Q: The Macy's Memorial Day weekend insert is themed with the culture of the country of "Brasil" and a chance to win a trip there. I have never seen this spelling, and in articles I've seen lately, it is always spelled with a "z" (Brazil). Is this a localized spelling, or did they make a big mistake?
—R.E. Elam, Marietta
A: Brasil is the Portuguese spelling for Brazil. The official name of the country is the Federative Republic of Brazil, or República Federativa do Brasil in Portuguese, the official language of Brazil. The word Brazil comes from a tree called brazilwood, which grew along the country's coast. The Portuguese called it pau-brasil, which was popular in Europe when the area was colonized because it produced a red dye that was used in clothing. The capital of Brazil is Brasilia, spelled with an "s" even in English. Brazil's official government website is www.brasil.gov.br.
Q: What happen to 106.7 radio? Are there other oldies stations left in the Atlanta market?
—Keith Law, Braselton
A: Atlanta's Greatest Hits changed formats to become All News 106.7 at 5 a.m. Tuesday. It is the only 24/7 all-news radio station in metro Atlanta. Country music ruled at 106.7 for 24 years until 2008, when it switched to True Oldies. It became Atlanta's Greatest Hits in 2010. It was the last of metro Atlanta's true oldies stations.
Andy Johnston wrote this column; Rodney Ho contributed. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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