|
March 2009 |
... |
With spring approaching, we have a lot of people interested in studying Portuguese. We are excited to offer 10% off for you and a friend when you refer a friend to Brazil Station and both register for a Portuguese class.
|
|
|
|
Visit Brazil: Pantanal |
|
The lush landscape of Pantanal. |
Pantanal comes from the Portuguese word pântano meaning "wetland, bog, swamp or marsh." It is the world's largest freshwater wetland, a spectacular refuge of lakes, waterways, and islands brimming with the greatest concentration of wildlife in South America. It is located in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso, and across some parts of eastern Bolivia and Western Paraguay. At 68,000 square miles, it is almost 10 times the size of the Everglades.
Over 80% of the Pantanal floodplains are submerged during the rainy season of November to March, nurturing one of the world's most biologically diverse collections of aquatic plants. Annual floods create a giant nursery for aquatic life, including 260 species of fish-like the piranha. An interesting phenomenon to see during the rainy season is the piracema, the huge migration of fish that spawn upstream. During the piracema, sports fishing is forbidden.
As the waters recede in the dry season from April to October, the Pantanal attracts a great influx of birds—more than 650 different species—and other animals that feed and breed along its waterways. It is one of the hemisphere's greatest natural phenomena. It is hard to find a better opportunity to see so much wildlife with such ease as Pantanal during the dry season.
A portion of the Pantanal in Brazil has been protected as the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park. This 1,350 square kilometers (520 sq. mi.) park was established in September 1981. It has been designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention since May 24, 1993.
In an age of vanishing wetlands, the Pantanal must be saved as an oasis of biodiversity for an entire planet. For more info, check: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantanal. |
|
Did You Know... |
|
Could that be a sighting of the Great Snake? |
This month we bring you the chilling legend of the Great Snake.
When the moon is waning after midnight and a pale moonlight spreads over the River Sea, the Great Snake appears from an enchanted lair. It crosses quickly to the other side of the river, overturning canoes, killing those in the water, causing landslides and drowning animals along the riverbanks. It devours everything it comes across. Those who see it become blind. Nobody can catch it. Whenever someone foolishly decides to chase it, through ignorance or for pure exhibitionism, the Great Snake drowns them.
For this reason it's difficult to find Caboclos (the local population) in the hinterland with open windows or doors at night. Not even the dog barks, for such fear of the Great Snake, the bad spirit, the most feared being in the whole of the great valley! |
|
Social Events in March |
|
Join a bate-papo, Brazilian movie night, or show support for the Icla Da Silva Foundation.
|
Bate Papo - Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30pm
You are invited to relax, enjoy Portuguese conversation, and meet nice people while enjoying Brazilian drinks and food. During the happy hour, caipirinha and chop will cost only $4 each!
Contact us at Info@BrazilStation.com to RSVP by Tuesday, March 17.
Brasil Brasil Restaurant
330 W 46th St - between 8th and 9th Ave
New York, NY 10036
(212) 957-4300
Professional Networking Luncheon - Thursday, March 26 at 1-2pm
Brazil Station is the first company in the tri-state area solely dedicated to Portuguese language services. Our mission is to bring Brazil a little closer to the United States.
The Professional Networking Luncheon is an opportunity to connect with others who share an interest in Brazil. The luncheon is conducted in Portuguese and facilitated by Aparecida Teixeira, President of Brazil Station. Our next monthly Professional Networking Luncheon will be at Via Brasil, a midtown restaurant offering authentic Brazilian cuisine. The price of $35 includes the meal, light refreshments, and dessert; a cash bar will be available. The event will be limited to 20 people.
For more information and to reserve your spot, contact us at Events@BrazilStation.com or (646) 319-5391 by Thursday, March 26.
Via Brasil Restaurant
34 West 46th Street (Little Brazil Street) between 5th and 6th Ave
New York, NY 10036
Brazilian Movie Night - Friday, March 27 from 7-9pm
Brazilian Movie Night is an opportunity to practice Portuguese while watching great Brazilian movies—popcorn included! After the movie we will have a group discussion. We hope you can make it.
For this coming event we will show the drama O Ano em que Meus Pais Sairam de Férias (The Year My Parents Went on Vacation). When his parents' political leanings force them to flee Brazil in haste, 12-year-old Mauro (Michel Joelsas) is left behind to live with his grandfather on the outskirts of São Paulo in the city's Jewish community. But what his parents didn't realize is that Mauro's grandfather has recently died, and the only person left to care for the boy is his grandfather's next-door neighbor, Shlomo (Germano Haiut).
The movie is in Portuguese with English subtitles. Tickets are $7 per person and are available to the first 10 registrants.
For more information or to register, contact us at Event@BrazilStation.com or call (646) 287-6645. Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 25.
Brazil Station
304 Park Ave South, 11th floor (at 23rd St)
New York, NY 10010
Caipirinha Happy Hour Time - Wednesday, March 25 at 6pm
Icla da Silva Foundation invites you to celebrate the beginning of spring! Come shake the cold off and party in Brazilian grand style. Three hours of open bar (caipirinhas, sangria, wine, beer and soda). Caipirinhas made the way just Brazilians know how!
The mission of the Icla da Silva Foundation is to save lives by recruiting bone marrow donors and by providing support services to children and adults with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases which can be treated by a marrow transplant. Please visit us at www.icla.org for more information.
Donation requested: $35 per person. Party proceeds will support the Icla da Silva Foundation. Click here to RSVP and make your donation. In case you can't attend this event, please consider making a donation—remember your help can save a life.
Learn more here: http://www.meetup.com/BrazilianPortuguese/calendar/9895557/.
Brasil Brasil Restaurant
330 W 46th St - between 8th and 9th Ave
New York, NY 10036
(212) 957-4300
|
|
Brazilian Events in NYC |
|
(From l-r) The Orchid Show: Brazilian Modern, musician Café da Silva, and DanceBrazil.
|
Brazil Station is pleased to announce a variety of Brazilian events happening soon. If you want to announce any upcoming events, or offer ideas or suggestions for future activities, please contact us at Newsletter@BrazilStation.com.
The Orchid Show: Brazilian Modern - from February 28 to April 12
The New York Botanical Garden will present The Orchid Show: Brazilian Modern from February 28 to April 12. The 7th Annual Orchid Show has been designed by Miami-based landscape architect Raymond Jungles, who was inspired by his years of work with renowned Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. Mesmerizing and seductive displays are set in the lush tropical setting of a contemporary Brazilian garden in our Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Throughout the Conservatory, fountains, pools, and colorful mosaics are combined with graceful palms, delicate orchids, bromeliads, and other native plants of Brazil that will transport you to an exotic locale.
For more information, visit www.nybg.org.
The New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 817-8700
Edson Café da Silva & Friends - Sundays, March 15, 22, & 29 at 1pm
Join world-renowned Brazilian percussionist Café for an all-day celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture! For four consecutive Sundays in March, Edson “Café” da Silva, percussionist, singer, and composer, will present a full day of Afro-Brazilian music, dance and martial arts.
Café will lead a Master Drumming Workshop focusing on Afro-Brazilian rhythms. Rita Silva will teach an Afro-Brazilian Dance Class, Joao Lampréia will teach a Capoeria Class. In the evening, Café will be joined by special musical guests to present a concert of Afro-Brazilian jazz featuring his original compositions. Don't miss this singular opportunity to experience the simplicity, intrigue and joy of Afro-Brazilian rhythms!
March 15:
Afro-Brazilian Dance Class with Rita Silva, 1-2:30pm, $25
Master Drumming Workshop with Café, 3-5pm, $40
March 22 & 29:
Master Drumming Workshop with Café, 1-3pm, $40
Capoeira Class with Lampreia, 3:30-5pm, $25
Evening Concert of Afro-Brazilian jazz by Café & Special Musical Guests at 7:30 & 9pm, $10 cover charge, $5 minimum
For more info about this event and to reserve your space for the workshops, write to edsoncafedasilva@hotmail.com or call (917) 330-0142 or (201) 306-1953.
Learn more about Café: www.cafedasilva.com or www.myspace.com/cafedasilva
BrasilFest 2009 - Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14
The next wave of Brazilian musical heat arrives in New York for BrasilFest on Friday, March 13 and Thursday, March 14 at the World Music Institute. It will present two of today¹s most talked-about artists from São Paulo, Mariana Aydar and Jair Oliveira, in this second edition of Brasil Fest. These impressive artists are making their mark on new Brazilian music with a fresh mix of traditional samba and contemporary influences ranging from acid jazz to funk to electronica.
Mariana Aydar performs on Friday, March 13 and Jair Oliveira will take the stage on Saturday, March 14. Tickets are $30 for each show and show time is 8pm. A BrasilPass to both concerts is available for $50 and includes admittance to an after-party at Joe's Pub on Saturday, March 14. Symphony Space tickets can be purchased at the box office at (212) 864-5400. For the BrasilPass, please contact World Music Institute at (212) 545-7536.
(212) 239-6200
DanceBrazil Show - Friday, March 20 at 7:30pm
DanceBrazil is one of the leading Brazilian dance companies. It is a truly spectacular and memorable experience to see this dance troupe perform using African-Brazilian, samba, modern and capoeira movements. DanceBrazil will perform the world premiere of Inura, as well as excerpts from Ritmos. Tickets cost $30 and $40.
To learn more, visit www.dancebrazil.org.
To order tickets, please call (212) 352-3101 or www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu.
Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
New York University
566 La Guardia Place at Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012
After-Party at Katra
TOCA's 4th Annual “Verde e Amarelo” theme party—Welcoming Spring with the Colors of Brazil. There will be live drums, open Maculele Roda & Capoeira. Cover $10 and caipirinha special for $7.
217 Bowery St. (between Prince and Spring)
Brazilian Carnival Night - Saturday, March 28 at 8pm
Come usher in the spring with a taste of Brazilian culture at the 92nd Street Y on the Upper East Side. Zouk Nation presents a full evening of Brazilian music and dance. The night will include two DJs and a raffle drawing with prizes. Enjoy a free lesson in zouk dancing during the first hour, and live demonstrations of zouk, forró, samba, samba de gafieira and capoeira throughout the evening. Tickets may be purchased in advance online for $15 (www.92y.org); tickets at the door are $17. Price of admission includes a gift bag, a free dance lesson, and a raffle drawing with prizes.
For more information, check http://www.92y.org/shop/event_detail.asp?productid=T%2DAD5BR07.
92nd Street Y School of the Arts
Harkness Dance Center
1395 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10128
|
|
New Classes Starting in March |
|
A student and teacher chat at Brazil Station. |
With the spring, we have a lot of people interested in studying Portuguese. Often new students come to us through referrals from current or former students. We want to encourage people to learn together, since it provides extra motivation.
From today until March 20, if you refer a friend to Brazil Station and register for a Portuguese class, you are both eligible for 10% off the price of the class. In keeping with our mission to bring Brazil a little closer to New York, we hope this encourages you to learn the language and eventually spend time there.
We will have several new Group and Semi-private (maximum 3 students) classes starting in the coming weeks. Other groups may also be formed based on demand.
1. N1B - Beginner Level 1 group class will start on Monday, March 16 at 8pm. It is for people with little or no knowledge of Portuguese.
2. N1BS - Beginner Level 1 group class for Spanish Speakers will start on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:15pm. It is for people fluent in Spanish and/or Italian with little or no knowledge of Portuguese.
3. N2BS - Beginner Level 2 group class for Spanish Speakers will start on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:15pm. It is for people fluent in Spanish and/or Italian with some knowledge of Portuguese.
4. N3BS - Beginner Level 3 group class for Spanish Speakers will start on Tuesday, March 24 at 8pm. It is for people with a decent knowledge of Portuguese.
5. Música Brasil - Samba, Bossa Nova and MPB group class in Portuguese will start on Monday, April 13 at 6:15pm.
This is a group class for people who like Brazilian music and want to learn more about this fascinating part of Brazilian history. The course will examine and distinguish Brazilian popular music from the 1960s, 70s and 80s in the context of musical, political, and cultural movements.
6. Português para Negócios (Business Portuguese) group class in Portuguese will start on Tuesday, April 14 at 8pm.
This course is designed for intermediate and advanced Portuguese speakers to relate better with clients and colleagues. Just like in English, business in Brazil is conducted in a slightly different language than we use informally. From board meetings and client presentations, to networking lunches and dinner parties, the way you relate to associates and customers can influence the success of your interaction. The class will cover work-related situations and ways to address people in business contexts (use of formal language, presentations, writing messages, meetings, etc.).
Contact us to assess your current level and to discuss your goals for learning at (646) 287-6645 or Newsletter@BrazilStation.com.
We offer Private and Semi-private classes from Monday to Saturday. You can start taking classes with us at any day, any time. In addition to our traditional Portuguese classes, Brazil Station also offers Portuguese for Spanish and Italian Speakers, Business Portuguese, and Travel Classes. We teach off-site classes and Corporate Language Education as well. Contact us to find the right programs for you! |
|
March Language Tip |
|
Spring is coming, and so are the flowers. Let's learn the name of some of them in Portuguese:
tulipa - tulip
girassol - sunflower
margarida - daisy
rosa - rose
orquídea - orchid
lírio - lily
cravo - carnation
jasmin - jasmine
hortênsia - hydrangea
violeta - violet |
|
WE ARE ALWAYS INTERESTED in your feedback. Learning is a dynamic process. Please contact us at Newsletter@BrazilStation.com with your suggestions about submissions, new events, or services.
FEEL FREE TO FORWARD this newsletter to any of your friends who may be interested in joining us to learn about Brazil, or in starting down the road to speaking Portuguese. This newsletter only comes out monthly and is not sent to anyone who doesn't want it.
BRAZIL STATION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for changes or cancellations of events outside the school. |
|
This e-mail was sent from Brazil Station
Immediate removal with PatronMail®
SecureUnsubscribe.
|
|
|
|
