Open Thread

I'll use these open threads as an ad hoc discussion forum in hopes of getting feedback, advice and stimulating debate between readers. So please feel free to post anything that seems relevant to this blog. But for starters, here are a few things on my mind:
- Is the huge social divide in Brazil between the haves and the have-nots really beginning to close, or do the elites still exist in their own bubble ?
- What inspires you about Brazil's current situation ? 
- What worries you about Brazil's current situation ?
- Why do Brazilians accept the recent outrageous pay rises which their politicians awarded themselves, making them higher paid than in, say, the UK ?
- Are broadband speeds poor all over Brazil ? What is the best Internet Service Provider ? How is 3G ?