The chaos installed in Rio seems to be under control this Friday morning with police men occupying 23 favelas in an attempt to prevent new attacks. Public transportation was shut down without warning last night with all of the city's 48 companies fearing more attacks by drug gangs, but there were no victims reported overnight.

This Sunday, more than 2 million people are expected to flock to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, where performers including the Black Eyed Peas will take part in a globally broadcast show. Security has been reinforced for the New Year's bash, with 20% more police men roaming the streets than in previous years.

Foreign tourists spent US$ 3.9 billion in the country between January and November. The government estimates that the number for 2007 will reach US$ 4.3 billion, making it the best year for Brazilian tourism ever.

Before heading to New York, actor Dado Dolabella helped to promote tourism in Rio by soaking up the sun at the beach in his usual black swimsuit.

Just a few days before New Year's, gang attacks in Rio this morning have resulted in at least 18 people dead. Three buses have been set on fire, and police stations in different parts of the city were attacked with grenades and automatic fire. Rio mayor Cesar Maia stated that the attacks should not affect New Year's and that security has been reinforced, but hotels are already registering the smallest occupancy rate in the last five years.

Defense Minister Waldir Pires confirmed that the chaos in airports this Christmas was caused partially by TAM Airlines' overbooking of passengers, but delays are expected to continue over the weekend. The crisis in Brazilian airports has already resulted in the cancelation of 5% of international reservations. Government expects 10% of cancelations if the situation in airports does not improve by Friday, resulting in a loss of R$ 10 million in revenue for hotels in Rio.

In spite of all problems, the usual suspects are coming to Rio. Calvin Klein is already there, and models Raica and Ana Beatriz Barros partied the night away.

As sad as I am to report on the violence in Rio and the mess which has taken over airports across the country, I am sure that many of you going to Brazil will have an excellent time this coming weekend. If you feel like using the blog to comment on any problems you may have, feel free to email me. Feel free to send pictures too.

Since the weather down south was amazing yesterday, I spent the day at Bikini Beach with my brother and friends. It is not my top choice in Punta del Este because it is definitely overcrowded, but I had not been there in a long time and wanted to check it out (and also watch the boys).

Fyi, Bikini is not a gay beach but there were quite a few of us representing.

With 15% of all your votes, Brazilian model Miro Moreira was elected the Hottest Brazilian Of The Year at Made In Brazil. Could it have been because of the sexy tattoo?

We will be seeing more of Miro soon in the new spring D&G campaign. Brazilian model Rafael Lazzini took the second spot, only one vote ahead of Vinicius Naval.

The complete list of the 10 hottest Brazilian guys of 2006 is after the jump.

AussieBum celebrated its Brazilian launch with a party this past weekend at Ultralounge in São Paulo. Here is my belated Christmas gift to you.

All images courtesy of my buddy Italo, who celebrated his 31st birthday at the party. Congratulations.

I have been in Punta del Este since Sunday, and I will be blogging from here for the next 10 days. The weather is amazing, and I just got back from a day at the beach catching up on my tan. I took the picture above from my terrace this morning.

I will do my best to update the blog on a daily basis, and post several pictures from here.