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Archive for December, 2008

Podcast: Discussing Preferences Posted by on Dec 31, 2008

Music Preference Podcast: Click here! This week, we’re going to learn how to discuss preferences, using music as an example. Make sure you check out the BYKI list when you’re done listening! The word adorar (adore) is used to describe something you really like, whether it’s a person or a thing. In this case it…

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An Amazon Delicacy Posted by on Dec 30, 2008

Though to outsiders it may seem like a disgusting pest, the maniuara ant is actually considered a delicacy by several indigenous tribes in the Amazon. The ant has a large head and jaws, and can draw blood when humans are bitten. Women are responsible for hunting the maniuara, and they follow the ants to the…

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Off the Beaten Path: Part III Posted by on Dec 29, 2008

Many foreigners that travel to Brazil come for the beaches or the Amazon, but not many know that Brazil’s southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul, is more akin to Italy or Argentina than to Rio de Janeiro or Salvador. Originally settled by Italian and German immigrants, the area is famous for being the home of…

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Brazil and France Sign Arms Agreement Posted by on Dec 26, 2008

This week, President Nicolas Sarkozy was in Brazil, where he met with President Lula in Rio de Janeiro. On Tuesday, they signed an arms agreement worth US$12 billion to help Brazil protect its oil fields and the Amazon. The deal involves the purchase of fifty Super Cougar helicopters from France, as well as the joint…

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Brazil Environmental News Posted by on Dec 24, 2008

Let’s take a look at headlines from this week related to the environment and the Amazon. Forest Plan in Brazil Bears the Traces of an Activist’s Vision, New York Times Guia virtual mostra cantos dos sapos da Amazônia, O Globo Hundreds of Brazil’s Eco-warriors at Risk for Assassination, Guardian UK Lula quer melhor Exército para…

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Holiday Vocabulary Posted by on Dec 23, 2008

Today we’re going to take a look at some important phrases and vocabulary for the holiday season. Boas festas – Happy Holidays Feliz Natal – Merry Christmas Feliz Hanuká – Happy Hanukah Feliz Ano Novo – Happy New Year Reveillon – New Year’s Eve presente – gift amigo oculto – Secret Santa Papai Noel –…

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Unexpected Creatures Posted by on Dec 22, 2008

Last week, after Madonna’s departure from Rio de Janeiro, two unexpected guests appeared: a Teiu lizard and a mother and baby whale.   The lizard, unusual in cities, was spotted in the Botanical Gardens. The largest lizard in South America, it  inhabits forest areas south of the Amazon where it eats eggs, fruit, and small…

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