Summary

1932 Revolution – An important chapter of the recent history of Brazil, the Constitutionalist Revolution launched by Sao Paulo seventy years ago against the dictatorship of Getulio Vargas still arouses controversy. Some researchers analyze the conflict as a political movement of state of Sao Paulo’s separation from the federation. In the last two decades, however, several historians having won access to the classified documents kept in the Army Archives since 1932 have thrown new light on the major civilian conflict that took place in the country.

Air Force – The Brazilian Air Force program of replacing its aging combat fleet and acquiring a new-generation of combat aircraft is being subject to an international bid. The article deals with the different aircraft models in the international market pointing out the specifications of each model, its advantages and disadvantages, according to Brazil defence system needs.

Heritage – The institutions responsible for protecting the national historic heritage have showed little interest, or none, in the history of the railways in Brazil. But things have started changing in the last few years by the decision of the state of Sao Paulo government of restoring the Luz and Julio Prestes railway stations in the city of Sao Paulo and considering other rail stations of special importance as part of our cultural heritage.

Music – Brazil faces great difficulties to prepare instrumentalists to play in orchestras. The teaching of music, once a subject in the school curriculum, today has just become an activity integrating that subject area named as arts. In respect to woodwind and percussion the old bands have a long musical tradition and are acknowledged suppliers of talents. For the string instruments, however, the orchestras depend on the selection of foreign classical musicians.

Literature – Jose Olympio, whose 100th birthday anniversary is being celebrated this year, and Monteiro Lobato, who belonged to an earlier generation, are the most important names in the Brazilian editorial history. Jose Olympio was a true talent spotter, while Monteiro Lobato stood out not only as an editor but also as one of the most distinguished writers in the national literature.

Amazon – In Coari, located in the central region of Amazon, Petrobras, a state-run oil company, having discovered natural gas and oil is paying royalties to the local county administration, as it is required by law, in order to exploit these natural resources. However, this sum of money that should be invested in social welfare programs to help local community has simply vanished.

Development – With no investment in infrastructure the country is not allowed to grow, as it is shown by Brazil situation. Roads, railways, ports, water and sewage system, and energy provide poor services and affect the nation’s development. Not even the partial privatization of these sectors offers a solution. The country lacks investments.