A Seven Wonder: Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer

by Jamie Rhein on

When found out about what made the 7 Wonders of the World cut in Iva’s post. I was reminded about award ceremonies where the best movies are chosen. So much depends on emotional responses. Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer seems to have that certain emotional appeal. Of all the winners, it’s the only statue. Buildings, although spectacular and amazing, don’t necessarily give a warm fuzzy feeling.

A statue is different. According to this write-up, Christ the Redeemer represents warmth and openness. I can see that. It’s interesting to note that the statue was created by French sculptor, Paul Landowski after it was designed by Brazilian Heitor de Silva Costa. The Statue of Liberty, one of the contest loosers and a statue of sorts, was also made by a Frenchman. Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi‘s creation was given as a gift in 1886.

Another thing I noticed which has really no bearing on anything is that Christ the Redeemer was finished in 1931 in the throes of The Great Depression when life was an economic disaster in the United States and much of Europe. Here’s a link to various views and directions for how to get up to the statue. I chose this Flickr photo because of the composition. Great job Oberto.

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of July 8

by Adrienne Wilson on

Time for another week of random picks from the bloggers here at Gadling. Saddle up, simmer down and go solo on the slow train if you must.

5. Albertan Cowboy Culture: Where’s the Real Old West These Days?:
When my mind conjures images of cowboys on the open range or prairie searching for the type of things cowboys go looking for I don’t imagine them in Canada. This could just be me, but thanks to Martha the cowboys in my daydream have a new home in Alberta. Some are a little commercialized and others a bit more authentic, but you’ll have to read further for the details.

4. Why Trains Suck in America:
I’ve never taken a train in America. Have you? Ever wonder why so many Americans don’t? See why Neil thinks train transportation is basically dead in the U.S.

3. The Best U.S. Cities for Singles:
It’s summer time in the city and you’re single. Find out which city has the most singles and mosey on over to find your better half. That’s if you don’t like being single for the summer and all.

2. A Canadian in Beijing: Reverse Culture Shock:
Goodbyes and readjustment can be a tough job to tackle after a long excursion abroad. Ember hasn’t been home long and already she is back on the road touring with her band. Check out this last post in her series and find out where you can keep tabs on her future jaunts.

1. The “Wonders of the World” Votes are in!:
The world has made its final decision and the new seven wonders of the world are…

NPR Reporters Report on Favorite Foreign Restaurants

by Neil Woodburn on

There aren’t too many jobs better in life than being a foreign correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR). Sure, the pay probably isn’t great, and the hours are probably long, but what can be cooler than filing NPR stories from another country?

NPR has a handful of such reporters across the globe. You know the ones, with the golden voices and inquisitive nature.

Recently, NPR asked their field reporters to report on themselves and file a story about their favorite places to eat, drink, and sleep while pounding their beat in strange lands.

The result is an impressive smorgasbord of mouthwatering local dives from Tuscany, Rio de Janiro, Hanoi, Istanbul, Lhasa, Moscow, Nairobi, and Shanghai. With titles like, Camel’s Milk Ice Cream at the Norfolk Hotel (Nairobi – photo above) and Slurping at Yang’s Fry-Dumpling (Shanghai), how can one resist not digging into what these fine reporters have to say about the cities they cover so very well.

Check it out; food has never been more newsworthy!

Brazilian Fashion from Japan: The Jeankini

by Justin Glow on

Yes, this is a real product. You can really buy it, if you want to. But why would you? Aside from serving no practical purpose, this jean-bikini hybrid available from “Brazil Fashion” store (located in, um, Japan) Sanna’s for ¥ 9.240 (about $80 US), is proabably the trashiest piece of clothing I’ve ever seen. You can’t even swim in them!

[via cynicalc]

Surfing the Amazon

by Willy Volk on

The pororoca is a Brazilian tidal bore boasting waves up to 12 feet high that roll as much as 8 miles up the Amazon River. Originating where the River meets the Atlantic Ocean, the phenomenon occurs in February and March. Though beautiful, the waves are dangerous, as they often carry with them lots of debris, including entire trees.

Not surprisingly, the wave action has become popular with surfers and kayakers. In fact, every year since 1999, an annual championship has been held in São Domingos do Capim. In 2003, Brazilian Picuruta Salazar won the event, riding an amazing 7.7 miles for 37 minutes. Basically, it went something like this:

If you want to learn more about surfing the Amazon, check out this stellar documentary or visit Fogonazos’ photo gallery of pororoca surfers.

[Via Neatorama]