Archive for August, 2009
U.S. to Invest $2 Billion in Brazilian Oil Posted by Rachel on Aug 20, 2009
This week, the Wall Street Journal revealed that the U.S. government plans to invest US$2 billion in Petrobras, Brazil’s state-run oil company. It is the largest company headquartered in the Southern Hemisphere and the largest company in Latin America in terms of revenue. Its assets, which include oil assets in Brazil and 18 other countries…
Language Level Skills: Portuguese Posted by Rachel on Aug 19, 2009
For today’s interactive feature, I have an important question for all of our Portuguese Blog readers, which I’m hoping you will all answer, since it will help make a better blog. The question is: What is your skill level of Portuguese? Beginner, low intermediate, mid intermediate, high intermediate, advanced, fluent? Are you able to speak?…
Acre Government Launches New Environmental Plan Posted by Rachel on Aug 18, 2009
The government of Acre, a small state in the Amazon rainforest that borders Peru, has launched a new plan aimed to curb deforestation. The proposal, which will go into effect in 2010, will monetarily reward Acre’s workers (including loggers, fish ranchers and indigenous tribes) who avoid cutting down trees and/or who actively protect the rainforest…
New Music: Luiza Possi Posted by Rachel on Aug 17, 2009
Luiza Possi, age 25, grew up in Rio de Janeiro and gained acclaim as an MPB singer at an early age. She released her first album, Eu sou assim, in 2002, and has released three albums since then. The daughter of a singer and a musical producer, she has also done acting work. Several of…
Proverbs Practice Posted by Rachel on Aug 14, 2009
Today, we’re going to go over some Portuguese proverbs and take a look at their meanings. Some are tricky since there are slightly different English equivalents. 1. Quem ama o feio, bonito lhe parece. Literal meaning: Ugly people appear beautiful when they are loved. English equivalent: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 2…
Brazilian Profile: Clarice Lispector Posted by Rachel on Aug 13, 2009
Clarice Lispector is one of Brazil’s most famous and accomplished female writers, who is finally making headlines in the United States after becoming an icon in Brazil. Clarice was born Chaya Pinkhasovna Lispector, the daughter of Jewish Ukrainian parents, in 1920. When she was a baby, her family emigrated to Brazil, fleeing religious persecution, and…
Favorite Brazil Guide Book Posted by Rachel on Aug 12, 2009
There are dozens of guide books about travel in Brazil, but they’re not one size fits all.Some focus on the big cities, while others don’t always have up-to-date information. So today’s interactive question is: what’s your preferred guide book for Brazil? My personal favorite guide book is Lonely Planet Brazil. My copy is a little…