Summary

Brazil - The transposition project of the Sao Francisco River was designed by the federal government for the purpose of solving chronic drought problems in the semi-arid region in Northeastern Brazil by diverting a large volume of waters from the river to that area. The transposition has been discussed since the Brazilian Empire period, and today it is dealt with as a priority issue by President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva. Public funds have been set apart in the budget for 2005, but the project has met strong opposition from many sectors of the society, due to the environmental impacts and the possibility of reduction in electricity production in the hydroelectric plants located in the river.

Free software - At the same time the local government of the city of Sao Paulo has provided the public computing courses - located in the poorer region of the city - with free software programmes, the federal government has announced plans to promote the use of that kind of technology. With such measures the public administration is trying to find a way to save a large sum of money in royalties for proprietary software licenses.

Foreign trade - With the recognition of China as a market-based economy by the Brazilian government, the national businessmen are worried about the Chinese competition in the world market. But there are other businessmen who agree with the governmental policy towards that nation. Meanwhile, the commercial exchange between the two countries shows some practical results, as the significant number of people attending school teaching Mandarin.

Infrastructure - The federal government’s project of developing the Legal Amazonia by constructing hydroelectric plants and pipework for carrying gas and paving roads has met fierce opposition from the environmentalists. For many experts, that initiative will cause widespread devastation in the area.

Astronomy - Brazil is leading the astrophysics research in Latin America, and is ranked fifteenth in the world scientific production connected with astronomical observations. Today there are 310 astronomers in activity in the country, some of them participating in international cooperation projects.

Television - The journalist Inima Ferreira Simoes, an expert on cinema and television, has delivered a speech on the power of television in Brazil at the Federacao do Comercio do Estado de Sao Paulo’s Council of Economy, Sociology and Politics. He has talked about the origins of television during the dictatorial regime and how the TV system has grown up and is out of control today.

Literature
• Mario de Andrade - Sixty years after his death, his legacy still inspires public policies in the area of culture.
• Joao Antonio - 2005 marks the anniversary of thirty years of the launching of his first story, ‘Paulinho Perna Torta’, which won two Jabuti Prizes, the most distinguished literature prize in Brazil.
• Comic books - Sixty years ago was founded in Rio de Janeiro the Editora Brasil-America, the most important comic books publishing house in Brazil.
• Miguel de Cervantes - Published in 1605 ‘Don Quixote de la Mancha’ is recognized as the first modern novel and a masterpiece of the world literature. It tells the fantastic adventures involving its unforgettable hero and his squire Sancho Panza.

Medicine - The physician doctor Irany Novah Moraes has made a speech on medical mistakes at the Federacao do Comercio do Estado de Sao Paulo’s Council of Economy, Sociology and Politics.