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| September 2009 |
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In this newsletter, you can lean more about Aracaju, a coastal city located in the smallest state in Brazil, and Projeto TAMAR, a group working to preserve wildlife in its waters. We also feature many local events organized by Brazil Station and other organizations, as well as language tips and many new classes this month on Brazilian Law, Music, History, Travel, and various levels of Portuguese. And don't forget: We are offering a 10% discount for our courses when you register by this Friday. I hope you enjoy the newsletter!
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Visit Brazil: Aracaju
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top: Aracaju's vibrant coastline; bottom: Brazilian travel specials from Pisa Brothers
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The name Aracaju is of native Brazilian Indian origin: ara is "macaw," and caju is "cashew." The land that is now Aracaju used to abound with macaws and cashew trees. Founded in 1855, Aracaju was one of the first cities to be planned in Brazil. It is the capital of Sergipe, the smallest Brazilian State by area, located in the northeast coast.
Aracaju's recently revitalized shoreline is dotted with catamarans—boats with special hulls for sailing in calm water—ready to take visitors out to the city's numerous mango groves, rivers, and beaches. Its coast has many unspoiled beaches, such as the ones on Santa Luzia Island, and hip urban beaches, such as the Atalaia. These coastal neighborhoods include playgrounds, squares, open-to-the-public football, volleyball, and basketball fields, residential buildings, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, banks and hotels.
The mangroves area around the River Sergipe sustain pools of crabs (even though uncontrolled fishing has been decreasing the population every year). Crabs can be tasted at the Passarela do Caranguejo (Crabs Runway), a cluster of bars in front of the sea. There are several restaurants that serve the region's most typical dish, carne-de-sol, a salted meat (a Brazilian version of jerked beef).
Aracaju is also homebase to Projeto TAMAR (TAMAR Project), an organization that works to protect endangered sea turtles. (See the next article for more information.)
To learn more about Aracaju, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aracaj.
Brazil Station is pleased to recognize Pisa Brothers Travel, which specializes in custom planning upscale leisure experiences, most notably in conjunction with cruise travel and trips to Brazil. Contact the Brazilian Specialist Mayla Melo at 1-800-729-7472 x217 or email her at mayla@pisabrothers.com to reserve the accommodations of your choice. Fares from $1,534.00 per person, plus $50.00 per cabin.
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Did You Know...
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A TAMAR Project scientist tags a sea turtle.
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The Projeto TAMAR (Portuguese for TAMAR Project, with TAMAR being an abbreviation of Tartarugas Marinhas, the sea turtles) is a Brazilian non-profit organization managed by IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) in partnership with the Pro-TAMAR Foundation.
Although the organization's initial objective was to protect sea turtles, the project grew and became concerned with sharks and other sea wildlife, as they are part of the environment in which the sea turtles live. All efforts by the project aim to preserve wildlife, raise people's awareness of environmental issues, and create sustainable places for the procreation of protected species.
The TAMAR Project monitors 1000 kilometers of beaches, with 20 stations covering 8 Brazilian states. Ninety per cent of the people involved in this work are members of the communities where the bases are established.
To learn more about the TAMAR Project, visit http://www.tamar.org.br/ingles/. |
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September Social Events
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Sip caipirinhas, see Deus é Brasileiro, and learn to dance the samba this September.
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Caipirinha night - Tuesday, September 15 from 7-9pm
Let's get together for some caipirinhas (a national Brazilian drink prepared with cachaça, lime juice, sugar, and ice) and Brazilian beer at Bossa Nova Restaurant. The event is free (you pay what you consume) and is an opportunity to practice Portuguese and meet new people. The restaurant will offer two caipirinhas for the price of one. After the first caipirinha, your Portuguese will be much better!
Contact us at Events@BrazilStation.com to RSVP.
Bossa Nova Restaurant
772 9th Ave (between 51st & 52nd St)
New York, NY
212-586-5005
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Forró & Samba Class - Wednesday, September 16 from 6:30-8:30pm
Forró is a type of dance popular in northeastern Brazil, as well as the type of music which accompanies the dance. Samba de gafieira is originally from Rio de Janeiro and can be danced with all the other Samba styles and rhythms. Samba de gafieira establishes its own identity, allowing the dancer to express both grace and playfulness with intimacy and strength.
Diego Kelman Ajuz will teach Forró at 6:30pm and Samba de gafieira at 7:30pm. Diego is originally from Rio de Janeiro and has been teaching dance professionally for over 7 years.
For more information, check http://www.meetup.com/BrazilianPortuguese/calendar/10035495/. Learn more about Forró here and about Samba de gafieira here.
Chelsea Studios
151 W 26th St
New York, NY 10001
212-924-5877
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Travel Class - Friday, September 18 at 6:30pm
Brazil is an amazing country and we know you will enjoy your time there. To maximize your trip to Brazil, we have created a Travel Class. This two-hour group class will make Brazil more accessible and help you understand what to expect. The class will be limited to 10 students to ensure plenty of interaction and individual attention.
You will learn the essentials about the culture and language including:
• What to expect when you arrive in Brazil
• How to travel inside Brazil
• Where to shop and find good entertainment
• When, where and how much to tip
• How to say important words and phrases
This Travel Class is sponsored by American Airlines, flying to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and with new flights to Belo Horizonte, Salvador, and Recife. If you want to register or have questions about this course, or any of our other Portuguese, Brazilian business or culture classes, please contact us at Info@BrazilStation.com or by calling 646-287-6645.
Brazil Station
304 Park Ave South, 11th floor (at 23rd St.)
New York, NY 10010
646-287-6645
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Brazilian Movie Night - Monday, September 21 & 28 at 6:15-8:15pm
Brazilian Movie Night is an opportunity to practice Portuguese while watching great Brazilian movies at Brazil Station. After the movie we will have a group discussion. We hope you can make it!
For this coming event we will show the comedy Deus é Brasileiro (God is Brazilian), directed by Cacá Diegues.
God is very tired and decides to take a vacation. But he needs to find someone to fill in for him while he's away. Perusing his list of saints for a replacement, he travels to Brazil 's northeast. There he stumbles across Taoca, a sprightly young man with a passion and verve for life that inspires God to rethink some of his ideas about the human race.
On Monday, September 21 we will show the movie in Portuguese with English subtitles. On Monday, September 28 we will show the movie in Portuguese with no subtitles.
Tickets are $7 per person and are available to the first 10 registrants. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact us at Events@BrazilStation.com or call 646-287-6645.
Brazil Station
304 Park Ave South, 11th floor (at 23rd St.)
New York, NY 10010
646-287-6645
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Bate Papo - Wednesday, September 23 from 7-9pm
You are invited for a bate-papo ( relaxed conversation) in Portuguese at Guy & Gallard. The event is free (you pay what you consume) and is an opportunity to practice Portuguese and meet new people. All levels of Portuguese speakers are welcome, from beginners to native speakers.
Contact us at Events@BrazilStation.com to RSVP.
Guy & Gallard
459 Park Ave South (at 31st Street)
New York, NY 10016
212-683-3044
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Brazilian Events in NYC
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right-left: The Cleansing of 46th Street, Nélida Piñon, and DanceBrazil "Culture in Motion"
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A Lavagem da Rua 46 - Saturday, September 5 at 11am
A mystic tradition that started in the 18th century in Bahia, the Lavagem (Cleansings) are meant to purify and energize through the celebration of natural base elements like water, flowers, and perfumes. Through the ritual, these elements are called upon to bring peace and the unification of all people.
For the first time in New York City, the Lavagem da Rua 46 or Cleansing of 46th Street will feature a Grand Marshal, Carlinhos Brown, and new festivities from across Brazil. Authentic traditions from Bahia will take center stage, and blend with the culture of several other Brazilian states and the rhythms of Maracatu, Samba, and Frevo.
This opening event of the Brazilian Day festivities will include several Brazilian bands featuring world-renowned artists, local New York talent, and samba dancers. The 2nd annual pageant Musa do Brazilian Day will be held, in which the audience act as judges and join in group games.
There will be food stands with typical northern dishes (moqueca, acarajé, abará, and vatapá), as well as artesian crafts, paintings, and everything that the Northeast of Brazil and Brazil as a whole has to offer.
Lavagem da Rua 46
West 46th Street (between Madison & 5th Avenues)
New York, NY
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Brazilian Day - Sunday, September 6 from 11am to sunset
Every Labor Day weekend, New York gets a little closer to Brazil as a sea of green and yellow floods 6th Avenue. The annual Brazilian Day celebration brings out thousands of Brazilians abroad, Brazilians by birth, and folks who want to be Brazilian for the day.
Though Brazil's actual Independence Day is September 7, the New York festival is traditionally held over Labor Day weekend. This year the event will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Since it started in 1984, New York's Brazilian Day celebration has grown rapidly, with an estimated 1.5 million people at the 2008 event.
To join the celebration, head to "Little Brazil" in midtown Manhattan. The official party lasts from 11am to sunset. Be sure to catch a live performance on the main stage, located at 43rd Street. The stage hostess will be Regina Casé and performers include Elba Ramalho, Carlinhos Brown, Marcelo D2, Alcione, Arlindo Cruz, and Victor & Leo.
For more information, visit http://www.brazilianday.com.
Brazilian Day
46th Street (between 6th Ave & Times Square, 6th Ave between 43rd & 57th St.)
New York, NY
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1st Brasil-USA in Panel - Monday, September 7 at 5-10pm
Casa do Brasil invites you to the study group "1st Brasil-USA in Panel - Building to serve, Serving to bridge." This first Brasil-USA in Panel will discuss the topic "Brazilians in the World, Problems & Strategies for Sustainable Development."
To see more details, RSVP or even to help, follow the link below: http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=118366096327&mid=f49828G22c11f5cG292a593G7.
Casa do Brasil Cultural Space
4 West 43 Street (between 5th & 6th Ave.)
New York, NY
212-730-0888
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Brazilian Gafieira Night - Saturday, September 12 at 7:30pm
Come and listen or dance along to the high energy group Recipe for Rhythm, with Luiz Simas (vocals/ piano), Adriano Santos (drums), Itaiguara (bass), and "Sweet" Sue Terry (sax and flute). The evening will start with a dance lesson by masters Diego Kelman Ajuz and Danielle Lima, followed by the group, which will play plenty great samba de gafieira and forró.
Doors open at 7:00pm. Dance lesson starts at 7:30pm. The group will play two sets starting at 8:00pm and ending 9:45pm. Admission is $20. For more information, send an email to gafieira@luizsimas.com. Mention that you heard about the event through the Brazil Station newsletter and you will pay only $15!
For more information, check http://www.luizsimas.com/pages/_pagesfornewsletters/NL97-Sept12-09DromA.html.
DROM
85 Avenue A (between 5th & 6th Street)
New York, NY
212-777-1157
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Nélida Piñon Autograph Night - Tuesday, September 15 at 7pm
Nélida Piñon will be in New York to launch her newest book Voices of the Desert. Professor Gregory Rabassa will introduce the writer.
Piñon is a Brazilian writer born of Spanish immigrants. Her first novel, written in 1961, was Guia-Mapa de Gabriel Arcanjo (The Guidebook of Gabriel Arcanjo), which concerns a protagonist discussing Christian doctrine with her guardian angel. In the 1970s she became noted for erotic novels, A Casa de Paixão (The House of Passion) and A Força do Destino (The Force of Destiny), written in 1977.
In 1984 she perhaps had her greatest success with A Republica dos Sonhos, (The Republic of Dreams). The work involves generations of a family from Galicia who emigrated to Brazil, drawing on her own family's experience. Piñon is a former President of Academia Brasileira de Letras.
To see more details and RSVP, email bibliobrnyc@gmail.com.
Americas Society
680 Park Avenue (between 68th and 69th St)
New York, NY
212-277-8350
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DanceBrazil "Culture in Motion" - September 26 - 27
Culture in Motion (2009), choreographed by DanceBrazil founder Jelon Vieira, uses the speed, power, and grace of Capoeira, a centuries-old martial art, in a contemporary context. The precise motion of bodies is emphasized, while the cultural and ritual elements hold strong.
DanceBrazil, founded in 1977, has thrilled audiences across the Unites States and throughout the world with its dazzling artistry, inspired by the cultural tapestry of Brazil. Whether in the streets or on stage in the most prestigious theaters, the dancers and musicians of DanceBrazil never fail to enthrall audiences with the company's unique fusion of Afro-Brazilian movement, contemporary dance and capoeira, the traditional dance/martial arts form that had its origins in Africa and evolved in colonial Brazil as a means of fighting enslavement.
For more information visit http://www.nycitycenter.org/content/ffd09/8.aspx and http://dancebrazil.org/.
New York City Center
130 West 56th Street (between 6th & 7th Ave)
New York, NY
212-581-1212
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New Classes Starting in September
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Individual classes at Brazil Station ensure personalized attention.
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Brazil Station is proud to recognize six years of quality Portuguese services and the growing community it has built for Brazilians and those connected to Brazil by work, family and travel. We know that September is a busy time for everyone—including us—so we want to encourage people to sign up for Fall Classes early by offering a 10% discount to those who register by Friday, September 4.
This is our way to thank our current, former, and new students, and to help you pursue your language goals and interests even in these difficult economic times. (Please note that this discount cannot be used in combination with any other discounts or offers.)
Below are the many classes we are offering in September. If you see a class you like but the time does not fit your schedule, let us know. We may add classes based on interest.
1. Brazilian History - the Military Era
História Brasileira will examine significant historical events ranging from the colonization of Brazil to the transition of a democratic system. The course will emphasize the Military Period in Brazil, exploring the social, political and economic impacts on the Brazilian society. It will be taught in Portuguese, except when necessary to clarify topics in English.
The Brazilian History group class in Portuguese will start on Wednesday, September 9 at 7:15pm. It will be a 2 hour class held over the course of 5 weeks.
2. Música Brasil - Samba, Bossa Nova & MPB
The Música Brasil course will touch upon Brazilian popular music from the 1960s, '70s and '80s within the context of political and cultural movements. Taught by a Brazilian musician, this course will reveal that in Brazil, "traditional" is not the opposite of "modern." Students will gain insight into a culture that has succeeded in incorporating diverse ethnicities.
Música Brasil class in English will start on Thursday, September 17 at 6:15pm.
3. Business Portuguese
The Português para Negócios (Business Portuguese) course is designed to help intermediate and advanced Portuguese speakers better relate with clients and colleagues. Just as 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 speak 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).
Business Portuguese group class in Portuguese will start on Monday, September 21 at 8pm.
4. Brazilian Law
Leis Brasileiras (Brazilian Law) introduces students to the most common concepts of the Brazilian legal system. Students will learn some legal history and the fundamentals of civil and commercial systems and the basis for forming and enforcing contracts in Brazil according to Brazilian federal and state law. The course will explain both the philosophy behind Brazilian law and the actual practice of law in typical situations.
The Brazilian Law group class in Portuguese will start on Monday, September 21 at 7:15pm.
5. N1B - Beginner Level 1 group class will start on Wednesday, September 16 at 8pm. It is for people with little or no knowledge of Portuguese.
6. N1B - Beginner Level 1 group class will start on Saturday, September 19 at 1pm.
7. N1BS - Beginner Level 1 group class for Spanish Speakers will start on Wednesday, September 16 at 6:15pm. It is for people fluent in Spanish and/or Italian with little or no knowledge of Portuguese.
8. N1BS - Beginner Level 1 group class for Spanish Speakers will start on Saturday, September 19 at 11am.
9. N2B - Beginner Level 2 group class will start on Tuesday, September 29 at 6:15pm. It is for people who have some knowledge of Portuguese.
10. N2BS - Beginner Level 2 group class for Spanish Speakers will start on Monday, September 14 at 6:15pm. It is for people fluent in Spanish and/or Italian with some knowledge of Portuguese.
11. N4B - Beginner Level 4 group class will start on Thursday, September 17 at 8pm. It is for people who have knowledge of past tense in Portuguese.
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 Stationalso 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 at 646-287-6645 or Newsletter@BrazilStation.com to find the right programs for you!
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September Language Tip
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In a past newsletter we wrote about cognate words, or false friends. Some people asked us about some more, so here we have a new list:
Portuguese......................Sounds like.................................Really means......
Apontamento..................Appointment...............................Notes
.......................................(in Portuguese: hora marcada)............
Eventualmente................Eventually...................................Occasionally
.......................................(in Portuguese: Finalmente)................
Lâmpada.........................Lamp...........................................Light bulb
.......................................(in Portuguese: Luminária)
Notícia.............................To notice ....................................News
........................................(in Portuguese: Notar)
Parentes...........................Parents........................................Relatives
........................................(in Portuguese: Pais)
Puxar...............................To push.......................................To pull
........................................(in Portuguese: Empurrar)
Realizar...........................To realize.....................................To accomplish
........................................(in Portuguese: Perceber)
Suportar...........................To support...................................To tolerate
........................................(in Portuguese: Apoiar)
Taxa.................................Tax...............................................Fee
........................................(in Portuguese: Imposto)
Vegetal.............................Vegetables...................................Plants
........................................(in Portuguese: Verduras e legumes) |
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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. |
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