Burl Ives got it wrong; the most wonderful time of the year, in much of the world, is upon us – Carnival. For four, five, six, even seven days leading up to Ash Wednesday, revelers in the Catholic world drop inhibitions and taboos in a frenzied, culturally-mixed-and-matched attempt to “get it all in” before having […]
Being a writer is like being a born-again Christian. Everyday, you have to rededicate yourself to the overall endeavor. Sometimes, especially in the face of temptation and distraction, that rededication takes mountains of faith. So here I am, faithful and rededicated – again. Let’s see how long it lasts. Writing isn’t the only endeavor that
On Writing, Rededication, and Faith Read More
Just a few of my favorite love songs in languages other than English:
Global Juke Joint: International Valentine’s Day Special Read More
Last summer, Wallpaper* magazine published its “Born in Brazil” issue, a 210-page design-focused exposé on the established names and up-and-comers in the realms of Brazilian work and play. Along with the print version, the magazine included on its website this beautifully-shot, beautifully-scored look at the remarkable energy – and traffic – of São Paulo, as
A Tale of Two Cities – Part One Read More
So, I’ve settled into a new one-bedroom apartment in Downtown São Paulo. The place has character: huge rooms, high ceilings, French doors leading out to a small terrace where I can sit and write (theoretically), with my feet being massaged on top of the clothes dryer. My street is one of those formerly-grand boulevards gone
The View from the Crib Read More
After a devastating earthquake one year ago, the first colony in the hemisphere to throw off the yoke of slavery – a place that has forever been punished for that courageous act – is still in major need of financial and physical assistance. I have asked two of my fellow bloggers, native Floridians, and all
Last year, Air France decided it would compile a bit of its inflight musical entertainment into half-hour podcasts that you can download every couple of months. With an esoteric mix of relaxingly ambient and soulfully acoustic selections, the “On Air” podcast is excellent accompaniment for a lazy Sunday afternoon in the hammock, a lounge-y late
Global Juke Joint: “On Air” by Air France Music Read More
First, I want to start the new year giving thanks to you, my readers, for traveling with me this far. I know I’m not very communicative via the comments section, but I sincerely appreciate every person who looks at my blog and takes away even the smallest bit of inspiration – be it to travel,
A Thank You and a Goodbye Read More
Vai-Vai was my first. In January of 2006, during my first trip to São Paulo, I became washed in the downpour of sound and energy that is the open-air rehearsal of the Vai-Vai Samba School. I fell in love with Brazil that night. With the cadences that were only two or three beats away from
Feliz Na Vida: Sou Vai-Vai Read More
Next time you’re on the train… Berlin: U8 to Hermannstraße Buenos Aires: Línea C to Constitución London: Piccadilly Line to Cockfosters New York: 2 Train – Uptown & The Bronx Tokyo: Ginza Line to Shibuya
Global Juke Joint: Subway Sounds (Classic Lounge Edition) Read More
