2007 has just begun!

“Thus far has the Lord helped us” (1Samuel 7.12).

Frankly speaking, we, brazilians, think that God is also brazilian! Therefore, all things must (should) go well because – after all!, God is a brazilian – just like us! That’s a big and obvious mistake!

The point is that, at the end, things go wrong and we must find someone to be guilty, someone to be punished, someone to be “executed” because, for God’s sake!, someone did it all wrong! – not me, not you, not us, for sure!

Read this: “ Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14.28). The problem is that this command of Jesus has not actually been obeyed to its entirety-completeness. People usually think that going to church(es); saying some prayers; doing some “spiritual exercises”… things might go well! Well, that’s not true at all! Life is not that easy – buddy!

Church-going is important; saying prayers is important; doing some – ok, say – “spiritual exercises” might help, but some action(s), some action(s) will do it all, will transform it all, will perform miracles just in front of you or inside of you! We should do the “possible things”. Let the Lord do the impossible ones…

You might still be recalling things of past 2006! Well, forget them! Take care of you now – in 2007 and open your eyes (spiritual, mainly!) to 2008! Remember: mistakes of 2006 must, must not be repeated in 2007, 2008, 2009! Do not be so stupid to make the same mistakes again and again! Ok, make NEW mistakes but NOT the same old ones… please!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.9).

May God help you all to have a blessed 2007!

What's happening to the old beautiful Rio de Janeiro - Brazil?

Picture: Ernesto Carrico/ O DIA

First of all: lack of authotity, this is first and main problem! No police force enough to combat so many bandits - all over! Worse of all: many policemen are somewhat involved in the bandit force(s)... and this can only turn things even more difficult to the "real" police. Last week of Dec-06, lots of buses were burned - people were inside! and got to be killed, too. A complete disaster! This is civil war going on in Brazil and government fake(s) to see and take care of...

Why the turmoil(s) from bandits all over? Mainly because the police has been trying to "control" them at penitenciaries plus avoiding them from trading drugs in the mountains (ghettos) that surround Rio de Janeiro.

Now, after lots of attacks from criminals; buses burned up; tourists robbed even at the airport (!), the crisis installed all over Rio de Janeiro. The elected governor, Mr. Cabral, decided to request the National Security Forces - a group of about 600 men, destined to land at Rio in order to help the local state police to "clean up" things... Well, let's see it, buddy! I myself do not believe this will solve the issue, but something should be done... today, now!

Veritas et Vita

Christimas time's just come! What to do now?

First of all, this is not just a time for shopping - spending your hard-earned money on "gifts" to all the beloved ones! Why do we have (must!) to give so many gifts at Christmas? Worse of all: very often we are kind of forgotten or - at most! - get some un-valuable gifts in return! Oh well!, come on!, let's concentrate on the most important thing: the reason why Christ-mas exists: this is because 2006 years ago, a man named Jesus was born in the distant land of Israel!

Best of all: Jesus was born, lived a perfect and sinfull life, preached the good news of salvation, was then persecuted and crucified because of his message (revolutionary - at that time..) - Jesus was burried, but raised from the dead, then he was lifted up in heavens, sat down at the right hand of All-mighty God and stands as an intercessor for you and me! Wow! that's awesome! 100 per cent true! 100 per cent worth of faith and must be passed on to all the world.

Do not get "clung" on gifts, do not get too much involved in festivals or whatsoever. Do get involved in celebrations for the reason of Christmas - the Christ of God! Okay - you say you're not "religious"!? Well - who said Christ was religious? Who said Christ paid any attention to religious? For God's sake: Christ was crucified exactly - precisely - mainly because he was not, not religious, like the pharisees at that time! Religion will not lead you up to heavens. What? You do not believe in heavens, you say that the earth is your definitive place to be? You mean it? Well, I will pray on behalf of you - brother! I can see you may NOT have a good 2007... But, if you're a christian: then blessed you are!

Anyway: Happy Christmas and a blessed 2007.

"They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing" (Psalm 92.14).

Antonio da Silva, brazilian, believer, 72-year-old retired, started worrying too much because he was growing older. He had heard that growing older was very bad indeed, distressing and, worse of all, destined to be forsaken by his family. He then decided to write a letter to the heavenly Father. So he did:

"Dear heavenly Father, how can I actually express my love for you and how grateful I am for such a long life you have given to me until today. Also, I thank you for the wonderful wife and sons you sent to me. You have been so good to me, Father. Thanks indeed! But, I must say something: over the past days, I have been too much concerned about my future... The point is: I am growing older. What happens if I die now, or even go to a rest home, huh?"

Father reminded Antonio to read Psalm 92, in the Bible. Growing older is part of anyones life. That is not the end of the world, but the beginning of a new one full of new friends, attractions and opportunities to grow!

If you, dear reader, are facing the same problem (worring too much because you are growing older), better follow Antonios example: read Psalm 92 and start doing things: visit your own family-relatives, friends. Visit the doctor regularly. Go to church regularly. Get some new friends. Be easy. Be gentle. Be a true christian.

Remember: worry is futile; faith is fruitful.

Veritas et Vita

Extreme Violence in Brazil
This past week-end, the city and state of Sao Paulo - biggest in Brazil and in Latin America -was flooded with violence. Total of 65 buses were burned, over 50 people were dead (shot by criminals - until today 15.05.2006) and over 115 people are still kidnapped by gangs in over 44 penitenciaries all over the state.

The mentor-chief of the whole violence is a criminal organization called PCC (First Command of Capital - initial letters in Portuguese) centered in Sao Paulo City. Criminals are commanded from the "indoors of cells", that is, from the very cell of the penintenciaries - all via mobile phones, which were supposed NOT to function inside the cells ... but all in vain!

State and federal governments are taking steps to put all the gangs off-work. Some especialists say that police forces will have a lot of work... The problem is not just of "police", but also - mainly, some should clearly state - of "social injustices all over"... Well, let's see how this turmoil will come out...

Should Israel withdraw even further?
"We cannot continue to control parts of the territories where Palestinians live", said Mr. Olmert - Prime Minister of Israel, on his first policy speech.

Well, to some extent, Mr. Olmert is absolutely right. On the other hand, a question lingers on: how far back should Israel withdraw? How far back should jews withdraw without compromising the sovereignty of Jerusalem? Mr. Olmert also declared that: "There is not any Jewish state without Jerusalem under the strict control of Israeli".

Mr. Olmert also urged for the implementation of the US-plan to peace known as "Road Map". It seems that peace is actually very, very far ahead - if ever!

What to do now? What about pray and act? Ora et labora, in Latim.

Shalom! Salam! Peace, today and ever!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY 2006 TO ALL
Before I forget, I must confess this 2005 has not been - by no means - an "easy" year... Not at all! Maybe the same thing happens with my readers - all over! Well, we should not dismay, faint or something... NO! God Himself has new and blessed plans to each one of us, in the coming year 2006! How do I know it? I just know it -and you should believe me. Better saying: believe Him (Jesus Christ). Not to believe in something, or someone above us, is something very frustrating - devastating, to some extent. People get depressed easily when they do not have a target, someone to share their feelings, their emotions, their projects for the future.

In 2006, may the lord Jesus Christ be upon your life in order to bless you in every possible way. May all your dreams come true in 2006. Remember: if you got a dream not true, then that's the best for you. He knows better than you do... but he sees your tears and prayers... and shall confort you ... in every way.

May Chidiac - lebanese journalist, will soon be back

Lebanon1' prominent TV anchorwoman was mutilated in assassination attempt on September 25, reported the LBC TV, in Lebanon. She is known for her courage in criticizing Syria, when no one could even utter a word. Chidiac is 40 years old and a rightist journalist.

She described the assassination attempt: "I turned to the back seat to put something and someone pressed a button to detonate the bomb. In a split second, I flew to back seat and saw my severed arm in front of me. At that time, I had not realised that I had also lost my leg".

Chidiac works in a christian TV and declared that she should be back to work as soon as prosthetic limbs are made for her. It is clear that the evil hands are still everywhere - especially in the middle east, reported an important lebanese journalist. The cowardly attackers tried to stop the voice of freedom in Lebanon, but did not succeed. The whole world repudiate such act of terror and violence against Chidiac. Peace on earth - mainly in the Midlle East.

VARIG - Brazilian Airlines...

In Brazil, newspapers today, 18/11, report that Varig - one of the biggest arlines in the world - has been undergoing a massive economic turbulence. 150 pilots were fired because they have no planes to fly! There are 16 jets in the ground in need of maintainance! (another jet-company!). Pilots had been receiving their wages monthly - although not in operation. Varig lost 346 millions of U S Dollars in the last three monthes!

Varig representatives have been trying to negotiate some loans with brazilian government in order to overcome this difficult moment. TAP (portuguese state airline) has been in talks with Varig in search of a joint-venture. Maybe this might really help to save the brazilian Varig.

On the other hand, if you, dear reader, like to fly, Varig Training Center, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, offers you a Flight Simulator (real one!) for USD 190,00 a day plus 5 per cent state taxes! The good thing: you could help Varig to survive and, who knows, you may start your pilot career...

Democracy in the Islamic World...

Please read my previous article about "Paris on Fire", where I said that there is not any, repeat, any democracy in the islamic world - a real misfortune.

Today, 17.11.2005, newspapers all over the world state that in Saudi Arabia, a teacher has just been condemned to be beated 750 times! plus three years in prison simply because he had been - in classroom - discussing with his students about judaism and christianism! The discussion was considered to be a "blasphemy" against Islamism! This happened in the city of Bukhaira.

Saudi Arabia is an extremely rich country - due to petroleum, but an equally extremely poor nation - due to the medieval views of their governors. We must all assume that Saudi Citizens might not agree with such a behaviour. Well, at least not ALL of them agree...

Paris on Fire!

It's been almost a whole month that Paris has been burning by the actions of immigrants and french-born people. The riots began after the death of two teenagers on October 27 and have since spread all over France. Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin's got to extend emergency powers by three monthes. President Jacques Chirac says that rioters have a point, but violence is not the way to make it...

Matter of fact, racial prejudice is very, very strong in France. Now what to do? That's the big question! Chirac and other french leaders should act now. Other european countries frightened... because they have not been acting much differently from France...

Last, but not least, we should all consider the fact that many immigrants and french-born teens are muslins. Islamism does not melt with democracy - unfortunately. There is not any, repeat, any democracy in the islamic world. To make it short: when muslins immigrants come from Argelia, marrocos and other ex-french colonies, they all bring their culture, their views, their religion to France. They do not want to adequate themselves to the new country, to the new culture, to the new "way-of-life" in France. They just keep being much the same way... and start rioting for anything they consider wrong, unfair, etc.

Both are guilty: France and immigrants + french-born teens. "France belongs to all citizens", shouted Chirac. Bingo! There is a long way to go...

Get to know Fortaleza!

This is short note to show the place where I live: Fortaleza, population 2.000.000 inhabitants. Full of attractions - day or night. It's worth a visit. You should come by and taste our hospitality!

Bush in Brazil: November 5-6, 2005

Bush came to Brasilia, capital of Brazil, last Saturday 5, 2005. He had been to Mar del Plata - Argentina, to take part in the America's Hemisphere Meeting which, in fact, was not succesfull at all. Bush departed from Argentina before the summit ended! He had to meet the brazilian president Lula da Silva.

In Brazil, everything had been arranged to welcome Bush: hotel fully reserved + 250 special american agents + thousand of brazilian agents, etc. Bush has not been welcomed wherever he goes... Why would that be?

a. Bush invaded Afganistan;
b. Bush invaded Iraq;
c. ONU, previously disrespected by Bush, now authorized him to stay one year more in Iraq;
d. Bush policy to Latin America has not been a good one - as usual.

Bush has been forcing the Free Trade of Americas to be accepted by all - regardless of what other countries think about it - mainly Mercosur people: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Bush listens to all, but wants to do what he thinks to be right. That's all and the true fact! The Free Trade of Americas will not be put into force until some fair and equal consensus comes up - for the benefit of all, of all and not only to the US as the dominant economic power.

Last, but not least, US, at first, stopped purchasing meat from Brazil due to a disease on our cattle (foot and mouth disease).Brazil is world's top beef-selling nation. Over 45 nations banned imports of beef from Brazil since the outbreak happened on October 10, 2005. President Lula offered a barbecue to Bush - okay, not with FMD, but from ranches in that state - Mato Grosso, just to prove that the meat is in perfect condition to be consumed.

Both Bush and Lula da Silva had talks for couple of hours - altogether. Bush's idea is to support Lula as a leading force-influence in South America and, at the same time, avoid Hugo Chavez's fiery and populist speeches to keep spreading communism all over this important region of the globe.

Lula asked Bush to lessen subsidies given to the farmers in US, for this has been avoiding brazilian products to enter US market. Likewise, Bush declared to do it in case Europe also lessened their subsidies to farmers over there. Let's wait and see...

Bush regreted for not being able to visit "beautiful Brazil"... but promised to accept Lula's invitation to come back here and go fishing with Lula - soon after both leave presidencies behind.

Lula + Chavez + Fidel = ?????

The whole world - USA, mainly - has been watching the moves of these three gentlemen. They have been always together on every forum to discuss subjects like: famine, corruption, economy, etc. Quick analysis of each one of them:

a. Lula: elected in 2002 to change the economy, the social gap, the corruption, etc., in Brazil. However, until today, 2.11.2005, Lula himself and his PT (labour's party, left wing) have been totally involved in scandals, corruption, etc.!! The opponents have been now requesting Lula's resignation. The unemployment rate in Brazil is very high - c.19pct. Economy stuck. However, the bankers have been celebrating the "wonderful times" in Brazil. For instance: a banker gets money outside Brazil at 2-3pct a year and lends inside Brazil at 12pct a month!!! a month!!! This is heavens on earth indeed!, for bankers. What a shame! Shame on you, Mr. Lula. Off Lula!

b. Fidel: assassin of over 17.000 citizens in Cuba, since he took office back in 1959. He usually shoots opponents in the ''paredon''. No democracy in Cuba at all. By the way, some ministers of Lula's government have been trained in Cuba... not long ago...Some congressmen, too.

c. Chavez (Hugo): elected by people in Venezuela. Populist, communist, has been arming his people to defend the country against a possible (?) invasion of USA in search for petroleum... Matter of fact, Chavez is a problem of Venezuela. Pat Robertson, american preacher, republican, had the insane action of suggesting his government to go and "eliminate" Chavez. "It would be safer, this way", declared the famour preacher! What a stupid declaration of a preacher! Chavez became very upset with such an insane declaration and demanded some action from US Government against his preacher.

On the other hand, we do know that many businessmen, executives in Venezuela have been taking the money at banks and flying away to Europe, US or other neighbouring country. Reason? The instability that Chavez causes since he took office. This is a real fact.

Recently, on a brazilian TV called "Cultura", Chavez declared that there is actually a project to transform the whole Latin America into a communist society. In fact, communism failed in Soviet Union and sattelite countries, but triumphed into heads of Lula + Fidel + Chavez. What a shame, what a misfortune!

TSUNAMI - no forecast!

The world was deeply surprised by the catastroph occurred in the Indic sea at the end of Dec./2004. Over 155.800 people died until today, 7/1/2005, apart from the lost ones, due to the big waves (Tsunamis) caused by an earthquake in the Indic, that invaded costline cities. Thousands os locals and tourists died dragged by the waters. Some questions arise:

1. Why the so-called "Tsunami warning centers", located in Asia, failed to forecast?
2. Will those countries have enough help from UN and other organizations?
3. How can we (me and you) help those people?
4. Was the Tsunami some kind of "punishent from God" or something?

Human beings have very big capacity to ask questions; but not to answer them all! Some christians ventured (dangerously!) to say that - to some extent - the Tsunamis were some kind/form of punishment to those people who had been severely persecuting and kiling christians all over Asia (Indonesia, in particular). I myself do not believe this theory! GOD would be a killer Himself; not a SAVIOUR to punish thousands of innocents for the sins of their elders.

Notwithstanding, lots of questions still come afloat through our minds... I am afraid we should not, not in life, have all the answers... But GOD reigns, regardless of our questions, our complaints, our incapacity to understand some signals.

May GOD help those peoples in Asia - through all the hands, all the hearts, all the souls, regardless of their beliefs, their religions.

2004 coming to an end - finally!

And so this is Christmas! Once again! Santa Claus!

What should we ever say about this dying year?
Good or bad? Do not know, you do? Maybe it all depends on one's point-of-view!
Hum... anyway, grandmom used to say that every point-of-view is a unique view of just a mere point... and so, in fact, should not be taken for granted...

One way or the other, good or bad, we should all thank God for being still alive - amidst lots of troubles in this crazy world.

Peace might just keep being a beautiful, desired and dreamt of word - or not! Again, it all depends on us, on our clear vision of future...

Let peace rings from the mountains of Iraq, of Haiti, of Afganistan, of _________(complete yourself).

Merry Christmas and Happy 2005!

Elections in Brazil - 2004
Last October 3, 2004, we had elections all over 5.000 counties. Democracy had its way up, someone should say. Maybe yes; maybe not! How is that? Simple: one should spend about USD 400.000,00 to get to be elected in this poor country of Brazil. Now, considering that the elected will not have the USD 400.000,00 back (in salaries) during the four-year mandate (sic - !!??), a question arise: why boys and girls struggle to sit down on main chair at City Council Hall? Hum... there might be a reason! You name it!

On the other hand, we should not say that every candidate must spend USD 400.000,00 to get to be elected! A few honest, decent, dedicated men and women got to be elected - spending not big amount of money! How is that? Simple: dependability, hard working services devoted to the population.

Let's all watch boys and girls - mayors all over the country of Brazil.

Vacation in Brazil
Matter of fact, Fortaleza (sea city in the northeast Brazil) is flooded with tourists in July...
It seems that the whole country of Brazil plus thousand tourists from Italy, Holland, Spain, Portugal, etc., they have all decided to come to spend a "few days off" in Fortaleza. As a consequence, prices of hotels, bars, food, etc., all go up! 
 
That's good on one end; bad on another. We should have fair prices all year round; not try to "exploit" tourists. Something should be done to stop the ever-increasing prices every time July comes into sight...
 
Hum... I'd better go to the mountains: Guaramiranga, small city - 115 km away from Fortaleza, at an altitude of 915 meters. See ya!

Nobel Peace Prize to Bush & Blair?
This week, the world was shocked by the nomination of Bush & Blair for the Nobel Peace Prize - among other candidates. Hum... there is definetly something wrong with the committee that evaluates (judges - more appropriate word) the actions of some world leaders...

How on earth could someone name warriors for a peace prize? In USA & England, mothers are being left without sons who went to this complete insane war caused by Bush - and supported by Blair. Let's not forget Aznar (prime-minister of Spain) and a bunch of other world leaders who have been supporting this war until today.

Let's not also forget that hundreds of iraquis have been under continuous bombing - at any time, day or night, by american and british forces. Let'ts not also forget that the so-callled 'mass destruction weapons' - one of the main reasons for the invasion of Iraq - have not been found until today, 03/02/2004.

Bush has now declared to have been incorrectly informed by CIA spies... prior to invasion of Iraq! Oh, well! after ten years of struggling against US authorities for more money, maybe now it is the time for a 'revolution-invasion' inside the CIA itself...

John Paul II is a candidate for world peace prize, too. Well, behold a man who has been doing something for the peace. My heart goes to him. Yeah - let's all vote for Woytilla, before he dies without this deserved prize.

Today, 15.12.2003, we read on newspapers in the whole world that Saddan Hussein (former Iraq leader) has just been caught, by US forces, in Iraq - after 8 monthes of intensive capturing.

Ladies and gentlemen, we got him - said Mr. Paul Bremer, head of Coalition Provisional Authority, in Iraq. "Now the former dictator of Iraq will face the justice he denied to millions. The capture of this man was crucial to the rise of a free Iraq. It marks the end of the road for him (Saddan) and all who bullied and killed in his name", said Mr. Bush - president of USA.

"Saddan has gone from power. He will not be coming back. The shadow of Saddan has finally lifted from Iraqi people", said Mr. Tony Blair - prime of England.

"I am delighted", said Mr. Chirac - prime of France.

"Great joy", said Mr. Schroeder, prime of Germany.

Templarium's points to ponder:

First: everyone in the world knows that there are "about" eight or nine "Saddans", i.e. sosia (men, about the same age as Saddan, who had undertaken surgery to exactly look like the true Saddan..)... Therefore, here comes the question: where are these eight or nine "Saddans"? Why none of them had been "captured" until today? Wouldn't this "Saddan" be one of the sosia? No? Why? Because the US forces said that "this" is the "true" Saddan? Because the DNA test was applied and "showed" that this is the man-Saddan? Let's not forget that the DNA was applied by US forces only... Has someone else, seen the DNA test being applied to "this" Saddan?

Second: isn't strange that this Saddan was captured "alone" in a "spider-hole", in the ground under a hut near a farmhouse...? With him were found two AK-47 rifles, a pistol, and 750.000 US dollars. An orange and white taxi was parked nearby... Why didn't he resist? Newspapers say that US soldiers did not recognise him because he was "dishevelled figure hiding in the hole"... Oh, let's not forget (please!) that US soldiers asked who the man was and had a shocking answer: I AM SADDAN! Hum... let's NOT forget either that, yes, "this" Saddan was being betrayed by some relative ... who actually, we all assume, reported to US forces that "that" Saddan, in the whole, was actually Saddan... It seems that US foces did not believe in the betraying relative very much...

Justice: was it legal the invasion to a free and sovereign country like Iraq? Where are, please where are the "massive destruction weapons" Iraq has been hiding until today? Templarium is NOT pro-Iraq. Let Iraqi people resolve their own situation(s) - including that of true Saddan. Templarium is pro-sovereignty of any, any country, regardless its form of government: democratic or not. The citizens of each country must have the right to form, reform and/or transform the whole thing.

The shadow of Saddan has finally lifted from Iraq, said prime-minister Tony Blair. Well, when the shadows of Bush, Blair, Aznar (BBA) and many others will finally lift from Iraq?

Would "this" Saddan be the true Saddan? Templarium doubts... until the DNA tests applied to the dishevelled figure be accessed by non-US doctors.

More news ahead on this issue.