Documentary about Capoeira (in Portuguese)
What is capoeira? In this excellent documentary, here from the mestres (capoeira masters) themselves about this Brazilian art form, a dialog rich in culture and background.
Below is a photo of my capoeira group in Pelotas, RS at their last roda (lit. circle, event) in May 2012. If you have any questions about capoeira, especially about Capoeira Angola, or would like any music for capoeira, feel free to contact me.
Poor communication and language skills constrain international growth prospects of companies
Did you know that 74% of Brazilian companies reported financial losses as a result of failed cross-border transactions? Or that almost half of employees (47%) say their companies do not offer enough training to hone their employees´ language and communication skills?
Or how about this: 40% of employees believe there is not enough emphasis placed on recruiting or selecting people who are suited to cross-cultural environments.
Take a look at the report summary here, carried out by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and sponsored by EF Education First (EF): http://www.ef.com/about-ef/press/release/news_25_04_2012/.
Below are the full reports, both in English and Portuguese.
English Proficiency in Brazil
When I moved to Pelotas, I was surprised to see so many English schools in the city center. Nearly every block or two, it seemed that I would come to find a new school. This article affirms the realities of English-language instruction in Brazilian schools, and the popularity of private tutoring centers.
Check out more information on: http://www.ef.co.uk/epi/country-profiles/brazil/. >
Reciprocity in Brazil Tourist Visa Fees for U.S. Citizens
However, what I was unaware of was the recent increase in visa fees, and just how much more it is to get a visa with a U.S. passport than any other country. A lot more. The added explanation by the Consulate as to why there are such grand price differences was also quite interesting, and the reason for my post. The Consulate was not merely informing about visa fees, which is what I expected them to do. I mean, how many times do you get a written explanation for why something is the price that it is? This time around, I was given an explanation, and a reminder that a visa fee is based on the very principal of reciprocity. It´s something I do know, but also a step that I forgot when you think about visiting where you once had a home.
¨Obama & Dilma agree on bourbon & cachaça, but not much else¨
- Obama and Dilma agree on Bourbon & Cachaça, but not much else
- Everyone wants to talk to Brazil´s President Rousseff, except Obama
- Brazil and U.S. Accentuate the Positive
There´s been a lot of buzz surrounding Brazil´s President Rousseff visit to Washington this month. Take at their exchange in the White House in the video above, and a look at these articles to see if you agree.
Brazil´s ¨Science Without Borders¨ Program at Harvard, MIT & other U.S. universities
Minute 45+ is an interesting Q&A session between President Rousseff and students.
To find more about the Science Without Borders Program, including how to apply, go to http://www.iie.org/Programs/Brazil-Science-Without-Borders.
American-Brazilians: os Confederados do Brasil
Why is fried chicken in Brazil? Cotton? Watermelon**? Pecans?
Might just be from the Confederate Americans. At the end of the American Civil War in 1865, 10,000-20,000 Confederate Americans moved to Brazil after being offered tax breaks and cheap land by Emperor Dom Pedro II.
Although wikipedia is not my favorite source for information, here is a decent introduction to the topic here:
Thorough investigation on this immigration wave seems to be lacking and unreliable- I would love to see propaganda promoting immigration to Brazil during this time period. What an exciting topic!
The shared agricultural influences between Brazil and the U.S. is still evident today. Take a look at your fellow countrymen:
You can read more about it here: American Farmers Try Their Luck in Brazil
** Does this mean the watermelon grown in the German colonies near Pelotas was an influence of os Confederados?
