Archive for June, 2009
Major Brazilian Retail Merger Announced Posted by Rachel on Jun 9, 2009
This week, the Brazilian retailer group CBD, which owns the Pao de Acucar supermarket chain, announced that it would buy electronics and home appliance store chain Ponto Frio. The merger makes Pao de Acucar the largest retail chain in the country, with annual sales estimated at 26 billion reais, overtaking the previous leader, French retail…
“Maçã de amor” turns 50 Posted by Rachel on Jun 8, 2009
In Brazil, caramel apples are known as “maçãs de amor,” or love apples, which are made by caramelizing sugar and red food dye on apples attached to popsicle sticks. These treats are popular for Brazilian Valentine’s Day (June 12) and at the festa junina celebrations held in the Brazilian winter. According to a Globo report…
Nightlife Vocabulary Posted by Rachel on Jun 5, 2009
Today we’re going to learn some vocabulary related to nightlife, which is essential for anyone traveling to Brazil. boate: nightclub/dance club (used in Rio de Janeiro) balada: nightclub/dance club (used in São Paulo and to clubs that play techno) bar: bar/pub boteco/botequim: pub/neighborhood bar (usually with tables outside and food) baile funk: Brazilian funk dance…
Portuguese Verb Tenses Posted by Rachel on Jun 4, 2009
For today’s interactive feature, we’re going to talk about the different verb tenses. The question is: which is the most difficult Portuguese verb tense for you? There are a few verb tenses that I find tricky, like the future subjunctive tense (for, estiver, etc), since when I’m speaking, I sometimes confuse the eles/elas conjugation with…
How’d you like to find this in your house? Posted by Rachel on Jun 3, 2009
This week, a family found this in their house in a rural part of Goiás state: The five meter-long, 75 kilo snake was captured by firemen and was brought to a wildlife treatment center. It will soon be released back into the wild. According to the authorities, there have been an increase in calls to…
Air France Flight Tragedy Posted by Rachel on Jun 2, 2009
Yesterday, an Air France flight departing from Rio de Janeiro disappeared over the Atlantic, en route to Paris. Of the 228 people on board, 58 were Brazilian and 61 were French, as well as passengers from all over the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. There were 126 men, 82…
Video Learning Series: Festa Junina Posted by Rachel on Jun 1, 2009
Today we’re going to practice listening comprehension with a new set of videos. Since it’s June 1st, we’re going to look at some videos about the festa junina, a traditional party that takes place in June, when children dress up in costumes and neighbors come together to eat, drink, and dance. The first video discusses…