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Name that jaguar Posted by Rachel on Aug 26, 2009
For today’s interactive feature, I’ve combined another interactive game online. A baby jaguar between three and four months old was rescued in Amazonas state recently, and was turned over to authorities in Manaus. The baby lost his mother, most likely to hunters. Globo Amazonia is now holding a naming contest for the little jaguar (onça-pintada)…
New Brazilian Public Health Campaign Posted by Rachel on Aug 25, 2009
The Brazilian government is known for being one of the best in Latin America in terms of public health informational campaigns, as well as a providing important health care goods free of charge, including contraceptives and HIV medication. Last week, the Ministry of Public Health unveiled a new campaign called “Muito prazer: sexo sem DST.”…
New Music: Móveis Coloniais de Acaju Posted by Rachel on Aug 24, 2009
Móveis Coloniais de Acaju is a perfect example of why Brazilian music has become such a success on the international music scene. Blending rock, ska, Eastern European influences, and Brazilian music, it has created a unique and upbeat sound. The band was formed in Brasilia, consisting of ten artists, including a flautist and trombonist. Its…
Verbs to Know: Prefix “des” Posted by Rachel on Aug 21, 2009
Today, we’re going to discuss verbs that start with des. As to be expected, this prefix is a negative one, which negates the second part of the word. But this isn’t true of every single verb that starts with des; we’ll look at a few of the exceptions. 1. desconversar: to change the subject. Here…
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…