Thakur, who was in decline, reveals the corporate cruelty underlying the H-1B visa economy

Fiat celebrates 50 years in Brazil in 2026. The author of the article expresses great appreciation for the Italian brand, citing its early cars, such as the 1995 Mille ELX and the 2008 Mille Way, defending Fiat's ability to produce compact, affordable, and pleasant-to-drive vehicles.

Forgotten Fiat Models

Besides popular models, the text mentions conceptual Fiat cars launched in Brazil that did not receive the deserved recognition. The Tipo, which faced fire problems; the Marea, whose mechanics were considered too complex for the national market; and the Bravo, which, despite being beautiful and competent, arrived late in a declining category are cited.

Although some argue that current Fiat models have lost their former charm in favor of commercial success, the focus of the article lies in the vast universe of notable cars produced by Fiat internationally. In allusion to the brand's fiftieth anniversary in the country, a specimen classified as 'Half-Lost Find' is highlighted: a third-generation Fiat 124 Sport Coupé, manufactured between 1972 and 1975, which represents the peak of Italian design and engineering before the brand arrived in Betim.

History and Evolution of the Fiat 124

The Fiat 124 was introduced in 1966 to succeed the Fiat 1300/1500 line, which, although reliable, was aging quickly. The goal of the 124 was to redefine the segment of Italian family sedans, surpassing the competition in terms of weight, efficiency, and dynamics.

One of the greatest innovations occurred in the chassis. Unlike its predecessor, which used semi-elliptical leaf springs on the rear axle—a robust configuration, but more geared towards utility use and with less roll control—the 124 implemented a rear suspension with coil springs, anchored by longitudinal arms and a Panhard rod. This more responsive rear end, combined with a light structure, rigid body, and four standard disc brakes (something unusual for a high-volume vehicle in the mid-60s), resulted in a safe, neutral, and enjoyable compact sedan to drive.

Platform and Variations of the 124

The architectural excellence of the 124 allowed it to evolve into a modular family of models. From the same chassis came the Familiare station wagon, the desired 124 Sport Spider convertible, designed by Pininfarina (which became legendary in the WRC with Abarth), and the 124 Sport Coupé, which offered the practicality of a four-door coupe with high engineering quality.

Globally, the sedan project was licensed to the Soviet Union in the early 70s, giving rise to the VAZ-2101/Zhiguli, precursor to the Lada Laika, which was widely used in Brazil in the 90s. Thus, the 124's base became one of the most durable platforms in automotive history, as the Laika remained in circulation in Russia until 2010 and in Egypt until 2015.

Details of the Fiat 124 Sport Coupé

Focusing on the coupé, the 124 Sport Coupé enhanced the sedan's base in both design and performance. While the Spider had its design commissioned externally, the Sport Coupé was conceived at the Fiat Style Center by Felice Mario Boano, the same designer responsible for the iconic Ferrari 250 GT Boano. Boano maintained the original wheelbase of the sedan (2.42 m), ensuring adequate space for four adults without compromising the sleek and sporty lines of the notchback coupé.

The model was launched in 1967, in the AC series, featuring simple headlights, a dashboard with wood imitation finish, and a 90 hp 1.4 engine. This engine was historic for being the first mass-produced global DOHC (double overhead camshaft) engine to use a rubber timing belt instead of a chain. Its taillights were identical to those used on expensive sports cars of the time, such as the Lamborghini Espada and the Iso Rivolta.

In 1969, with the BC phase, there was a front-end redesign with dual headlights and taillights again inspired by a Lamborghini (in this case, the Jarama). The dashboard became darker and sportier, including a tachometer reaching 9,000 rpm. Mechanically, the car received the 110 hp 1.6 engine, fueled by two dual-body carburetors, characterized by its square dimensions (80x80 mm) and strong propensity for high RPMs.

Third Generation and the Lampredi Engine

The maturity of the project was reached in 1972, with the third and final generation, the CC. In this phase, Fiat modernized the front end with new chrome details, installed vertical taillights, and increased the trunk depth for greater load capacity. Internally, the wood coverings were replaced by brushed aluminum and new materials.

The mechanical highlight was the coveted 1.8 engine (1,756 cm³) from the Lampredi family, developed by Aurelio Lampredi. This four-cylinder, double overhead cam engine with a dual-body carburetor and electric pump generated approximately 122 hp, providing substantial torque at medium revs that drastically altered the vehicle's behavior. When coupled with the five-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, the setup replicated the successful formula of icons like the Alfa Romeo Giulia GT and GTV of that period: lightness, powerful sound, and great presence.

The Specific Find and Sales Conditions

The specimen in question is a 1975 model, corresponding to the last year of production of the 124 Sport Coupé, and belongs to the desirable 1800 Climatizzata version. This means it left the factory equipped with air conditioning, which, according to the advertisement, is in perfect working order. Finding a 70s Italian sports classic with operational air conditioning in Brazil is considered an extremely rare occurrence.

Internally, the coupé maintains its four-seater functionality. The cabin has been carefully restored in the seats and door linings, but preserved the original factory trim on the front headrests, which are in excellent condition. Components such as the steering wheel, dashboard instruments, buttons, and turn signal key are original, maintaining the atmosphere and patina of the era.

Currently owned by Adriano Griecco, the car is advertised for R$ 105,000. This price is seen as quite advantageous in the current market for those looking for a European classic with rear-wheel drive and pure mechanical pedigree, being favorably compared to a similar condition Alfa GTV. Furthermore, the vehicle's documentation is impeccable, registered in the owner's name, without pending issues, and already possesses a Mercosul plate, eliminating bureaucratic concerns for the future buyer.

The Epic Games Store makes at least one free title available for download weekly, and this week, the game Foretales is available for free from July 23rd to July 30th. This card game presents a unique and narrative-rich approach.

Foretales Features

Developed by Alkemi and released in 2022, Foretales is a card game that prioritizes narrative, blending elements of conventional RPGs, visual novels, and board games. Players take on the roles of anthropomorphic characters fighting against a curse that threatens to destroy the entire kingdom, set in a scenario dominated by a dark prophecy.

Gameplay Mechanics

The game operates in two distinct modes: navigation and mission. In navigation mode, players select mission cards from various face-down options, potentially finding destination cards. These destination cards introduce negative events that occur over a predetermined number of turns (each completed mission equals one turn).

Destination cards not only create challenges but also generate new missions that must be resolved to neutralize the effect of the destination card. Upon accepting a mission, the player defines which characters will participate, and each possesses special abilities and unique effects to be used during the journey.

Mission Structure

The dynamic within a mission differs significantly from traditional card games. Each mission has varied locations and is played sequentially, requiring players to employ their skills and consumables to resolve the situation, resulting in different outcomes depending on the card used. This allows for both gaining and losing resources, driving progress toward the mission's objective.

The presented events are diverse, covering dialogues, infiltration scenes, negotiations, and combat. The combat system follows a turn-based format similar to other card games, where each character has health and damage attributes, as well as special cards that can increase attack, health, or trigger other effects. This variety ensures that every mission is unique and playable multiple times.

Narrative Depth

Foretales features a fantasy narrative centered on Volepain, a thief raven tormented by future visions revealed through cards—an ingenious way to integrate game mechanics into the story. However, the most intriguing element is that every choice made by the player directly influences the unfolding of the game. Choosing violent solutions may incur penalties or trigger new plot events. Similarly, ignoring a destination event will have consequences, enriching and making the narrative extremely engaging.

Game Target Audience

This title is recommended for players who appreciate narrative games, which, despite offering many choices, maintain a fundamentally linear story conclusion. It is also ideal for those seeking an innovative card game that moves away from established patterns and conventions in this genre.

Researchers working on Bronze Age archaeological sites in Uzbekistan have established that local communities engaged in sericulture significantly earlier than previously assumed. Cocoon remnants of silkworms were discovered, which underwent radiocarbon dating and date back to the period of approximately 1940–1765 BCE.

Confirmation of Findings

These data are further supported by finds at three monuments dating to the late III to mid-II millennium BCE. Archaeologists discovered charcoal derived from white mulberry. The results of this study were published in the scientific journal Science Advances.

History of Sericulture

Sericulture is an ancient agricultural practice requiring the deliberate breeding of silkworms (Bombyx mori). The larvae of these insects pupate, forming cocoons, which are then collected and processed to obtain silk threads. According to modern scientific understanding, this industry originated in Neolithic cultures of China, where early humans allegedly domesticated wild mulberry silkworms (B. mandarina) approximately between 8500 and 5000 BCE. The earliest written mentions of silk use date back to the Shang Dynasty (1560 or 1554 – 1046 BCE).

New Discoveries in Central Asia

It was previously believed that sericulture in Central Asia began only after the active development of the Silk Road, around the 2nd century BCE. However, Zhou Xinying from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and his colleagues working in Germany, China, the USA, and Uzbekistan presented the results of excavations conducted between 2017 and 2019. These excavations were carried out at three Bronze Age sites located in southern Uzbekistan, in the Syr Darya river valley.

Site Analysis

The researchers focused on three settlements of the Sapallian culture, which is part of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (or Oxus civilization). The cultural layers of these settlements—Sapalli-Tepe (Sapallitepa), Jarkutan, and Molali—span the period from the late III to the mid-II millennium BCE. The key discovery was made while studying materials from Sapalli-Tepe, where three ancient silkworm cocoons were found. A direct radiocarbon date was obtained for one of them—approximately 1940–1765 BCE.

Scientific Conclusions

Subsequent proteomic analysis of these cocoons confirmed that they belonged to silkworms. Protein analysis showed that they corresponded to domesticated silkworms, although morphologically they strongly resemble wild forms, which is likely explained by the variability of early domesticated species. The authors concluded that sericulture appeared in Central Asia 1500–2000 years earlier than previously thought.

Additional Evidence

In addition to insect remains, archaeologists discovered other evidence of the Oxus civilization's engagement in sericulture. Numerous samples of charcoal extracted from the three settlements were studied. Part of these findings consisted of charred mulberry wood (Morus sp.), presumably white mulberry (M. alba), whose leaves were used to feed silkworm larvae.

Comparison with East Asia

Historical traditions of using silkworm cocoons in East Asia are illustrated in works of art. For example, Chinese researchers working in Shanxi province discovered a miniature stone artifact over five thousand years old depicting a silkworm pupa.

Other Archaeological Finds

As part of other research conducted at the Roman fort of Ambleside in northwest England, archaeologists discovered seven lead sling bullets, adding them to 23 previously found similar artifacts. These finds, described in the journal Britannia, suggest that the fort defenders apparently repelled enemy attacks.