Brazil: Football! Music! and Soap Operas?

An excerpt from what I read just now about Brazil:
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What is the demographic outlook?

Brazil's population is projected to grow to 216 million people by 2030 — but then fall slightly to 215 million people by 2050.

(Population Reference Bureau)

Why is that?

Brazil has a fertility rate of 1.9 children per woman (as of 2007) — below the rate of 2.1 children per woman needed to sustain the current population.

(Population Reference Bureau)

Was that always the case?

Back in 1960, Brazil’s fertility rate stood at 6.3 children per woman.

(New York Times)

Is there an explanation?

Brazil’s most popular prime-time soap operas revolve around small and stable middle-class families that are much smaller than traditional Brazilian families — and wherever the soaps air, the fertility rate for women drops significantly.

(Bureau of Economic Analysis for Development)

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The last bit is really interesting. Read more about Brazil if you are keen.

His Dad

He walked in. The obnoxious walk, the arrogant stance, and the derogatory posture at the table just proved it all.

There she was, elegantly sipping her coffee in a flowing black dress, a beige colored soft textured jacket. Sitting all by herself, and looking a million bucks and brains.

He stuffed himself till the brim, and made sure his friends were stuffed too. She caught his eye, and he couldn't let go of her sight. He was sure that his aura of power and riches would reach her and she would be flattered. It seemed that only he thought so.

She glanced at him and heard his loud conversations with his friends, though momentarily. It seemed that she was showing some interest. It was turning out to be a let down. How could she be interested in him?

The poor waiter did his job well while managing to stay shut and hoping that it would be over soon. Bringing the bill was just the preliminary task, securing the money was another.

He opened his mouth while keeping his eyes on her. And then it happened.
'Do you know who my dad is? He could buy this place out!'

She walked up to him. He was sure she wanted a piece of him. His power and riches could yield anything. He knew she was flattered and this would eventually lead to courtship.

She spoke.
'Could you arrange for me to meet your dad?'

A glass shattered in the background.

Vertigo Shag

I am on a vertigo spree.

Reading:
a) Pride of Baghdad
b) Kill Your Boyfriend
c) 100 bullets (This one will take some time. In my opinion the best thing conceived by any human being till date.)