to think before choosing the players for the first matches,” he said.

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The Brazilian Post

MAY 30th - JUNE 5th 2011

FRIENDS AGAIN

Fresh from a triumphant stop in Ireland, US president Barack Obama began his state visit to London on Tuesday last week looking to put the "special" back in the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Queen Elizabeth met the first lady Michelle Obama and the president with all the pomp of an official state visit. The guards played the “Star-Spangled Banner” in honor of the American president and his wife, as the Obamas stood with their hands on their hearts. The president joined Prince Philip in reviewing the troops.

Obamas also met privately in the palace with newlyweds Prince William and Kate Middleton.

“One area where we need to co-operate is on rebuilding our economies,” Obama and Cameron wrote in the Times of London. “What's at stake now is whether new jobs and businesses take root in our countries or somewhere else. We are two different countries but our destination must be the same: strong and stable growth, reduced deficits and reform of our financial systems,” they wrote.

In conjunction with Obama's visit,, the two leaders announced the creation of a new joint U.S.-British security council. The move comes three weeks after American forces killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a raid in Pakistan.

Obama and Cameron praised the push for political reforms in the Middle East and North Africa, saying supporting democratic aspirations was necessary to combat the religious extremism of groups like al-Qaeda. And they pledged continued support for the rebel uprising against Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi.

“Our efforts against al-Qaeda -- and our mission in Libya -- are critical to the type of world that we want to build,” Obama and Cameron wrote. “Bin Laden's ideology is one that has failed to take hold. Gaddafi's reign represents the region's past.”

The White House will rely on the Joint Strategy Board to help coordinate long-term strategy on security issues and greater sharing of intelligence, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an initiative before it was announced.

Obama, Cameron jointly scripted pincer attack on Pak?

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron unveiled a new security partnership recently. He also became the first U.S. president to address a joint session of Parliament in historic Westminster Hall.

London: British PM David Cameron's remark, that Pakistan exports terror, was calibrated and an outcome of strategy discussions between Cameron and US president Barack Obama in Washington just a week prior to UK PM's visit to India, to impel Pakistan to give up its duplicity.

A source at 10, Downing Street confirmed that Obama and Cameron had discussed Pakistan during their talks in Washington a week before the latter's visit to India. It may be recalled that the US had put Pakistan on a watchlist of states sponsoring terrorism as far back as the early 1990s.

More, the tone of US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton during her recent trip to Pakistan was not dissimilar to Cameron's; except she worded it differently and did not express herself in India — always a sore point for Islamabad.

While the sharp, albeit predictable, Pakistani reaction has created nervousness in some circles in the UK, Cameron has stuck to his guns. Answering questions on last Tuesday, he maintained: "There has been and still is a problem of terror groups in Pakistan that threaten other countries." He added: "They also threaten our troops in Afghanistan, threaten India and threaten us; and they need to be dealt with."

On last Friday, Cameron received Pakistan's president Asif Ali Zardari. The Pakistan High Commissioner in the UK, Shamsul Hasan, has been whipping up such sentiments with unusually aggressive comments about Cameron. In the past few days, in a rather unorthodox style of diplomacy, he has described the British PM as "ignorant".

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Branson will raise £3bn to buy Lloyds branches Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Money aims to have lined up £3bn of financing by the end of July to bid for 600 branches being sold by bailed-out Lloyds Banking Group. The Virgin group entrepreneur met the new Lloyds chief executive, Antonio HórtaOsório, on last Tuesday to discuss a bid that, if successful, would allow Branson to achieve a long-held goal to enter high street banking on large scale. He failed in an attempt to buy Northern Rock before it was nationalised in February 2008 and has been thought to still be interested in owning the Newcastle lender, which is currently considering ways to extricate itself from state ownership.

Deutsche Bank is advising Northern Rock and UK Financial Investments, which looks after the taxpayer's stakes in the bailed-out banks, on its options.

Branson told media sources that he was serious about the Lloyds branches, which must be sold to appease EU rules on state aid. "This is something that can happen quickly and smoothly. We are a serious bidder and can give the government what it wants through competition," he said. The independent commission on banking, chaired by Sir John Vickers, has suggested that the 600 branches being sold by Lloyds would not be enough to inject more competition into the high street and is considering demanding Lloyds sell off even more. The commission has also raised the idea that the Lloyds branches be combined with Northern Rock to create an even more formidable player to the big four – Lloyds, Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC and Barclays.

But, Branson disputed the commission's verdict. "We appreciate what the commission is saying but we don't want to delay the process. We think we can build a formidable competitor with 600 and would almost rather they didn't muddy the water," he said. Hórta-Osório is determined only to sell off the 600 required by the EU and has accelerated the process since taking the helm at Lloyds in March. He was lured from Santander, which is also growing rapidly in the UK after buying Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester, parts of Bradford & Bingley and the branches that RBS must sell to meet state aid rules.