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Doe Sangue Posted by Rachel on Nov 16, 2011
There are a number of very creative Brazilian public service commercials encouraging people to donate blood (doar sangue). In this commercial, they put what seems to be real blood in a fridge at a convenience store with a message on each container. It has a powerful effect. This commercial is narrated by a historical character…
Words with Beber Posted by Rachel on Nov 15, 2011
The verb beber (to drink) has different variations. Let’s take a look at how they’re used. 1. comes e bebes – refreshments / snacks & drinks Convidei minhas amigas para uns comes e bebes na minha casa nova. I invited some friends over for refreshments at my new house. 2. bebedouro – water fountain, water…
Brazil’s Armed Forces Posted by Rachel on Nov 13, 2011
Brazil has a large military with a growing international role. Today we’re going to learn about the different arms of the Forças Armadas, or Brazilian Armed Forces. 1. Exército Brasileiro (Brazilian Army) The Brazilian army was created in 1822. It has fought in numerous wars, including the Paraguay War (1864-1870) and the War of Canudos…
Pre-Salt Trophy Posted by Rachel on Nov 8, 2011
Petrobras, Brazil’s state-run petroleum company, created a cool project combining two very different things: Formula 1 racing and offshore drilling. A few years ago, Petrobras discovered vast reserves of oil below what’s called a pre-salt layer (pre-sal, in Portuguese) in the ocean off the coast of Brazil. The reserves could make Brazil a major oil…
Brazil Economic News Posted by Rachel on Nov 7, 2011
If you’re an intermediate or advanced Portuguese learner, it’s important to become familiar with terms about the economy and trade, since Brazil has become one of the largest economies in the world. Here are a few recent articles to test your understanding and to see key vocabulary terms in practice. Taxa de juros é a…
Brazilian Recipe: Escondidinho Posted by Rachel on Oct 31, 2011
The escondidinho is one of my favorite Brazilian recipes, not just because it’s delicious but because of the adorable name. Escondido means hidden, and by adding the diminutive, you could translate it as “a little something hidden.” This traditional recipe is made with mandioca (cassava) and a meat of choice, including carne seca (dried meat)…
Halloween in Brazil Posted by Rachel on Oct 27, 2011
While Halloween is not a Brazilian holiday, it has gained more popularity in Brazil in recent years. Also known as Dia das Bruxas (Day of the Witches), some people hold parties where guests go wearing fantasias (costumes) or máscaras(masks). It’s not a very common holiday to celebrate, but some people dress up or decorate. Here’s…