Archive by Author
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…
Brazil and China in the News Posted by Rachel on Aug 11, 2009
China has been in the headlines with Brazil this week, as newspapers report a growing commercial, political and even cultural proximity between the two BRIC countries. Let’s take a look at the biggest stories. China makes big moves in Latin America, Miami Herald Rio de Janeiro hosts entrepreneurs from China and Lusophone states, MacauHub Brazil’s…
New Music: Orquestra Imperial Posted by Rachel on Aug 10, 2009
Orquestra Imperial isn’t exactly an orchestra; it’s actually a band made up of 18 members, including famous and non-famous musicians alike who have rotated through various concerts with the group. The band has included Zeca Pagodinho, Seu Jorge, Caetano Veloso, and Elza Soares, amongst other big names, The band was formed in 2002 to play…
Word of the Day: pior Posted by Rachel on Aug 7, 2009
Today’s Portuguese Word of the Day is pior, which depending on the context can mean worse or worst. Let’s take a look at how the word is used. Note that when used as worse, it is followed by que when making a comparison (i.e. worse than). Also note that when used as worst, a, o…