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Kristine Stiphany uses digital technologies to draw social parameters into the design and construction of infrastructure in the urban Global South. Undertaken in collaboration with residents of Brazilian informal settlements, her current study privileges situated data for revealing how people shape housing systems in evolution, and the political implications for doing so.

Brazil’s sexy Carnival puts Pentecostal mayor in tight spot

While campaigning last year to become Rio de Janeiro’s mayor, Marcelo Crivella, a retired Pentecostal bishop, insisted his faith would not get in the way of governing the nation’s most famous city. The former gospel singer and missionary, a high-profile member of one of Brazil’s most powerful evangelical churches, captured 59 percent of the vote and took office Jan. 1. But less than two months into his four-year term, Crivella’s promises are about to be tested by Carnival, Rio’s annual weeklong party often marked by heavy drinking and drug use, wild sex and round-the-clock dancing.

Rio Carnival revelers hunt for bargains amid economic crisis

” Instead of costly and elaborate costumes with glittering sequins, expect more cheap getups featuring fake mustaches, hats and tiaras at this year’s Carnival. Revelers are bargain-hunting ahead of Rio de Janeiro’s world famous party, which is about to kick off amid a prolonged economic crisis that is hurting pocketbooks and the myriad businesses that depend on the bash for a large part of their annual incomes.