Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics - live your passion

By Anna Avalanche, Gisa Miles and Luiz Speedwell


This was our latest article publish at déjà vu Magazine. Touch here to read my new article


Especially now that Rio de Janeiro – Rio – was chosen by the International Olympic Committee, to host the XXXI Olympic Games in the year of 2016 it is very gratifying to write again about the marvelous city. Rio is still proudly celebrating a historic victory for being the first South American city to host the Olympics Games. So, Brazilians, with their beaches, fantastic beautiful nature, and the vibrant economy which recent performance has embarrassed many developing-world countries, believe that Rio — and South America — deserves the chance to show what it can do.



Yes, it is Brazil's time and it is time to light the Olympic torch in a tropical country. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) agreed — and that lit up carnival in Rio de Janeiro, a city that knows how to party perhaps better than any other. As the decision was announced, the world forgot Rio's problems for a moment and the city was very happy and excited. This will bring a lot of investment and should bring more security as well as a big party some people think.

Given its sheer size — a country just about as large as the U.S. and with a population of 190 million — Brazil has always willing to receive this big event. Brazil has a big tourism industry, doesn’t have conflicts since 1870 (Paraguayan War) nor natural disasters (hurricane, tsunami, earthquake, tornadoes), the people is friendly, warm, and very affable with visitors. But, aside from soccer and “Carnaval”, the world has rarely have interest about it. Brazil — was the only New World country to have a monarchy and Rio was the only colony city in the world that was a capital of an Empire (the Portuguese Empire from 1808 to 1821) and Brazilian independence was peaceful because of those circumstances — has endless beaches, heavenly climate and sensual “bossa nova” culture finally started tapping its vast potential, under President Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1994-2002) the best president Brazil had have until now. He had prepared the country to get its Olympic dreams to come true.

The entire Olympic bid has been extremely popular. About 85% of Rio de Janeiro citizens (Cariocas) and 69% of Brazilians supported the city's candidacy. Although Rio still has big problems to fix. As if that isn't enough to deal with, two very large issues are tourist lodgings and security. However we have plenty of time and for the biggest athletic event of all, and the Rio Olympic organizing committee has set its budget at $2.82 billion, with another $11.1 billion going to related expenses such as transport, power and security. We all hope that all promise is kept about facilities and population benefits as well as the cost will not lead to overbilling like happened at the Pan American Games of 2007.



Nevertheless winning the Games is a huge boost for Rio. The decision promises to transform a city that has fallen into disrepair since losing its capital city status in 1960 to the modernist metropolis of Brasilia. The massive investment will rejuvenate it. In fact, organizers and government administrators believe that every Brazilian “Real” spent on the Games will generate three in profit.

Rio de Janeiro proposes to hold all sporting events within the city limits—apart from the football (soccer) tournaments which would be held in the cities of Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Salvador and São Paulo—making the Games more compact and technically feasible. The proposed dates range from August 5 to 21 for the Summer Olympics, and September 7 (Independence Day of Brazil) to 18 for the Summer Paralympics.

The IOC Assembly felt it was the only city in Brazil and Latin America which possess Olympic-level facilities ready for an Olympic, a legacy hosting of XV Pan American Games in 2007. Besides that the city is owner of a unique natural beauty. The contrast between the sea with mountains and the old with the contemporary become it irresistible. The weather in Rio de Janeiro is always very agreeable and the city doesn’t depend on seasons of the year. Its attractions can be appreciated at any time of the year. The richness of its history and the contagious fun of its residents have contributed to its image as a very special destination. There are Majestic monuments, natural parks, splendid belvederes, historical buildings, glamorous beaches and more.



Rio de Janeiro has also previously hosted major sporting, business and cultural events. On the sporting front, these events have included World Cups and World Championships in many Olympic sports, and regional championships. The city staged the XV Pan American Games (over 5,650 athletes competing in 34 sports) and the accompanying Parapan American Games (over 1,150 athletes competing in 10 sports). Rio de Janeiro hosted the 1950 FIFA World Cup and is going to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup, two years before the 2016 Summer Olympics, which includes upgrades to security, telecommunications, and tourism infrastructure. There will also be another event previously the Olympic. The 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup will be organized by Brazil and used as a test event for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The 2016 Summer Olympic program is scheduled to feature 28 sports and a total of 38 disciplines. For this major event the IOC includes rugby sevens and golf on the program for the Games. Both golf and rugby are very popular sports with global appeal.

Rio de Janeiro's Olympic slogan "Live your passion" reflects the Brazilian people's way of getting passionately involved in whatever they do. So be prepare at 2016 you have a Schedule invitation to be in Rio de Janeiro!!!




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Madonna in Brazil - US$ 10 million raised in one week

By Anna Avalanche, Gisa Miles and Luiz Speedwell

This was our latest article publish at déjà vu Magazine. Touch here to read my new article


For the enormous Madonna’s world fans she is news again, this time from Brazil. Different from others pop stars she is getting media attention for social projects, not for beating a photographer drunk in a bar nor by an exotic plastic surgery she did, and that’s great!



The latest news, from Brazil, was the presence of the music pop star back to Rio de Janeiro. This time she was not on a show tour. Although, she always make a show where she goes. The excitement the singer provokes every occasion visiting the country has a noble reason this week. Madonna claims to be on a humanitarian mission. The singer came to Brazil to meet her boyfriend’s (Jesus Luz) family and to promote the non-governmental organization (NGO) Success For Kids (SFK), a charity supporting children and their families by offering free courses in art and sport, aiming social inclusion. Her NGO was renaming to take out the religious impression from the project. However the principle remains the same, show people that they are responsible for their destiny, to change their reality and the environment in which they live. For those who do not know, Madonna invests in three social projects in Brazil, through its NGO SFK: two in Rio de Janeiro - the hills of Joy and kids - and one in Sao Paulo.



Madonna created the entity to fight poverty in the country where she adopted her two young children, David and Merc. The Raising Malawi is partner of SFK. In Brazil SFK already have, an office in Sao Paulo and includes other NGO’s partners like “Gotas de Flor com Amor” and “Lua Nova”, which care for single mothers who are victims of violence. These NGO’s are support by money from privet and government organizations.

Madonna seeks partners to fund the expansion of her social project and had plane to raise US$ 10 million from native business residents to expand SFK in Brazil. All over the week she has meets with the wealthier businessman. She does not intend to build anything; the whole investment will be in training of professionals to apply the precepts of SFK.




Fallowing Madonna’s agenda in her visit to Rio

Accompanied by Jesus Luz, which was, alongside almost all events. She even might have known the mother of her boyfriend Cristiane Luz. Besides this Information has not been confirmed, Madonna may have another chance: She will probably perform on 2011 the Copacabana New Year's Eve said Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes.


She also met Eike Batista, the richest man in the country, which has donated several million to the Malawi Foundation. However the pop queen vacation was not only meeting politicians and businessmen. Madonna visited Santa Marta favela (shantytown) and relax at Rio de Janeiro. While visiting Morro Dona Marta favela she watched Santa Marta Children percussion group and a local street dance group presentation. In certain moment Madonna said she loves Rio and was very happy to be there. "It's great to be here, I love the Rio" said Madonna




On the afternoon of Wednesday, Madonna was visited by 35 children in the Olympic Energy project in the Morro dos Cabritos. Hosted by Marcelo Sauaia since 2006 and sponsored by Furnas and Eletrobrás, the entity was chosen to be the first experience of the SFK activity in Rio - nevertheless is not supported by it. The first floor of Fasano hotel, the children attended, along with Madonna, the fifth class of a total of ten travel rules of the game of life. In the end, Madonna gave a small lecture, which told the children the importance of the initiative and that they take the lessons seriously.



The goal was to raise US$ 10 million. And she did. After six days in Rio de Janeiro, Madonna left the city on Saturday night getting US$ 3 million in the first days and completed the goal, thanks to entrepreneur Eike Batista. He donated US$ 7 million. The donation, made during a dinner, in his residence, that also featured political figures and artists, left the singer moved. Surely the "Diva" has left Brazil very happy.

We all hope that the money can be used to promote Madonna’s social project and aid kids here in Brazil. As everything she does we are sure she will achieve success helping people as well.




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Golden Grass the “Jalapão” Gold

By Anna Avalanche, Gisa Miles and Luiz Speedwell

Pictures by Marly Rocha and Assessora de Comunicação da Agência de Desenvolvimento Turístico Estado do Tocantins

This was our latest article publish at déjà vu Magazine. Touch here to read my new article


“Capim dourado” - called golden grass (syngonanthus nitens) - actually is the stem of a small white flower from the “always-alive” plant species. In the flower are found the seeds that guarantee the perpetuation of the plant (native of Jalapão), and income for some people who live in “Jalapão”.


Golden grass only sprouts in “Jalapão” (read the article Jalapão the
world gorgeous desert ). It’s the thin stem with intense gold metallic shine that is used by local women to turn the grass into a variety of craft items: bags, earrings, bracelets, hats, mandalas (wall-hangings), baskets and decoration objects. These pieces with unique beauty have crossed Tocantins’ borders, distributed throughout Brazil and also abroad.

The art of working with golden grass was taught to local women by indigenous who inhabited the region. Today, the techniques of golden grass handicraft are still taught from generation to generation in the village of Mumbuca and also in the cities of Mateiros, Ponte Alta, Novo Acordo, Santa Tereza, Lagoa do Tocantins and in Prata, a village of São Felix do Jalapão County.

Besides tourism, another factor that is revolutionizing the local “Jalapão” economy is the growing popularity of golden grass craft. The handicraft made from golden grass straw look impressive brightness similar to gold. Almost like gold metal some pieces of golden grass handicraft can cost over $500.00 USD overseas.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit “Tocantins” and the “Jalapão” desert you must buy a souvenir made from golden grass and see how the skillful hands from artisans’ women work the grass. Amazing beautiful.


All handicraft jewelry are made by golden grass









This article has been sponsored by > AA Trade Company
and inside SL AA Trade Company, Cleary (128,128,0)




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Bonito is beautiful

By Anna Avalanche, Gisa Miles and Luiz Speedwell

This was our latest article publish at déjà vu Magazine. Touch here to read my new article


The city of Bonito - means beautiful in Portuguese, but the word beautiful can’t describe this wonderful place - distance about one thousand kilometer away from São Paulo and a little bit more from Rio de Janeiro, is one the most complex and fascinating natural area of water leisure in the world. Despite its distance from the Brazilian major cities, Bonito has a very good hostelry and restaurants infrastructure.



A paradise at the south of Pantanal, in Mato Grosso do Sul state, with hundred of waterfalls, lakes and rivers of pristine water, over 80 caves dry and flooded, and endless species of fish and other wild animal that, all, can be reached without much trouble is a better definition for Bonito.





The visitors can see these wonders very closely in a tight contact with best Mother Nature can offer. Does it sound boring? No way! The amount and distribution of wild animals, as well as the surprising geography, guarantee a fantastic experience on each of the sites you visit.



It would be impossible to express and summarize all the good things you can do there. You must come in Bonito to feel it by yourself how it is scuba diving, light rafting, rappel, slide on small waterfalls, horse riding, caving, trekking, snorkel and, of course, taste the delicious regional food before or after all the fun and excite. All you have to do is pack your bags, pick the route and … have a lot of enjoyment!




Everybody who visits Bonito fall in love for the region. Many Hollywood personalities have already been there like Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford and Richard Gere. Since the ninety’s Bonito is a celebrity “refuge”. Therefore if you come to visit “paradise” doesn’t be surprised if you find a celebrity.



Below we summarize some highlights attractions that will take your breath:



Anhumas Abyss (Abismo Anhumas) - A crack on the ground creates a vertical abyss, a real trip to the centre of the earth. The 72 meter rappel descent leads to a clear water lake the size of soccer field. The fun didn’t end yet! You can snorkelers and scuba dive 18 meters deep into the underwater cave complex. Even if you don’t want to dive there are many Speleothem, true sculptures produced by Nature in the dry part of the cavern to be enjoy. This is unforgettable beauty exciting “adventure”.




Buoys and kayak Cross (Travessia com Bóia e Caiaque ) - A thrilling adventure along the Formosinho river waterfalls, with more than 7 rapids to skirt over. It provides lot of fun for everyone.



Adventure and Formoso River Tour boat ( Aventura e Passeio de bote pelo Rio Formoso ) – The adventure start when you walk 1.700 meters trail in the middle of the bushes to Figueira Docks. From there starts the snorkeling descent of Formoso River, passing through small pristine waterfalls and exploring underwater holes. Furthermore at the same river, but in other point there is an 8 Km, waterfalls and rapids, trip on rubber boats. The visual is incurable and on the riverbanks you’ll see plenty of wildlife and birds.



Blue lake Grove (Gruta do Lago Azul) – One hundred meter deep in the ground there is a 90 meters profound lake of solid blue water. Sunbeams permeate the lake, producing a spectacle of rare beauty. Both the cavern`s roof and the bottom are replete with Speleology formations of different shapes and sizes. At the bottom of the cavern there is a surprise! The prehistoric skeletons of a giant ground sloth and a saber tooth tiger.



Saint Michel Grove (Gruta de São Miguel) - The way from the reception to the grove entrance is made through a suspended bridge among the trees where a variety of birds can be observed. The panoramic view is fabulous. In the grove, you can take a nice walk among many Speleothem including some beautiful and exclusive cave formations.

Bodoquena Ecological Park (Parque Ecoturistico da Bodoquena) - It is the only attraction run by an environmental non-profit organization. There are horse riding, canoeing, mountain-bike and trekking for all ages. You can stay in the park houses and participate in environmental education activities.




Baia Bonita Ecological Reserve - Natural Aquarium (Reserva ecológica Baía Bonita - Aquário Natural) - Baía Bonita offers a rare type of immersion, in waters as clear as they can be, through a 900 meter course. And there’s more! Trails cut into the rich and well preserved forest take to the point where three different rivers converge. Finally you can feel as a child where an elastic bed and a flying fox device are guarantees of pure fun.

Fish River (Rio do peixe) - A fascinating trekking at Água viva Farm, usually guided by the owner. The trail takes about 2 hours, passing through waterfalls, natural pools and little underwater groves. Rio do Peixe means River from the Fish and you will see how true it is. A lot of wild and beautiful fishes are seen when you swim at the lagoons and enjoying the waterfalls. You might even touch one as the fishes are not afraid of human.




Sucuri River (Rio Sucuri) - The name can sound threatening (Sucuri is huge Snake which can eat a calf), but floating down this river offers no risk. On the contrary, you’ll travel for two hours in the company of numerous species of wild life animals and fish. Children and adults from all over the world have enjoyed this unique attraction. You can also do an ecological ride horse or even a bike tour that is very pleasure and funny.



Mystery Lagoon (Lagoa Misteriosa) This place is located in Jardim a small city near Bonito. It is a lagoon of blue waters, amazing for its depth and water transparency all the year, its visibility is superior to 40 meters but you won’t see its floor. A spectacle of pure nature, lots of adrenaline and mystery. An unforgettable sensation of floating or scuba diving in the most profound and mysterious cave ever, no one has reach its bottom and the deeper a professionals diving got, about 220 meters, wasn’t enough to see its floor. Just fluctuate and contemplate the blue deep abyss and the vertical walls which reflect the streams of light will take your breath. It’s a unique place in the world. This is pure nature and lots of adrenaline feelings.

Come to visit Bonito if you want to have a lifetime adventure and after the fun and adventure try our suggestion dish, the piranha soup!

There is much more to see and visit. What are you waiting? Come to visit Bonito.

This article has been sponsored by AA Trade Company, Cleary (128,128,0)

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Second Life Fahion Week - SLFW

Second Life fashion show is an event that mixes fashion shows with music. Do not miss it!

Schedule events

Day 09/27 (Sunday) opening show with DJ Kromus (studio red)
Day 09/28 (MONDAY) - owners Show
Day 09/29 (TUESDAY) - AA Modeling - with singer Reis do Brasil
Day 09/30 (WEDNESDAY) - South
Day 10/01 (THURSDAY) - Magnum
Day 10/03 (FRIDAY) - WINNER (last show with the 3 finalists)
Day 10/04 (SATURDAY) – final show with DJ Kromus (studio Red)

All events start at 3PM SLT

Place: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Golden%20Business%20Area/121/96/22

New Brazilian Club event today

Curitiba the Brazilian excellence city

By Anna Avalanche, Gisa Miles and Luiz Speedwell

Some pictures from Luiz Speedwell

This was our latest article publish at déjà vu Magazine. Touch here to read my new article



Located in southern Brazil, near the “Serra do Mar” (Mountain Range of the Sea), Curitiba is the largest city in the prosperous Southern region of Brazil and owns a rich history that began in the seventeenth century. Capital of Parana State it’s one of the oldest cities in South America, founded in 1653 by the Portuguese. The name, Curitiba, went through a series of changes from the original Guarani word, "kur'yt' yba" (The Guarani are one of the few indigenous tribes of Brazil). The word means pine nut and the current spelling became official in 1919.



Curitiba is an ultra-modern city with a population approaching two million and can be defined as a mosaic of bucolic landscapes, typical of inland life, blend with large gastronomic, “hôtellerie” and exhibition center network, with numerous exhibitions and events.



In recent decades, Curitiba has won national and international reputation for the creativity how equated and solved modern urban environment problems. The quality of life, the efficient public transport, the higher proportion of green areas per capita and the selective waste collection are just some of the elements that characterize the ecological concern of Curitibanos – how we call the people that life in Curitiba. For that reason, Curitiba is known as the ecological capital of Brazil.



The quality of life offered by the city make it a destination full of attractions and facilities for tourists. The welfare of residents is converted in excellent services for visitors who find comfortable hotels, good restaurants, intense cultural agenda and facilities to see the city postcards. There are over 30 parks with complete infrastructure for recreation and sports practice. The efficient signaling and means of modern transport guarantee rides for beautiful and unusual buildings, like the Opera Theater of wire, the Botanical Garden and Museum Oscar Niemeyer,in addition to the parks, as Barigui, meeting point for families and athletes at the end of week.



Despite the modern and futuristic aspects involving the city, Curitiba saves many characteristics of European country cities. The City is strongly influenced by its cultural heritage from European immigrants and has the typically cold climate from northern hemisphere countries.



The mix of culture is soon perceived by those who arrive and notice the architecture, gastronomy and local custom. The Italian influence can be seeing in the cantinas of the Santa Felicidade neighborhood, where you can eat pasta, chicken and polenta fries. The Poles are present with small sweetmeat, while the Ukrainians filled the charm with craft hand-painted eggs.



Besides visiting events and the city postcards, we suggest for those how like nature, take the train to Paranaguá, and stop in Morretes to eat the “barreado”, a typically local food (a meat that cooking for days). The railroad is the oldest in operation in Brazil, built in 1890, and the scenery is amazing.



Visit Curitiba and have great, quality of life, moments!

This article has been sponsored by AA Trade Company, Cleary (128,128,0) http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cleary/128/128/0

For more pictures and information see:

English blog: http://annaavalanche.blogspot.com/
Portuguese blog: http://dejavu-intl-portuguese.blogspot.com/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/annaavalanche/
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Ayrton Senna: F1 champion racer from Brazil

By Anna Avalanche, Gisa Miles and Luiz Speedwell

This was our latest article publish at déjà vu Magazine. Touch here to read my new article




We need to remember our heroes and people that give good life example for our kids. A hero is a man or woman (the latter often called a heroine) who commonly possesses abilities or character far greater than that of a typical person, which enable him or her to perform some truly extraordinary, beneficial deed (a "heroic deed") for which he or she is famous. These powers are sometimes not only of the body but also of the mind. They are distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength. Senna is a Brazilian and world hero. He is an example of determination, concentration, ethics, life love and bravery.



“I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.” Bob Dylan.



In May 1 made fifteen years since we lost the great and famous Brazilian hero Ayrton Senna da Silva. He is one of the more victorious names in the history of the sport. He is a myth, a legend known in all corners of the planet. Considered one of the best Formula 1 drivers of all time, is a source of pride for Brazilians. He is also our hero.



Since childhood, Ayrton Senna loved driving and was very determined. At age four, won his first "car". Three years later, started to train in Karting at Interlagos in Sao Paulo where once he saw a Formula 1 car. At that time, he realized that he has this dream: be a pilot of Formula 1! The debut on runways, with age 13, was marked by a victory, the first of hundreds.



Senna won several titles in kart and was twice vice-world champion in 1979 and 1980. Ayrton broke all records of the British Formula Ford and then all of Formula 3. In 1983 when Ayrton conducted a test to enter the F1 category he broke the record of Donington Park circuit.



In F1, Senna showed all his ability and skill, achieving amazing results when the adversity was presented. At the end of his career Senna had disputed 161 GPs, 41 wins, 80 podiums, 3 world champion ships (1988, 1990 and 1991). The Brazilian led Toleman, Lotus, McLaren and Williams’s cars. Ayrton was not just a big record breaking. It was the great skill and emotion he brought to the runway which did win the respect of all and even the rivals at the speedway.



The death of Brazilian driver during the Grand Prix of San Marino in the circuit of Imola, Italy, shook the world, and on 5 May 1994 he was buried in Sao Paulo.

Ayrton Senna was very proud to be Brazilian. When he won a race, he raised a flag from inside his cockpit and showed the world the love for his country.



In addition to the powers in the speedway, Senna was also known for generosity. He began a philanthropic work that led to the Ayrton Senna Institute. With its projects he helps millions of children to have quality education in and outside school. His institute goal was to make champions “in life” and school.


“The hero is the world-man, in whose heart one passion stands for all, the most indulged. Philip.” James Bailey.


"When you believe in an ideal, you should fight for it till the end" Ayrton Senna




This article has been sponsored by AA Trade Company, Cleary (128,128,0) http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cleary/128/128/0

For more pictures and information see:

English blog: http://annaavalanche.blogspot.com/
Portuguese blog: http://dejavu-intl-portuguese.blogspot.com/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/annaavalanche/
Fallow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/annaavalanche

If you want to know more or contribute to the institute accesses the links below:
http://senna.globo.com/memorialayrtonsenna/
http://senna.globo.com/institutoayrtonsenna/br/home.asp