Made in Brazil

Brazilianizing Broadway

Sexy Brazilian opera singer Paulo Szot is making quite a splash on his Broadway debut in the Lincoln Center Theater's revival of South Pacific. Head over to the NYT to listen to an interview with him.

Gianecchini Works The Leotard

A week ago when I got to work with photographer Marcelo Krasilcic, he showed me some of the promo pictures and posters he had done for Reynaldo Gianecchini's new play Doce Deleite, which opens on May 9. Needless to say, I wanted to steal all the shots of the actor in nothing but a nude leotard, and post them here.

Since Marcelo posted some of the posters on his blog last week, I felt it would be okay to share them with you.

Love it. Now if only I can get my hands on the behind the scenes videos Marcelo showed me as well.

The Campana Brothers Take Over Cooper-Hewitt

This past Friday the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum opened a new exhibit curated the Brazilian design team of Fernando and Humberto Campana. The brothers selected a diverse group of more than thirty objects from the museum's permanent collection, and also designed a new chair especially for Cooper-Hewitt. The newly commissioned work completes their TransPlastic series, which documents the battle between nature and plastic. Visit the Campana brothers' design blog for a slideshow of the making of the Transchair. It is pretty cool.

Campana Brothers Select: Works from the Permanent Collection is on view until September 28, and I plan on checking it out next time am in New York.

A Semana: Robbery at Masp, Gisele, And A New HIV Drug

How embarrassing is it that two major works of art were stolen from São Paulo's Musem of Art yesterday at 5 am? How embarrassing is it that the surveillance cameras at the museum were not equipped with infrared system? And how embarrassing is it that the alarm system was not working? It is a shame that one of the most important museums in the country can be robbed of two paintings worth $55 million in about three minutes, and that the paintings were not even insured. Considering Cândido Portinari's "O Lavrador de Café" and Picasso's "Portrait of Suzanne Bloch" were in separate wings of the museum, the police suspects that the two paintings were specific targets, and that the robbery was planned by a collector, in a Thomas Crown Affair sort of way. The Federal Police and the Interpol are working on the case.

In case you haven't heard it already, Gisele signed with Dolce & Gabbana to design a clothing line.

Model Isabeli Fontana unveiled her new clothing line for kids yesterday in São Paulo.

Get a sneak peak of the making of Louis Vuitton's spring ad campaign at Style.com.

Matthew McConaughey's gf Camila Alves is cashing in on her newly acquired celeb status. The model is now one of the partners of Club Lotus, which reopened last night in São Paulo.

After being closed for exactly a month, nightclub Bubu Lounge will reopen tonight in São Paulo. I love the place, and can't wait to go back there.

Brazil is developing a new single pill containing three drugs already used in the treatment of patients who are HIV+. The combined fixed dose is in its final stages of testing, and should be available by late 2008. It will not only make it easier for patients to stick to the treatment, but it will also significantly lower its cost to the government.

Rio, Cidade Maravilhosa

The opening of the new Diesel store yesterday at Shopping Leblon in Rio was celebrated with the launch of Terry Richardson's book Rio, Cidade Maravilhosa, a collection of photographs shot in the city back in April.

The book is divided into three parts: people, landscapes, and celebrities; and will be available in Brazil exclusively at Diesel stores. More at RG Vogue and here.

Niemeyer Celebrates 100 Years

Brazil's most renowned architect to date, Oscar Niemeyer, is celebrating his 100th birthday tomorrow. Responsible in large for the building of Brasilia, Niemeyer is probably most known for his design of Niterói's Contemporary Art Museum, completed in 1994.

To celebrate his birthday, O Globo Online interviewed the architect and put together a gallery of his work, which I highly recommend you take a look at.

O Globo Online: Oscar Niemeyer 100 Anos.

Game Or Reality? War In Rio

This made the news in Brazil yesterday, and I thought it was very clever and insightful: 29-year old designer Fábio Lopez created a spin-off the popular game War inspired by the crime and violence in Rio. Instead of six continents, the map carefully conceived by Fabio features the city's geography. Instead of nameless armies, there are criminal groups, drug traffic gangs, the police, and the BOPE, the special forces squad of Rio in vogue thanks to the movie Tropa de Elite.

Fabio released news of the game on the web only two days ago as a way to raise awareness about the harsh violent reality of Rio, and it became an instant buzz. No word yet if he plans to market his creation.

A Semana: Brazilianizers, Mark Ronson, K-Fed, And Dykerama

A crowd of Brazilianizers took over luxury boutique Daslu in São Paulo this past Friday: Hamish Bowles and Michael Roberts both debuted their new books, while Liz Hurley introduced her line of swimwear.

Ex-Formula 1 racer Michael Schumacher went tanning in his balcony at the new Fasano Rio yesterday. He was in the country for a kart grand prix organized by Brazilian Felipe Massa.

Hot DJ and producer Mark Ronson will be spinning this Thursday at club Royal in São Paulo as part of Motomix 2007.

Artist (and Björk's husband) Matthew Barney is putting the final touches in an installation set to open to the public in Minas Gerais early next year.

Britney's ex Kevin Federline scores the cover of the Details' most influential men issue. The magazine's power list includes Disney hotties like Zac Efron, the Google founders, Perez Hilton, and Ryan Seacrest.

Model Raquel Zimmermann is featured in the Craig McDean Topsy-Turvy story, in the latest issue of W magazine.

Check out New York magazine's latest fashion publication, Look, and make sure to read the feature on Lanvin's Alber Elbaz.

In the next couple of weeks the girls in Brazil will be getting a website especially devoted to lesbian news and happenings, properly entitled Dykerama.

Brazilian Editora Abril canceled the project for its upcoming gay publication called Romeu.

The movie hit Tropa de Elite inspired a gay spoof on YouTube: As Bis De Elite is hilarious if you understand Portuguese.

A Sexy Twist On The Cow Parade

Models Fabricio Litke, Josef Lauvers, Victor Gaspar, and Alvin Huguinin pose with booker Anderson Bonella next to Vaca Praiana in Ipanema, part of the city's Cow Parade.

The boys were in Rio a couple of weeks ago for a round of castings. Picture courtesy of Ragazzo Model Management.

Strike A Pose: Jacques Dequeker

I have written Jacques Dequeker's name on this blog about a million times already. He is responsible for many of the beautiful images which have been posted here from Brazilian ad campaigns and editorials, and also happens to be one of my favorite photographers in the country. The fact that we both come from the same home town only makes me admire him even more (not to mention the fact that he is sexy as hell).

Jacques recently launched a website with a vast portfolio of his work, and I highly recommend that you take a good look at it.

More at Jacques Dequeker.

Top Cow

The Cow Parade started in Rio over a month ago, and O Globo Online is now electing the best cow design among twelve previously selected finalists. My favorites so far are Cow Me Now designed by swimsuit guru Lenny Niemeyer, and Cowmarão by Luke Bosshard.

View the twelve finalists and vote for your favorite at O Globo Online. For pictures of all the designer cows in display in Rio de Janeiro at the moment, check out Cow Parade.

A Semana: The Hulk, Cavalli, Celine, Batman And Robin

Brazilian actress Débora Nascimento is part of the cast of the new Hulk movie, shooting in Rio this week. The crew is reportedly staying at the recently opened Fasano, and at Caesar Park in Ipanema.

Designer Kris Van Assche was in São Paulo this week, casting for the next Dior Homme show. Names on his list of options include Martin Kunzli, Rafael Swarovsky, and Igor Monteiro.

In less than two hours, shoppers cleared the racks at the H&M flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York, buying every single item available from the retailer's collaboration with Roberto Cavalli. The designer himself was there along with model Jessica Stam, watching the mayhem.

After announcing a partnership with Eastpak, Raf Simons is at it again. The Belgian designer is rumored to have signed with Fred Perry to develop a menswear collection, set for a fall 2008 debut.

Stream Alicia Keys' new album As I Am on MTV.com now. I got a copy of it this week, and have been playing it non-stop. It is r&b at its best. I also highly recommend picking up Seal's System, which was produced by Stuart Price and sounds like a soulful version of Confessions On A Dancefloor.

The greatest singer in the world covers Heart's Alone on her new album. Watch her perform it live.

The new play A Vida Secreta de Batman e Robin (or The Secret Lives Of Batman & Robin) is getting buzz in São Paulo for portraying the duo as a gay couple who sleeps together in the batcave. With the Village People and Donna Summer on the soundtrack, Batman reveals that he wished he were Butterflyman.

This week's Veja São Paulo gives an in-depth picture of the real story behind the wave of attacks and murders by punks and skinheads in the Jardins neighborhood over the last year. The article also finally confirms what the police was afraid to report: the death of French tourist Gregor Erwan Landouar, stabbed on Gay Pride weekend, had a homophobic explanation.

The Miami Herald examines racism and discrimination against blacks in Brazil. I suggest all of you take the time to read it.

A Semana: Björk, Gisele, Marcelo Krasilcic, And Miss Britney Spears

Björk attened the premiere of Hector Babenco's El Pasado last night at Cine Odeon. Only she would wear a runway look from Lanvin to a movie premiere in Rio, which is why I love her. She performs in Rio this Friday at Tim Festival.

Singer Róisín Murphy talked to Arjan about critics, reviews, and blogs. If you haven't listened to her new album yet, do it now.

When Brazilian sites start offering illegally unblocked iPhones as gifts, you know something is wrong.

Singer Caetano Veloso will be playing the Nokia Theatre in New York on November 19 and 20.

Rumor has it that Brazilian singer Daniela Mercury has a girlfriend in New York.

The much talked about gay couple arrived on Wisteria Lane on Desperate Housewives this past Sunday.

Gisele has been booked as Wendy on the new series of Disney promotional pictures shot by Annie Liebowitz. Mikhail Baryshnikov is set to pose as Peter Pan next to her.

Model Fernanda Tavares gave birth to her first son last night. The genetically-blessed baby was named Lucas, and the proud father is actor Murilo Rosa.

Hint Mag is in love with Brazilian newcomer Daniela Borges this month.

Photographer Marcelo Krasilcic is incorporating sculpture into his work, using pillows, formica, and even fruit. Check out the results in incredible pictures on his blog (warning: NSFW).

Style.com takes a look at sixteen trendsetters and image-makers, including Carine Roitfeld, Grace Coddington, and Joe Zee.

I normally don't do this, but it's Britney b*tch we are talking about (link may not be up for long).

Porn star Francois Sagat gives us more.

A Semana: Art, Gay Media, Ricky, Justin, And Ipanema Fashion Week

The Venice Biennale announced this year's Golden Lion award recipients. The Golden Lion for an artist participating in the central international exhibition was awarded to Argentinian León Ferrari for La Civilización Occidental y Cristiana, his 1965 sculpture of Christ crucified on a fighter jet.

Brazil's gay media is now flourishing: Junior was just released last month, and there is already a new gay magazine set for a November launch. It will be called Dom, and it will likely feature Andre Ziehe on the cover of the first issue, with 50,000 copies printed. Competition will grow next year with the release of a third gay magazine called Romeu.

29-year-old bartender and go-go dancer Edmilson Araújo was voted Mr. Gay Manaus.

Ricky Martin got a much deserved star in the Walk Of Fame.

Thanks to his single Until The End Of Time parking on the 24th slot on the Billboard charts this week, Justin Timberlake became the first solo male artist this decade to spawn six top 40 hits from the same album. Shania Twain's Come On Over, which had six top 40 Hot 100 hits from 1997 to 99, was the last album overall to reach the same heights.

Rumor has it that Matthew McConaughey is thinking about having a baby with Brazilian girlfriend Camila Alves.

Someone at DNA magazine is reading Made In Brazil.

The work of Brazilian illustrator Filipe Jardim recently ended up on the pages of the NYT and The Wall Street Journal, thanks to his partnership with Tiffany's. Filipe had previously collaborated with Louis Vuitton and Hermès.

Cathy Horyn takes a final look at the spring 2008 collections, and elects her favorite show.

Style.com picked their Ten favorite collections of the season. Question: why is Rodarte on the list?

Fashion Rio is getting a very strong competitor come 2008. Enterpreneur Nizan Guanaes is planning to launch his much anticipated Ipanema Beach Fashion Week on November of next year, bringing together the biggest names in Brazilian beachwear and sportswear. There are rumors going around that Mr. Guanaes is also looking into buying São Paulo Fashion Week, which would turn him into the emperor of Brazilian fashion.

Cow-rioca

The Cow Parade will take over the streets of Rio starting next Wednesday, and of all the cows on display none could be gayer than the one below, with a print of the Copacabana sidewalk, red pumps, and a rainbow flag in the most unexpected place.

Thanks Ricardo for the heads up. Now who is going to send me an actual picture of the cow on display next week?

A Brazilian You Need To Hear About: Maltchique

I haven't mentioned it here yet, but there is a new Brazilian blog called Opequi which has become a daily read for me because of its very fresh approach to design, and short interviews with an interesting mix of young people.

Last week, I found myself reading about 28-year-old Rodrigo Maltchique, and because I like his work so much I thought I would feature it here today. I had actually been exposed to a lot of Rodrigo's work in the past (especially his flyers), but it was not until I read his interview and checked his website that I realized how brilliant his work truly is. It is retro, edgy, vibrant, and unexpected, and I am definitely tapping him to work on something as soon as Made In Brazil gets is much needed extreme makeover.

Make sure to check his online portfolio at Rodrigo Braga. FYI, aside from being an illustrator and art director, Rodrigo is also a DJ. Visit his MySpace page for more.

Gratuituous Fetish Display

Brazilian photographer Paula Klein is getting a lot of media buzz thanks to her upcoming Gatos e Sapatos exhibit, set to open on October 22 in Rio at IAB. The pictures are about the empowerment of women, and a series of Brazilian celebrities such as actors Marcos Pasquim and Cauã Reymond got involved in the project.

The entire exhibit includes 38 pictures. Make sure to take a look at another image after the jump.

A Semana: Gay Soccer Controversy, Rainbow Fest, Ad Campaigns, And Brazilian Choppers

Maximiano Junqueira Filho, the judge responsible for the homophobic remarks about soccer player Richarlyson's case, will have to defend himself in court, and explain what lead him to dismiss the case for such erratic reasons. He is currently on a leave of absence, and risks losing his title.

The 10th Annual Rainbow Fest in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, started last night and goes on until Sunday. Tomorrow night a special edition of X-Demente will take over club Privilège, and on Saturday 100,000 people are expected to attend the Juiz de Fora Gay Pride Parade. The famous Miss Brasil Gay pagent will also take place on Saturday.

São Paulo's all-girls party Chá com Bolachas heads to club Boomerangue in Salvador this Saturday.

As The World Turns is set to feature daytime's first gay teenage kiss tomorrow.

Singer Darren Hayes talks to Arjan in this week's Next magazine.

Heidi Klum sports nothing but jeans and a whip for the new Jordache ads.

While I was busy shooting hot models in Copacabana this past Tuesday, Michael Roberts was also shooting in Rio. He photographed the new spring ad campaign for beachwear label Lenny with model Guisela Rein at Niterói's Teatro Popular, and at an abandoned chocolate factory.

Actress and girl-of-the-moment Camila Pitanga stars in the new Cori campaign, photographed at the Copacabana Palace by Brazilian Vicente de Paulo.

The third edition of the REtalhar exhibit at Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil opened in Rio this past Tuesday. It features designs of the likes of Alexandre Herchcovitch, Lenny, Carlos Miele, and jeweler Antonio Bernardo, developed by hand by artisans from Rocinha through the COOPA-ROCA project. The exhibit runs until September 16.

The Orange County Choppers have been invited to come to Brazil early next month to design a bike inspired by Brasília and the 100 years of architect Oscar Niemeyer. The result will be showcased at this year's Brazilian Music Festival Moto.

The Iberê Camargo Foundation

It is not often that my hometown of Porto Alegre in featured in the news, especially in the Arts section of the NYT. To my surprise, the Sunday paper devoted a page to Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza, and his project for the Guggenheim-inspired Iberê Camargo Foundation, which is in final stages of construction by the river in Porto Alegre. I have not yet visited the site, but am thrilled to see it on the Sunday Times. There is much criticism about the lack of windows on Mr. Siza's white box, but I believe the building will take the city's architecture to a higher level.

A Semana: The 2014 World Cup, The Black Boxes From Flight 3054, And A Foreign Eye On Brazil

Brazil became an official candidate to host the 2014 Soccer World Cup yesterday, but we all have to wait until October 30 for the final verdict.

Authorities investigating the crash of TAM's Flight 3054 suspect that a pilot error may have lead to the tragic accident which killed 199 people two weeks ago. According to Folha de São Paulo, the pilots had programmed the computerized engine controls to maintain a speed of about 150 mph prior to landing in Congonhas. When the plane was about 30 feet off the ground, the pilots correctly switched one of the engines to idle, but did not do so with the other engine. When the pilots applied the brakes, the second engine automatically attempted to accelerate to maintain the preset 150 mph speed. That caused the plane to veer left and made it impossible to stop. The Brazilian newspaper leaked the data obtained from the black boxes this morning, and recordings indicated that the pilots tried to break but were unable to. The complete data is being transmitted to press live today.

São Paulo's government announced that construction of an express train line between the city and the international airport in Guarulhos is scheduled for next year. The train is set to be running by 2010.

The main runway at Guarulhos international airport will be undergoing minor repairs to accommodate the flights which have been transfered from Congonhas in São Paulo. Major construction will not start until February, and a third terminal may be in the works.

Brazilian Douglas Neitzke is the model of the week on Models.com. He is off to a good start, having opened and closed the Missoni spring 2008 show in Milan.

Michel Novello is the new face of Kenzo's fragrance, Tokyo by Kenzo.

Towleroad previews the latest DNA issue, with incredible pictures by Lewis Payton.

From now until September 16, Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil in Rio will be showcasing a new exhibit called desFocos (o olho de fora), featuring the work of 30 international artists who have never lived in Brazil but have approached the country as a theme in the past 30 years. Photographs of Rio de Janeiro by the likes of Bruce Weber, as well polaroids of Pelé by Andy Warhol are amongst the featured works.

Rediscovering Niterói

Considering the fact that I am traveling and that I have failed to mention yet that this year Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer will be celebrating his 100th birthday, I thought today would be the perfect day to post these pictures of Niterói which reader Marcelo sent me earlier this week. I have not been to Niterói in ages, and had forgotten that the city is only second to Brasilia in numbers of projects by Niemeyer. Below are pictures of MAC, Museu de Arte Contemporanea, as well as the Teatro Popular, which opened this April.

There are more pictures sent by Marcelo after the jump. I am definitely planning a day trip to Niterói next time I am in Rio.

A Semana: Steroids, Fashion, Art, and Pride

A new campaign against the use of steroids was launched this week, in an attempt to educate gay men about the side effects of steroids. It is the first of its kind in the country.

A diamond-encrusted platinum skull by Damien Hirst will go on sale for $99 million in London.

Always innovative, Galeria Melissa in São Paulo got a new exterior makeover with an instalation by Base-V. The fall line of the famous jelly sandals is already available at the flagship store at Oscar Freire.

Model Hana Soukupova is scheduled to make an appearance at the Salinas fashion show in Rio next week.

Gisele is set to open the Colcci show next Tuesday in Rio wearing a sequined jumpsuit.

Openly gay screenwriter Gilberto Braga claimed that a gay kiss is not in the works for the primetime soap Paraíso Tropical because it would be "too gratuitous." I disagree.

Gay Day at amusement park Hopi Hari in São Paulo expects to draw 18 thousand people this year. There will be DJs on the ferris wheel, as well as drag performances headlined by the incredibly funny Silvetty Montilla.

Girasol party promises to be one of the biggest gay pride events this year. 20 thousand people are expect at Clube de Regatas Tietê on June 9, a day before the parade. Attractions include 20 Brazilian DJs, and 3 imported ones: Brett Henrichsen, Eric Cullenberg, and Ronen Mizrahi. Expect tons of go-go boys from the biggest clubs in the city, major drag performances, and an area devoted to the girls courtesy of Farol Madalena. It starts at 10 am, and ends twelve hours later. I am definitely attending.

A Semana: Curitiba, Hulk In Rio, Roddick, And Boy George

How would cities look if urban planners, not politicians, took control? Curitiba got an architectural nod from the New York Times this past weekend, receiving praises for its environmetalism in an extensive article.

The sequel to Ang Lee's Hulk is going to feature segments shot on location in Rio. The new movie directed by Louis Leterrier will start taping in the country in October. Liv Tyler, Edward Northon, and Tim Roth are on board.

Hunky actor Reynaldo Gianecchini is set to play a taxi driver in the upcoming soap Sete Pecados, while Sergio Marone's character gets the cut on the primetime soap Paraíso Tropical.

Brazilian Marcelle Bittar models summer's must-have items in the latest issue of Vogue Paris, photographed by Vicente de Paulo in Rio.

Andy Roddick got a photoshop makeover for the cover of Men's Fitness, and was as surprised as everyone else to see himself with 22" guns all of a sudden.

Blogger Frank Malafronte produced a series of paintings inspired by his last trip to Brazil, and I love the result.

Blogger Arjan recently interviewed Good Charlotte's cute singer Joel Madden. Read it when you get a chance. Make sure to also check out Kelly Clarkson's interview on Entertainment Weekly about her much anticipated album My December.

Boy George confirmed two shows in the country in July: he will be performing at the opening of the new The Week in Rio, as well as in São Paulo at club Pacha.

Gay Photography Exhibit Censored In Rio

Brazilian photographer Pedro Stephan, well-known for his portray of the gay scene in the country, had been selected last year to be part of Foto Rio 2007, one of the biggest photography events in Latin America which starts next month. According to G Online, the photographer found a location for his exhibit at the mezzanine level of ALERJ (Assembléia Legislativa do Rio de Janeiro). The exhibit was approved by ALERJ at the time, and Stephan started working on the production aspects of his exhibit. However, since the beginning of May Stephan has not been able to get in touch with ALERJ's director Marcos Pinto to get any information on the space he had been given to hold his exhibit.

The photographer was contacted recently by ALERJ, and told his exhibit was cancelled because the (gay) theme was not appropriate for the space. He is now holding a manifest on his fotolog against censorship. Yesterday ALERJ has agreed to meet with Stephan tomorrow to discuss the issue. I will keep you updated on the status of the exhibit as soon as I hear anything.

A Semana: Isabela Capeto, Caroline Trentini, Herchcovitch, Rothko, And Santoro

Brazilian designer Isabela Capeto released her first fragrance in the country this week. I love the bottle.

You heard it here first: Carol Trentini is booked for the next Gap ad campaign, shot by Mikael Jansson and styled by Marie Amelie Sauve. Chanel Iman and Coco Rocha are also confirmed for the new ad campaign.

Want to look like a McDonald's employee? Designer Alexandre Herchcovitch is selling limited editions of his designs for the fast food chain at this flagship store in São Paulo.

If you haven't downloaded Madonna's "Hey You" yet, do it now. The song was inspired by Live Earth, and it is her first collaboration with Pharrell Williams. It is free for a week on MSN.

Fergie's fourth single "Big Girls Don't Cry" is playing on the radio in Brazil non-stop.

Rodrigo Santoro is making a pit stop in Rio on Monday for the premiere of his new movie Não Por Acaso.

Rothko's White Center (Yellow, Pink and Lavender on Rose) went for $72.84 million at a Sotheby's auction this week.

New tools have been unleashed on Google Maps Brazil. Now you can easily track street art in São Paulo, or simply search for select restaurants, bars, and hotels on major cities across the country.

A Semana: Chad White, Queer Art, Angels, And A Visit From The Pope

Model Chad White undressed for the latest issue issue of Out magazine, photographed by Francois Rousseau in Equestrian fashions. Madonna would have been proud.

The New York Times reported on a new generation of gay art.

Brazilian bombshell Alessandra Ambrosio is gracing the cover of British GQ, which brings a special report on Victoria's Secret fashion show (as well as pictures of angels Adriana Lima, Izabel Goulart, and Ana Beatriz Barros).

Naomi is on the cover of W, sharing her community service diaries (and Steven Klein portfolio) with fashion readers over the globe.

Designer Alexandre Herchcovitch autographed his book in São Paulo. Cartas a um Jovem Estilista (or Letters To A Young Designer) is not only a retrospective of his career, but also a guide to new designers and students.

Pope Benedict XVI landed in Brazil today on a mission to strengthen the control of the church in the country. In spite of Brazil being the world's most populous Roman Catholic country, the Roman Catholic church is reported to be losing 8,000 members a day in the country to evangelical Protestant churches, and other faiths. Could that be because of the Pope's position when it comes to issues such abortion and safe sex? NGOs will host a protest this evening in São Paulo against the presence of Benedict XVI in the country, homophobia, illegal abortions (the procedure is illegal in Brazil), and AIDS.

Speedo Break: actress Deborah Secco and soccer player bf Roger make a splash at the beach.

A Semana: Skol Beats, Naked Mexicans, Music News, Soap Hunks, and More Gisele

39,000 people attended Skol Beats in in São Paulo this weekend, making it the biggest electronic music festival in Latin America. The vocalist of The Cuban Brothers stole the spotlight from acts like French DJ Laurent Garnier, David Guetta, and Crystal Method, by stripping down to a g-string during the group's performance.

18,000 people undressed for Spencer Tunick in Mexico City yesterday.

Lauryn Hill confirmed 4 shows in the country next month, in Alegre, Porto Alegre, São Paulo, and Rio.

The debut album from Brazilian singer CéU is available at Starbucks all over the United States.

Brazilian band Cansei de Ser Sexy is scheduled to open for Gwen Stefani in London.

Maroon 5 set a new record for the largest jump to #1 in the history of the Billboard Hot 100. Makes Me Wonder climbed from #64 straight to #1 on the chart. Another record was set by Carrie Underwood with her cover of I'll Stand By You, now the first iTunes exclusive to ever open in the top 10.

Actor Ewan McGregor has been in the country since last Thursday shooting a fragrance commercial. Hopefully he will hit the beach in a swimsuit at some point this week.

As if Tom Brady was not reason enough to be jealous of Gisele<