Caetano Veloso -- image via X By Urariano Mota To our great surprise, Caetano Veloso turns 84 today. But 84?! If the seasons rule our lives, we can say of them what Nelson Rodrigues said about videotape during a discussion: “Time is stupid!” We say this because when we look at the faces of these artists, we see ourselves in them. Not so much because of their physical appearance—their features and bodies—which are in better shape than ours these days. Some of them, like Paulin

From the PRC Press: Chairman Mao, our most respected and beloved great leader, had a good swim in the Yangtse River, braving the wind and waves on July 16 last year (1966). It left on indelible, happy memory in our minds and greatly inspired, the people throughout China and the world to go forward courageously in the storms of class struggle. Translation of the poem first published in English in 1967. Swimming to the melody Shui Tiao Keh Tou (2) I have just drunk the waters o

Gorky and Lenin in conversation, sketch USSR 1947 An English translation released in the Soviet Press, 1947: I EXPECTED Lenin to be different. To me something seemed to be lacking in him. He blurred his r's and, thumbs stuck under his armpits, stood with arms akimbo. And, all in all, he was somehow too plain; you felt nothing of the "leader" in him. I am a literary man. My profession obliges me to observe petty details and this duty has become a habit, sometimes even a tireso

A poem written by Rewi Alley in memory of Edgar Snow after his death in 1972. Looking out at me from the morning's paper the quiet steady face the understanding eyes of the American dreamer who saw how dreams could be made come true and who caught some of the fire of the Chinese Revolution and its leadership so that along with them, as they so incredibly fought, did he fight with his pen for all he came to believe in. Yes, he suffered all right, not simple to face those wild

An excerpt from the novel ‘Never-Ending Youth’ by Urariano Mota, translated by Peter Lownds By Urariano Mota “How do you listen to Ella Fitzgerald without a record player? I know that question will recur often in this story of recuperation. I wonder why? I do not know the answer, but I search for it. I look for it as I looked for my friend the terrorist’s face on a poster in 1970. Ironically, although I have no phonograph, the Party owns a mimeograph for which I am responsibl

Liu Su-ya (in front) and Chef Yang at the snack counter. From China Reconstructs Magazine, April 1974 (written by an unnamed staff reporter): LUNCHTIME was approaching and Lao Sun, manager of the workers' canteen in the Peking No. 2 Cotton Textile Mill, showed me around. The dining room, with rows of tables and benches, was bright, clean and spacious, the floor well-scrubbed and the walls whitewashed. Varied Menu In the kitchen the cooks were making a large variety of items s

A new book about the history of the Teamsters union in Canada traces nearly 125 years of the labour organization’s struggles, victories, and dedication to the working class. The book, which combines interviews with Teamsters members and historical documents produced by, and about, the Teamsters, provides an in-depth examination of the union from the earliest local unions to its members’ involvement in major labour conflicts that helped shape Canada. The book sets out to descr

Some excerpts from Alcir Pécora’s review of the novel “Never-Ending Youth” (A Mais Longa Duração da Juventude) by Urariano Mota in Racunho, Brazil’s literary journal (translated by Urariano Mota): ‘The Never-Ending Youth’ has a complex structure, full of twists and turns and flashbacks, as well as an unbridled ambition: to capture, in vivid detail, the decisive moments of the terrible years of 1972–73. Terrible, it is true, as the novel makes clear, yet significant as some of

Soledad Barrett By Urariano Mota These days, when the right comes back to power in several countries wearing its modern mask for fascismo, it's worth sharing a message I received about my books. A teacher and researcher, after reading “Soledad no Recife”, my book that tells the last days of the guerrilla Soledad Barrett in Recife, sent me this message on Instagram this week: "Hello, good afternoon. What can you tell me about the narrator's alienated love for Soledad? And what

Between between April 29 and May 1, a virtual screening of the audio play with images, Paul Robeson’s Love Song by UK-based playwright, singer and activist Tayo Aluko is being held as a fundraiser for the indie progressive media outlet The Canary. Robeson is one of the towering figures of 20th Century American musical and political history. Robeson did groundbreaking work on the stage and in film during the Jim Crow era, was an astonishing talent as a singer and spent his lif

Hold High the Red Banner! -- Image adapted from a 1950s Soviet illustration by V. Ivanov The Day of the Workers KINGS, Emperors, Czars, and lords of Trade Who have the power without the name,— Soon shall your brutal might be laid Low in red Revolution's flame; And from the wreckage of your empire rise,— Flinging the banner of rebellion to the skies,— The new world of the workers, which now seems To the fainthearted, the mirage of idle dreams. One such republic stands impregna

Ti Top Island, located in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, is renowned for its stunning crescent-shaped beach, panoramic views, and rich history, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. The monument to Titov on the island, 2025 -- Andre Hospers, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Ti Top or Titov Island gained new historical prominence in 1962 when Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov visited the spectacularly beautiful Ha Long Bay with Democratic Republic of Vietnam President Ho Chi M

Vintage representational image of Chinese Sweet and Sour spareribs From China Reconstructs, People's Republic of China, 1966. Recipes for Spareribs SPARERIBS are a perennial Chinese favourite. Here is a basic recipe for deep-fried spareribs which can be served in two different styles, either with sweet-and-sour sauce. or with a salt-and-pepper dip. Deep-fried Spareribs 3 lb. spareribs 1 teaspoon soya sauce 1/2 tablespoon rice wine (or sherry) 1/2 teaspoon salt 5 tablespoons c

With recipes for borshch, roast meat, salad, Ukraina ice cream and vareniki. From the Soviet press, 1962: UKRAINIANS are very cheerful and hospitable people who like to visit and entertain. The milk and meat, fish and game, berry and vegetable dishes to of this rich farm region tickle the eye and palate simultaneously . Everybody has heard of the famous Ukrainian borshch, but not everybody has had the good fortune to taste it. Here is a recipe to serve 4: 3/4 lb. meat, 3/4 lb

Mutton Bozartma From the Soviet Press, 1962: ΑN OLD Eastern saying has it that generosity paves the heaven. Generosity is the...

Text and photos by Katherin Hormigó Rubio, translated from the Spanish "Culture represents the soul and shield of the Cuban nation. Our...

A national human ecology curriculum that begins with food education could help address our most pressing crises—from climate change to...

Despite mounting evidence of serious health risks, the U.S. continues to allow diquat use on farms. A Canadian farmer spraying diquat on...

From the deserts of California to the forests of Belgium, these iconic music festivals showcase the power of sound to bridge cultures,...

From the Soviet Press, 1951 The image of Paul Robeson, the eminent black singer and indefatigable fighter for peace and the freedom of...