Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Rio's Local News

Request for "The Side of Rio that doesn't make the News" is now granted. I'll add to my posting schedule a list of interesting Rio occurrences from the paper or personal experience. Here are the highlights from today's O Globo.

1. 40 policemen, arrested for organized crime, extortion, corruption, illegal arms dealing and other crimes, were ordered released from jail by the courts yesterday. They're going to respond to the accusations in "liberdade." How nice. No bail or nothin'.

2. Motorcycle delivery/errand boys must now be insured, by the company that hires them, for at least R$50,000. According to the text, motorcycle accidents raised the traffic death rate almost 24% in the last decade. The mortality rate of motorcyclists in the same period was 753.8%.

What isn't mentioned in the article is that traffic in Rio generally doesn't obey any posted signs, the three lanes are invariably turned into de-facto four, five and six laners, and that motorcyclists ride in the spaces BETWEEN cars. Or on the sidewalk. They don't believe in lanes. Will insurance really cover failure to obey traffic laws? I doubt it.


3. In other legal news, the deceased singer Claudinho's then-girlfriend will receive from the highway company Nova Dutra R$13,500 for damages to his vehicle, a monthly pension of R$2,000 until age 70 and R$500,000 for moral damages. Why? He died in 2002, when his car slid during a rainstorm, slid off the road and hit a tree. Why is this the highway company's fault? Irregularities in the highway, as a tree was allowed to grow 2 METERS from the retaining wall with NO PROTECTION. Imagine that. Apparently, the highway's claim that the accident occurred because of driver error, a high rate of speed and sleeping at the wheel didn't fly. Tree trumps personal responsibility.

4. And remember, I'm giving away a copy of my poetry book to a blog reader! Or, I'd like to...but so far, no one has responded. (See my sad face? No one wants free poetry?) Write me a quick email using the Contact tab above, or leave a comment below. I'll randomly select a name after the long weekend (it's Tiradentes followed by Good Friday and Easter) and announce the winner early next week.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't see where to let you know, but I will take a free copy!!! Will it be signed????? Or I have to wait til next time you come North?
Aunt Kathi

Jennifer said...

Jenna,

I'm totally enjoying your blog and a peep at a life that is far removed from my own. You bring to life the meaning of being an another country - so different living there than just visiting the tourist regions...

All the best
Jen

anne said...

I'd love a book, but I hear I already have one coming, so give to someone else :)