Xuxa Posted by Rachel on Dec 21, 2011
In Brazil and throughout Latin America, Xuxa is a cultural icon. Born Maria da Graça Meneghel, she was born in Rio Grande do Sul in the far south of Brazil and moved to Rio de Janeiro at age 7. She began modeling as a teenager, and dated two iconic Brazilian athletes: Pelé and Ayrton Senna…
The iPhone in Brazil Posted by Rachel on Dec 20, 2011
Apple products are huge in Brazil, and last week was a big week for Apple there. The company released the Brazilian iTunes, launched the Apple TV, and began selling the iPhone 4S. Plus, for months, there have been rumors that Apple is producing iPhones in São Paulo. Though the iPhone is selling for much higher…
Brazilian Christmas Songs Posted by polyana on Dec 19, 2011
It’s almost that time again! I love Christmas music. In any language. One thing I do like more about Brazilian Christmas songs that are popular amongst children and well, everyone, is that they’re more focused on what Christmas is actually about and not just Santa Claus, Mistletoe, and Snow (despite the lack of snow here…
LinkedIn Brazil Posted by Rachel on Dec 16, 2011
LinkedIn, the professional networking website, recently opened an office in Brazil to expand its business there. Brazil is LinkedIn’s fourth-largest market with 6 million users. Reuters Brasil wrote about the office inauguration in São Paulo: Além da subsidiária, também foi anunciada a nomeação do seu diretor-geral, Osvaldo Barbosa de Oliveira, que saiu da Microsoft -onde…
Extreme Poverty Documentary Posted by Rachel on Dec 13, 2011
The Brazilian government’s TV channel, TVNBR, released a very interesting short documentary about extreme poverty in Brazil this week. While Brazil has become a development success story due to a growing middle class and declining levels of poverty, this documentary points out that pockets of extreme poverty still persist. The film focuses on two cities…
Amigo Oculto Posted by Rachel on Dec 12, 2011
If you’re a long time reader, you’ll recall the term “amigo oculto,” or Secret Santa. Also known as amigo secreto, it’s the same tradition as in U.S. when a group of people chose names and buy a present for the person they picked. Read a bit about recent trends in Secret Santa giving in Portuguese…
Clarice Lispector – Brazilian Author’s Memory Celebrated Posted by polyana on Dec 10, 2011
Had she lived to this day, Clarice Lispector (1920-1977), Brazilian literary genius, would have turned 91. There were celebrations all over the country in honor of her work. Born in the Ukraine, her family moved to Brazil at a young age, where they eventually settled in Pergnambuco, and years later, she became a Brazilian citizen…