Portuguese Courses in the US Posted by Rachel on Jun 11, 2009
For today’s interactive feature, I want to know if any US-based readers are taking formal Portuguese classes, and what you think about the classes. The question is: do you take a Portuguese class at a language school or with a private tutor? Is it helpful? Is it worth the time and money? Though I’ve never…
New Music: Okê Arô Posted by Rachel on Jun 10, 2009
In this new series, I’ll feature cool new bands and singers from Brazil. If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment and I’ll include it in the next post. Okê Arô is a band based in Sao Paulo, featuring lead singer Paula Pretta. They play African-influenced music associated with Afro-Brazilian religion, blended with modern…
Major Brazilian Retail Merger Announced Posted by Rachel on Jun 9, 2009
This week, the Brazilian retailer group CBD, which owns the Pao de Acucar supermarket chain, announced that it would buy electronics and home appliance store chain Ponto Frio. The merger makes Pao de Acucar the largest retail chain in the country, with annual sales estimated at 26 billion reais, overtaking the previous leader, French retail…
“Maçã de amor” turns 50 Posted by Rachel on Jun 8, 2009
In Brazil, caramel apples are known as “maçãs de amor,” or love apples, which are made by caramelizing sugar and red food dye on apples attached to popsicle sticks. These treats are popular for Brazilian Valentine’s Day (June 12) and at the festa junina celebrations held in the Brazilian winter. According to a Globo report…
Nightlife Vocabulary Posted by Rachel on Jun 5, 2009
Today we’re going to learn some vocabulary related to nightlife, which is essential for anyone traveling to Brazil. boate: nightclub/dance club (used in Rio de Janeiro) balada: nightclub/dance club (used in São Paulo and to clubs that play techno) bar: bar/pub boteco/botequim: pub/neighborhood bar (usually with tables outside and food) baile funk: Brazilian funk dance…
Portuguese Verb Tenses Posted by Rachel on Jun 4, 2009
For today’s interactive feature, we’re going to talk about the different verb tenses. The question is: which is the most difficult Portuguese verb tense for you? There are a few verb tenses that I find tricky, like the future subjunctive tense (for, estiver, etc), since when I’m speaking, I sometimes confuse the eles/elas conjugation with…
How’d you like to find this in your house? Posted by Rachel on Jun 3, 2009
This week, a family found this in their house in a rural part of Goiás state: The five meter-long, 75 kilo snake was captured by firemen and was brought to a wildlife treatment center. It will soon be released back into the wild. According to the authorities, there have been an increase in calls to…