Archive for August, 2008
Lula Pushes for 2016 Olympics Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 11, 2008
President Lula was in China this week, along with Rio de Janeiro’s governor Sergio Cabral to promote the city of Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Since the Olympics has never been held in South America, Lula pushed for the games to be held in Brazil, citing the country’s growing economy and better infrastructure…
Brazilian Profile: Marta Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 8, 2008
One of Brazil’s biggest soccer stars is Marta, voted best female player in the world for the past two years. Pelé nicknamed her “Pelé in Skirts.” She’s played all over the world. And she’s only twenty two years old. She will play for Brazil at the Beijing Olympics, and already kicked off the games with…
International Capoeira Festival Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 7, 2008
Though capoeira, a Brazilian dance form that mixes martial arts and movement, is most prominent in Salvador, Bahia, it is now practiced all over Brazil. In fact, this August, Brazil’s big international capoeira festival is being held in a less likely place: Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais. From the 4th to the 10th…
Sem graça Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 6, 2008
“Sem graça” is a good term to know since it’s applicable in a few situations. If you think of “graça” coming from the word “engraçado,” which means funny, you should be able to remember the different meanings. Let’s take a look. 1. Not funny Este filme é sem graça. This movie isn’t funny. Ele não…
Amazon Fund Launched Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 5, 2008
Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva has launched an international fund intended to protect the Amazon while preserving Brazilian sovereignty. The goal is to raise $21 billion by 2021 from domestic and foreign donors, and the funds will be used for sustainable development, alternatives to logging, and conservation efforts. The Brazilian government wants to…
Brazil Gears Up for the Olympics Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 4, 2008
This year, Brazil is sending the largest delegation of athletes in history: 277 in total, which includes 132 women. The delegation is hoping to increase the number of medals Brazil wins this year, up from the five gold, two silver, and three bronze in Athens. Projections estimate that Brazil could place 13th in terms of…
Brazil in the News Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 1, 2008
There’s been lots of stories in the international media about Brazil this week. Here they are: Strong Economy Propels Brazil to World Stage, The New York Times HIV Risk Rises Among Older Brazilians, BBC A $126 Million Dollar Rumor, Flying from New Jersey to Rio, The New York Times Gilberto Gil Steps Down as Brazil…