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Língua da Gente - Portuguese Podcast: Dialogs

Língua da Gente - Portuguese Podcast: Dialogs

230 episodes — Page 3 of 5

Elementary 54: Movie Tickets

There are times when we all wish that we were poets, right? Wouldn’t it be great to write verses that inspire others, or cause others to feel a certain way? Even if that dream is beyond your current reach, at least we can appreciate the poetry of others. Today we learn to talk about the characteristics of classic sonnets.DialogueA: Dois ingressos para Wolverine 3 das 18:30, por favor. B: Desculpa senhora, a sessão das 18:30 já está esgotada. A: Bom, você ainda tem vaga para mais tarde? B: Tem sim. Tem lugar ainda para a das 20h30, mas só na sala XD, pode ser? A: Quanto é o XD? B: Hoje é quarta, são R$ 25,00 o dia todo. A: E a inteira? B: R$32,00 A: Tá, me dá então dois ingressos para a sessão das 20h30 por favor.A: Two tickets for Wolverine 3 at 6:30pm please. B: I’m sorry ma’am, the 6:30 showing is all sold out. A: OK, do you have any openings for later on? B: Yes, there are. There are still seats for 8:30pm, but just in the XD room, will that do? A: How much is the XD? B: Today is Wednesday, it’s R$ 25 reals all day. A: And the regular ones? B: R$32 reals. A: OK, give me two fro the 8:30pm please.

Mar 14, 20170

Beginning 54: Back Injuries Are The Worst

What is more frustrating than back pain? Do you rest more or stretch more? Do you exercise more, or exercise less? Do you take medicine, or stop taking medicine. We can’t relieve the pain, but we can help you talk about it in Portuguese.DialogueA: Com dor nas costas é melhor colocar uma compressa morna ou fria? B: Dizem uma morna, e fazer alongamento. A: E já não sei se eu devo fazer exercícios leves ou evitar eles 100%. B: Seria melhor evitar esforços e não fazer exercícios como a musculação por exemplo.A: With back pain is it better to put on a hot or cold compress? B: They say a warm one, and try stretching. A: And I don’t know anymore if I should do light exercises or avoid them 100%. B: It would be better to avoid exertion and not do exercises like weight lifting for example.

Mar 7, 20170

Elementary 53: Classic Sonnets

There are times when we all wish that we were poets, right? Wouldn’t it be great to write verses that inspire others, or cause others to feel a certain way? Even if that dream is beyond your current reach, at least we can appreciate the poetry of others. Today we learn to talk about the characteristics of classic sonnets.DialogueA: Ô Marilene, você se lembra das características de um soneto clássico? B: Mais ou menos, se me lembro bem, ele é composto de 14 versos que possuem a mesma métrica? A: É, apresentados em 4 estrofes, 2 quartetos e mais 2 tercetos, não é? B: E nos clássicos tem várias formas de posicionamento de rimas também. A: Como aquele do Camões, ‘Amor é fogo que arde sem se ver.’ B: Ou aquele famoso do Vinicius, ‘De tudo ao meu amor serei atento.’ A: “Antes, e com tal zelo, e sempre, e tanto, Que mesmo em face do maior encanto...’ B: ‘Dele se encante mais meu pensamento.’ A: Uau Marilene, você conhece mesmo, não é? B: Quem não conhece? Ele é famosíssimo.A: Hey Marilene, do you remember the characteristics of a classical sonnet? B: More or less, if I remember correctly, it is made up of 14 lines that all have the same rhythm. A: Right, broken up in 4 stanzas with 2 quartets and 2 triplets, right? B: And in classical forms that had different kinds of rhyming too. A: Like that one of Camões, ‘Love is a fire that burns without seeing.’ B: Or that famous one of Vinicius’, ‘Above all, to my love I’ll be attentive.’ A: ‘First, with care, and always and so much, that even when facing great delight…’ B: ‘By this my thoughts are more enchanted.’ A: Wow Marilene, you really know it, don’t you? B: Who doesn’t know it? It’s really famous.

Feb 28, 20170

Beginning 53: Boarding the plane

Be honest, even in your native language it is hard to understand the flight announcements at airports, right? But don’t worry, we’ll get you prepared for them in Portuguese, and with luck you’ll even you’re your flight and it will get off on time.DialogueA: Atenção passageiros com destino a Nova Iorque, Varig voo 783 embarque imediato, portão 25. B: Ô Claudio, vamos-lá, eles estão chamando a gente para o embarque. C: Já? Tá, deixa eu comprar essa caixa de chocolates, e eu já vou. B: Não se preocupe, ainda tem tempo.A: Attention, passengers heading to New York, Varig flight 783 immediate boarding, gate 25. B: Hey Claudio, let’s go, they are calling us to board. C: Already? OK, let me buy this box of chocolates, and then I can go. B: Don’t worry, we still have time.

Feb 21, 20170

Elementary 52: Getting Into Photography

Taking pictures with modern-day cameras is a breeze, well kind of, right? Digital camera have so many settings, if can be pretty confusing, almost enough to say that it’s easier just to use your cellphone. But don’t fret just yet, we’ll get you talking about camera’s in Portuguese!DialogueA: Ô Marilene, você sabe muita coisa sobre fotografia, não é? B: Mais ou menos, por que? A: Bom, tirando fotos de aves e animais, que modo de disparo você prefere? B: Depende, a prioridade do obturador é boa pra congelar o movimento, por exemplo esses pássaros que batem as asas rapidamente. A: E a prioridade de abertura? B: Eu gosto mais de abertura para desfocar o fundo. A: OK, e o ISO, qual é melhor? B: Quanto menor que fica, menos que gera ruído, tenta com 100 ou 200 primeiro. A: Como é que você sabe tudo isso mulher? B: Bom, muita tentativa e muitos erros, e um bom tripé!A: Hey Marilene, you know a lot about photography, right? B: More or less, why? A: When taking pictures of birds and animals, which shooting mode do you prefer? B: It depends, shutter priority is good to freeze the movement, for example the birds that beat their wings rapidly. A: And aperture priority? B: I like that more to blur the background. A: And how about ISO, which is better? B: The lower it is, the less noise is generated, try with 100 or 200 first. A: How do you know about this girl? B: Well, a lot of trail and error, and a good tripod!

Feb 14, 20170

Beginning 52: Posting the video on social media

Aren’t you still amazed when you see that a video on YouTube has been viewed over a million times! Really, millions of hits, amazing. In today’s lesson we’ve got people posting things on YouTube and Facebook. Oh my!DialogueA: Você já compartilhou esse vídeo do YouTube com a família? B: Já, eu já postei ele no Facebook. A: Que que a mãe disse quando ela viu o vídeo? B: Ela não viu ainda, mas o pai adorou.A: Have you shared this video from YouTube with the family? B: I have, I posted it on Facebook. A: What did mom say when she saw the video? B: She hasn’t seen it yet, but dad loved it.

Jan 31, 20170

Elementary 51: Backseat Drivers

Backseat drivers, gotta love ‘em! Well, not really, but in today’s lesson we at least appreciate where they are coming from, but we also learn to tell them to calm down a bit.DialogueA: Olha o carro! B: Tá, já vi. A: Cuidado com o pedestre! B: Tá, já sei! A: Olha lá, tá freando, ô! B: Para Cecilia, você quer dirigir? A: Não, tudo bem..., cuidado, cuidado! B: Que que foi? A: Ah desculpa, pensei que o motoqueiro ia cortar em frente. B: Sinceramente Cecilia, calma aí menina!A: Watch out for the car! B: OK, I saw it. A: Careful with the pedestrian! B: OK, I know! A: Watch out, he’s braking there! B: Stop it Cecilia, do you want to drive? A: No, it’s fine…, careful, careful! B: What was it? A: Oh, sorry, I thought that motorcycle driver was going to cut in front. B: Seriously Cecilia, calm down girl!

Jan 24, 20170

Beginning 51: WhatsApp or Facebook?

Every time you turn around there is a new way to socialize with others. When it comes to chatting with friends, do you prefer WhatsApp or Facebook? That’s the topic we tackle in today’s lesson.DialogueA: Silvia, você prefere usar WhatsApp ou Facebook pra mandar a mensagem? B: Bom, na escola, quase que sempre uso WhatsApp, mas em casa eu uso o Facebook. A: Alguma vantagem com WhatsApp? B: São quase iguais, mas tem muita gente usando o WhatsApp, viu?A: Silvia, do you prefer to use WhatsApp or Facebook when sending messages? A: Well, at school I use WhatsApp, but at home I use Facebook. B: Any advantage with WhatsApp? A: They are almost the same, but a lot of people use WhatsApp.

Jan 17, 20170

Intermediate 22: My Brother Is Getting Married

So how weird is it when your brother or sister gets married? I mean really, you’ve seen your brother as the little kid who tags along, and now somebody loves him enough to spend her life with him! Yep, that’s today’s lesson, and fortunately, everybody loves the new sister-in-law.DialogueA: Seu irmão vai casar no mês que vem, não é? B: Vai, e que gozado! Nunca imaginei que ele se casaria primeiro, menina. A: Sei, sempre penso naquela foto tirado de vocês dois, sabe, quando sua mãe chegou do hospital. B: Ah, eu também sempre gostei daquela foto. Sabe, eu tinha quase 10 anos quando ele nasceu. Uau, lembra das brincadeiras, e das brigas, que tínhamos quando ainda éramos pequenos. A: Eee, e se, lembro. E lembra daquela vez que ele ficou assustado com a chuva e que ele decidiu dormir em baixo de sua cama, e que você nem sabia que estava lá no seu quarto? B: Ai meu Deus, pior ainda, eu estava no quarto com meu namorado quando vimos ele debaixo da cama! Eu até tinha esquecido disso, viu? Eu tenho que contar essa pra Natália. B: E aqui, o que você acha da Natália? A: Ah, Natália, gosto muito dela, ela é lindona, charmosa, amável, só que ainda é estranho ver alguém beijando meu irmão, o meu irmãozinho! B: É, mas você vai ver, é muito bom ter uma cunhada, não é? A: Sim, claro, e ela é a mulher perfeita para ele. Os dois formam um casal lindo. B: Tá vendo só, você já até está se acostumando. Estou muito feliz por vocês.A: Your brother is going to get married next month, right? B: Yes, and how weird! I never thought that he would get married first, girl. A: I know, I always think of that picture taken of you two, you know, when your mom arrived from the hospital. B: Ah, I always liked that photo too. You know, I was around 10 years old when he was born. Wow, remember the games, and the fights that we used to have when we were little. A: I do remember. And remember that time when he got scared from the rain, and he decided to sleep under your bed, and you didn’t even know he was in your room? B: Oh my God, even worse, I was in the room with my boyfriend when we saw him under the bed! I had forgotten about that one, you know? I need to tell that one to Natalia. B: Hey tell me, what do you think of Natalia? A: Ah, Natalia, I like her a lot, she is beautiful, charming, friendly, it’s just a little weird to see someone kissing my brother, my little brother! B: Yes, but you will see, it’s great to have a sister-in-law, you know? A: Yes, of course she is the perfect woman for him. They make a beautiful couple. B: You see, you are already getting used to it. I’m very happy for you.

Nov 29, 20160

Intermediate 21: Auto-Correction In Multiple Languages

Sure, it’s convenient to be able to write in multiple languages, but sometimes the auto-correct messes you up too. No problem, in today’s lesson we talk about how to set up your phone to type in either English or Portuguese.DialogueA: Droga, eu detesto esse teclado com autocorreção. B: Por quê? Você não acha que ajuda com as palavras que não sabe digitar? A: Pra isso sim, mas as vezes eu escrevo em inglês e outras vezes eu escrevo em português. B: Você sabe que dá pra alterar o teclado para as duas línguas, não é mesmo? A: Sério, como que faz isso? B: Olha, vai para Ajustes, daí Geral, daí Teclado, e daí Teclados. Tá bom? A: Tá. B: E agora olha que diz, “Adicionar Novo Teclado.” Pressiona essa, e aí você vai ver a lista de outras línguas. A: Olha lá! Tá, deixa eu escolher o inglês e o Emoji. Tá, legal. Mas e agora, o que que eu faço para trocar entre esses três? B: Bom, isso é mais fácil ainda. Olha aqui no teclado, tem esse pequeno globo, não é? A: Sei. B: Então, toque no globo e vai pressionando para ver todos os teclados, e aí seleciona quando chegar na língua que você quer. A: Só isso, é fácil. B: É fácil, menina e tem mais, hein? Olha que agora a mudança de teclado também muda o dicionário, a autocorreção, e o texto preditivo. A: Ainda bem, porque as vezes fico na dúvida com algumas palavras em inglês. B: Ah eu sei, por exemplo, selecione a palavra, e clica em “Definir.” Pronto, e ele vai dar a definição dessa palavra em inglês, olha que beleza? A: Nossa, beleza, muito obrigada Andreia. B: De nada.A: Dang it, I hate this keyboard with auto-correction. B: Why? Don’t you think that it helps with the words that you don’t know how to spell? A: For that yes, but sometimes I write in English and other times I write in Portuguese. B: You do know that you can change the keyboard for the two languages, right? A: Really, how do you do that? B: Look, go to Settings, then General, then Keyboard, then Keyboards, OK? A: OK. B: Now see what it says, “Add New Keyboard.” Click this and then you will see the list of other languages. A: Look at that! OK, let me choose English and Emoji. That’s cool. But now, what do I do to change among these three? B: Well, that is even easier. Look here on the keyboard, there is this little globe, right? A: Right. B: So, click on the globe and keep on pressing it to see all of your keyboards, and from there choose it when you get to the language that you want. A: That’s it, it’s easy. B: It’s easy girl, and there’s more, you know? Look how now by changing the keyboard you also change the dictionary, the auto-correction, and the predictive text. A: Just as well, because there are times when I’m not sure how to spell words in English. B: I know, and for example, select the word, and click on “Define.” There you go, it will give you the definition to this word in English, isn’t that cool? A: Wow, that’s beautiful, thanks a lot Andreia. B: You are welcome.

Nov 15, 20160

Intermediate 20: I’m Not Into Politics, But…

No doubt, the current political scene in Brazil is going through a difficult period. Still, we should be able to talk about it without being mean and ugly. That is how our people see it, and that is how our lesson flows today. Ah, if everyone could approach it this way!DialogueA: Sempre ouvia dizer que política, futebol e religião não se discutem, né? B: Mas hoje em dia é quase impossível não falar, especialmente sobre a política. A: Olha, é muito frustrante. Eu acabo de falar com Thiago e ele sabe mesmo tocar nas teclas que me irritam, menina. B: Com Thiago! Desde quando a gente dá bola pro Thiago? Nem ele acredita na metade das coisas que diz. A: Eu sei, mas ele bota tudo no saco de “esquerda” ou “direita” e sempre leva tudo aos extremos. Eu tento ficar calada, mas sempre acabo explodindo, não tem jeito. B: E você viu que ele sempre repete os memes, postes e blogs nas redes sócias, sem nem pensar nem um minuto se são verdadeiros ou não. B: E sempre com essa cara de ofendido se alguém tiver opiniões diferentes. A: É isso, concordo. E todo mundo sabe que a situação está difícil, tem que mudar, mas sinceramente, Andreia, a solução não pode ser simplesmente gritar mais alto do que os outros. B: Tá vendo Thays! Se os políticos fossem como nós duas, hein, imagina os problemas que poderíamos eliminar. A: Pelo menos eliminaria Dr. Moleque Mimado Fissurado do Thiago.A: I have always heard that you shouldn’t discuss politics, soccer, and religion, right? B: But nowadays it’s almost impossible not to talk about it, especially about politics. A: You know, it’s really frustrating. I just got done talking to Thiago and he really knows how to push the buttons that drive me crazy, girl. B: With Thiago! Since when do we care about Thiago! Not even he believes half the things that he says. A: I know, but he puts everything in the “leftist” or “right” bag and he takes everything to the extreme. I try to keep quiet, but I end up exploding, there’s no way to avoid it. B: And you saw that he repeats all the memes, posts, and blogs on social media without even considering if they are true or not. B: And always with this offended looking face when somebody has a different opinion. A: That’s it, I agree. And everybody knows that these are difficult times and things have to change, but honestly Andreia, the answer cannot be to simply to hout louder than the other guys. B: You see, Thays! If the politicians were like the two of us, imagine the problems that could be eliminated. A: At least we could eliminate Dr. Smart Aleck Finicky Stuck on Himself Thiago.

Nov 1, 20160

Intermediate 19: Remove Those Facebook Photos

Go ahead, say that you hate Facebook, but then be honest, how many times do you check it each day? Check up on old friends, find out whose birthday it is, post photos of yesterday’s party. In this lesson Andreia really didn’t want those pictures to go public. Too late, and everyone “likes” them a lot.DialogueA: Você viu que a Sueli publicou as fotos de ontem no Facebook? B: Não, não, não! Sério? Mas eu pedi que ela não mostrasse elas pra ninguém! A: Eeee, É tarde demais pra isso Andreia. Aquela com você sentada com Wesley já tem mais de 80 curtidas e pelo menos 20 ou 30 comentários. B: É por isso que eu detesto Facebook. A gente perdeu a noção de o que é público e o que não é. A: Sei, mas confessa, essa foto de você com Wesley foi boa demais, não foi? B: Não, não, foi terrível, e todo mundo agora vai curtir, ou amar, ou uau, ou invejar, ou eu sei lá o quê, menina. A: E agora a Mariana adicionou um vídeo da YouTube com essas fotos de você e do Wesley, juntando tudo com aquela música, do Wesley Safadão, acho que o nome é “Parece que o vento.” B: Não, não, não, não pode ser! Vou matar ela! A: Mas pensando bem, se o Wesley for comparado com Wesley Safadão, isso quer dizer que você é a Ivete Sangalo! Nada mal Andreia, nada mal. B: Mas fala sério Thays, você não acha feio que no FaceBook a gente perde o controle de tudo, menina. A: É, pode ser, mas olha lá “Ivete Andreia”, você está linda nessa! B: Tá bom, eu desisto, e pra falar a verdade você tem razão, né? nessa aqui, eu gosto muito do jeito que o Wesley está olhando pra mim.A: Did you see that Sueli published the photos yesterday on Facebook? B: No, no, no, really? But I asked her not to show them to anybody! A: Oops, it’s too late for that Andreia. That one of you with Wesley has more than 80 likes, and at least 20 or 30 comments. B: This is why I hate Facebook. People have lost their sense of what is public and what isn’t. A: I know, but you have to admit that this photo of you with Wesley is really good, wasn’t it? B: No, no, it was terrible, and now everyone is going to like it, or love it, or wow it, or envy or who knows what you call it, girl. A: And now Mariana has added a video on YouTube of photos of you and Wesley, adding everything with that music from Wesley Safadão, I think it’s called “It seems that the wind.” B: No, no, no, it can’t be. I'm going to kill her! A: But if you think about it, if Wesley is compared to Wesley Safadão, that means that you are Ivete Sangalo! Not bad Andreia, not bad. B: But tell me the truth Thays, don’t you think it’s bad that people lose all control on FaceBook? A: Yes, it could be, but look at this “Ivete Andreia” you are beautiful in this one! B: OK, I give up, and to tell you the truth you are right, I love the way that Wesley is looking at me.

Oct 11, 20160

Intermediate 08: Food In Bahia Is Awesome

Bahia, if food doesn’t come to mind as the very first thing, chances are that it’s the still one of the top associations. Vatapá, caruru, moqueca, it just seems that the never-ending list of great foods just sparkle with a Bahia shine. In today’s lesson we focus on the food that perhaps most we most associate with Bahia: Acarajé. Listen to Andreia and Antonio tell us how acarajé is made.DialogueA: Andreia, qual você diria que é a especialidade gastronômica que mais representa a culinária baiana? B: Rapaz, essa é fácil, tá na cara, é o acarajé. Veja só, massa de feijão-fradinho, cebola, sal, frito em azeite-de-dendê, e ainda servido com pimenta, vinagrete, camarão e vatapá. É o típico da cozinha afro-baiana. A: Você acha que é mais típico do que, por exemplo, o caruru? O caruru que é feito com quiabo, camarões secos moídos e azeite de dendê é super típico também, Andreia. B: É, mas no caso do acarajé, Antônio, tem toda aquela imagem das baianas com vestimenta africana, vendendo nas ruas. Na minha opinião acho que o acarajé ganha, viu? A: Sei lá, eu nem sei direito, que que é esse o feijão-fradinho. É típico na culinária baiana? B: Olha, é um feijão que se usa muito no nordeste, rapaz. A gente quebra ele num moinho, em pedaços grandes, aí deixa de molho lá na água para tirar a casca. Depois, você passa novamente no moinho para criar uma massa bem fina. É muito trabalho, viu? A: Sei, e vem cá, você acha que o sabor vem mais da massa ou mais do azeite-de-dendê que se usa? B: É uma boa pergunta. O segredo para o acarajé ficar macio está no tempo que a gente bate a massa. Ela tem que ficar com a aparência quase de espuma. Mas eu concordo com você, o azeite-de-dendê tem um sabor muito característico e ele é indispensável, viu? A: Pois é, e quando eu vejo as baianas preparando o acarajé, parece que o azeite está bem quente. B: Isso mesmo, bem quente. E você já viu como elas usam as duas colheres para fritar, uma para pegar a massa e a outra para moldar os bolinhos. Olha, realmente é uma arte. A: É parece que a arte e o segredo está mesmo no jeito que elas cortam o acarajé no meio e botam o recheado com camarão, vatapá, caruru, e pimenta. B: Tá vendo, te peguei. Você também acha que é a especialidade que mais representa a Bahia, não é?A: Andreia, what would you say is the gastronomic specialty that most represents Bahian cooking? B: Man, that’s easy, it’s as plain as your face, it’s acaraje. Just look, black-eyed beans dough, onions, salt, fried in palm oil, and served with peppers, vinaigrette, shrimp and vatapa. It’s a typical afro-bahian food. A: Do you think it is more typical than, for example, caruru? Caruru is made from okra, dried ground shrimp, palm oil, and it’s super typical too Andreia. B: Right, but in the case of acaraje Antonio, it has that whole image of bahians with their African clothing, selling on the street. In my opinion, I think that acaraja wins. A: I don’t know, I don’t even really know what this black-eyed beans is. Is it typical of bahian food? B: Look, it is a bean that is used a lot in the northeast, man. People break it up in a grinder, in big pieces, and then they let it soak in water to remove the shell. Then you grind it again to make a thin dough. It’s a lot of work, you know? A: Got it, and tell me, do you the think the flavor comes more from the dough or more from the palm oil that you use? B: That’s a good question. The secret to acaraje to be soft is in how long you beat the dough. It has to have a foamy consistency. But I agree with you, palm oil has a very characteristic flavor and it is indispensible, you know? A: Yea, when I see the Baianas preparing the acaraje, it seems like the oil is really hot. B: It really is, really hot. And you saw how they use the two spoons to fry it, one to get the dough and the other to shape the little balls. You know, it’s a real art. A: And it seems that the art and the secret is in the way that they cut the acaraje in half and put in the fillings with shrimp, vatapa, caruru, and peppers. B: You see, I got you. You also think that it’s the specialty that most represents Bahia, right?

Oct 4, 20160

Elementary 50: I Caught A Really Bad Cold

There is never a good time to have a cold. But why does it feel that each cold is the worst one ever. We feel bad for you, and we hope you get the rest and medicine that you need. It may be of small consolation, but at least you can talk about your cold in Portuguese now, if you want to.DialogueA: E em que eu posso ajudar a senhora? B: A senhora tem alguma coisa boa para a gripe? A: Tenho, a senhora também tem tosse ou só o nariz entupido? B: Dor de cabeça, corpo doído, nariz entupido e tosse, peguei uma gripe séria. A: Bom, toma essa aqui, mas não se esqueça de tomar agua também. B: Tá, obrigada, o que mais quero é dormir uns três dias!A: How may I help you ma’am? B: Do you have anything that is good for a cold? A: We do, do you also have a cough or just a stuffy nose? B: Headache, achy body, stuffy nose, and a cough, I caught a bad one. A: OK, take this one here, but don’t forget to drink water too. B: OK, thanks, what I most want is to sleep for three days!

Sep 27, 20160

Beginning 50: It’s Late, I’m Worried

Parents, gotta love them. They worry about their kids, especially when the kids arrive home late at night. Well, don’t worry, because if you worry, we’ll give you the words to do so in Portuguese.DialogueA: A Susana não chegou ainda? B: Ainda não, e está bem tarde, estou preocupada. A: E ela não ligou, nem avisou, nem nada? B: Não, nada, liga pra ela, tá?A: Hasn’t Susan arrived yet? B: Not yet, and it’s really late, I’m worried. A: And she hasn’t called, or advised us, or nothing? B: No nothing, give her a call, OK?

Sep 20, 20160

Elementary 49: So, How’s The Soup?

It’s OK to experiment with new recipes, but sometimes it’s better not to mess with a good thing. In today’s lesson we find out that the old soup recipe was just fine. Leave well enough alone. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. And in this case we all gain in learning some more Portuguese.DialogueA: A sopa está boa bem? B: Está..., é, está mais ou menos... você fez alguma coisa diferente? A: Eu experimentei alguns ingredientes diferentes. Por quê? Ela não está boa? B: Bom, pra falar a verdade, gosto mais de como era antes. A: Sabe, eu confesso que eu também gostei mais da outra receita B: Não tem problema, me passa o sal por favor.A: How is the soup dear? B: It’s, it’s OK…, did you do something different? A: I experimented with some new ingredients, why, isn’t it good? B: Well, to tell you the truth, I like more how it was before. A: You know, I confess that I liked the other recipe more too. B: No problem, pass me the salt please.

Sep 13, 20160

Beginning 49: Grandma’s Fruit Preserves

Lots of us have great memories of watching grandma making jams and preserves. Picking the fruits, adding the sugar, putting it in jars, ahh the good old days with granny. In today’s lesson we reminisce about all of this and how great it was to have grandma around!DialogueA: Pra mim, a melhor compota da vovó era a de figo. B: É, e a cocada com maracujá dela era fantástica também. A: Hoje em dia já não tem gente que faz os doces como antes, não é? B: É verdade, dá muito trabalho.A: To me the best preserves that grandma made were the fig ones. B: Yes, and her passion fruit coconut candy was fantastic too. A: Nowadays people don’t make sweets like they used to, you know? B: It’s true, it’s a lot of work.

Sep 6, 20160

Elementary 48: The Microwave Stopped Working

Out of all the appliances that one might need in the kitchen, for many the microwave oven is the most used. Cooking, what do you mean cooking? We just heat things up, right? No matter how you use the microwave, in today’s lesson we learn to talk about it in Portuguese.DialogueA: Ô Pai, vem cá, o micro-ondas pifou. B: Como assim pifou? Não tá funcionando? A: Não, parou. Olha, ainda tem a luz, mas não dá pra esquentar. B: Estranho, você já pressionou “reset”? A: Já, já tentei tudo. O que você acha, tentamos consertar ou compramos outro? B: Hoje em dia não são muito caros, acho melhor comprar outro.A: Hey dad, come here, the microwave just died. B: What do you mean died? It’s not working? A: No, it stopped. Look, it still has a light, but it won’t heat up. B: Weird, did you press reset? A: I did, I have tried everything. What do you think, try to fix it or buy another? B: Nowadays they aren’t very expensive, it’s better just to get another one.

Aug 30, 20160

Beginning 48: The Tangerines Are Awesome

Feiras or markets, what a fantastic way to enjoy a couple of hours, do some excellent shopping, and also hear tons of everyday language. Remember to taste the foods, just see verify the ones that you really want to buy. In today’s lesson the seller has some good bananas, but the buyer is also looking for some tangerines. Enjoy!DialogueA: Banana nanica, banana prata, banana maçã! B: Bom dia, o senhor tem mexerica hoje? A: Bom dia senhora, tem sim, essas são bem boas. B: Tá, me dá uma dúzia dessas, tá bom?A: Cavendish banana, Chunky/Burro banana, Manzano banana! A: Good morning sir, do you have tangerines? B: Good morning ma’am, yes we do, these are really good. A: OK, give me a dozen of them, OK?

Aug 23, 20160

Intermediate 18: Our Olympic Dream

Living the Olympic dream! If you were in the Olympics, what sport would you like to compete in? Bring it on, and bring it on in Portuguese.DialogueA: Se você pudesse ser atleta nas olimpíadas, em que esporte seria? B: Bom, já que estamos sonhando com o impossível, acho que seria o atletismo. A: Sério? E em quais provas você entraria? B: Pra mim seria muito legal correr na 100m rasos ou talvez revezamento 4x100m. A: Concordo, e se a gente corresse juntas eu poderia passar o bastão pra você. B: Claro. E juntas poderíamos subir a rampa e cantar o hino nacional!A: If you could be an athlete in the Olympics, what sport would it be? B: Well, if we are dreaming about the impossible, I think it would be running track. A: Really? What events would you like to enter into? B: For me it would be cool to run in the 100 meters or the 4x100 relay. A: Agreed, if we ran together, I could pass the baton on to you. B: Of course. And we could climb on the podium and sing the National Anthem.

Aug 16, 20160

Intermediate 17: Faster, Higher, Stronger

The Olympic motto is “faster, higher, stronger.” For some of us, we really get into the pure Olympic spirit. For others of us, we are way too cynical to buy into that. Where is your focus? Whatever side you fall on, here’s a change to talk about it in Portuguese.DialogueA: Você sabe qual é o lema Olímpico? B: Ah, eu sei, mais dinheiro, mais política, e mais corrupção. A: Não. Para de ser tão cínica Mariana. Você não acha bonito ver o espírito das olimpíadas? B: Eu não duvido que muitos atletas sintam o espírito dos jogos. Eu só não gosto quando o mundo político estraga o evento. A: Sei, entendo, mas vamos voltar para o lema original, “mais rápido, mais alto, mais forte.” B: Tá bom, tá bom, viva as olimpíadas de 2016 no Rio de Janeiro.A: Do you know what the Olympic motto is? B: I do, more money, more politics, and more corruption. A: No. Stop being so cynical Mariana. Don’t you think it’s beautiful to see the Olympic spirit? B: I don’t doubt there are many athletes who feel the spirit of the games, I just don’t like it when politics mess up the event. A: I know, I get it, but let’s get back to the original motto, “faster, higher, stronger.” B: OK, OK, long live the Olympics of 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

Aug 9, 20160

Intermediate 16: What Could Be Cooler Than Rowing In Rio!

Sweeping, sculling, really, how does one figure out all of these rowing options? The truth is that it is fun to watch, even if you don’t get all the details. So gather the crew and the coxswain and learn how to talk about rowing in Portuguese.DialogueA: Ô, vem cá, me explica uma coisa. O que é esse tal de barcos de palamenta dupla e palamenta simples? B: Tá, é fácil. No remo, cada atleta ou utiliza dois remos, que é palamenta dupla, ou um remo só, palamenta simples. A: E qual você gosta mais? B: Eu sempre gostei mais do ritmo das remadas com uma tripulação de oito pessoas. A: E essa é com palamenta dupla ou simples? B: Essa é a simples, 8 companheiros de tripulação mais o timoneiro.A: Hey, come here a sec, tell me something. What is all this about sculling and sweeping? B: OK, it’s easy. In rowing, each athlete either uses two oars, called sculling, or one oar, sweeping. A: And which one do you like most? B: I have always liked the rowing rhythm with crews of 8 people. A: And is that sculling or sweeping? B: That is sweeping, 8 members of the crew and the coxswain.

Aug 2, 20160

Intermediate 15: How Do I Know What A 10 Looks Like!

Let’s be honest, they say that dive was a 9.6 or a 9.7, but didn’t they all look the same to the untrained eye? After a few days of watching Olympics we start to think that we really do see a difference. Either way, now we can talk about those points in Portuguese.DialogueA: Olha, eu tentei, mas todos esses saltos parecem iguais. B: Não é verdade! Olha como ele entrou na agua, perpendicular, tudo alinhado acima da cabeça, e quase nem espirrou agua na entrada. A: Você só disse isso porque o locutor na televisão disse a mesma coisa. B: Não, quando era jovem participava muito nos saltos ornamentais. A: Sério? Você gostava mais da plataforma ou do trampolim? B: Gostava mais do trampolim de 3 metros, eu nunca executava bem os saltos da plataforma.A: Look, I tried, but all of these dives look the same. B: That’s not true, look how he entered the water, perpendicular, everything lined up above his head, and almost no spray when entering the water. A: You just said that because the television announcer said the same thing. B: No, when I was young I participated in a lot of diving competitions. A: Really? Did you like more the platform or the diving board? B: I liked more the 3 meter diving board, I was never any good at the dives from the platform.

Jul 26, 20160

Intermediate 14: The Swimmer Was Disqualified

How sad would it be to train for years and years, and then be disqualified for a false start. That’s part of the Olympic drama and part of the lesson for today.DialogueA: Nossa! Como eu adoro assistir a natação, todos esses estilos são fantásticos. B: Também acho. E que estilo você mais gosta? A: Bom, o borboleta é legal, mas o livre é o mais rápido e o mais emocionante. B: Você viu aquele cara da Alemanha que queimou no bloco de partida? A: Vi. Realmente, como seria triste ser desclassificado depois de tantos anos e tantas horas de treino. B: E dizem que era o favorito pra ganhar na de 200 metros. A: Pois é, mas com toda certeza mais alguém vai quebrar o recorde.A: Wow! I just love watching swimming, all those styles are fantastic. B: Me too. What style do you like most? A: Well, the butterfly is cool, but freestyle crawl is the fastest and the most exciting. B: Did you see that guy from Germany who was penalized at the beginning of the starting block? A: I did. Really, how sad is it to be disqualified after so many years and so many hours of training. B: And they say that he was favored to win in the 200 meters. A: Yeah, but surely someone else is going to break the record.

Jul 19, 20160

Intermediate 13: Who Has Won The Most Medals?

Medal count, some say that it takes away from the Olympic games and others think it is the very reason for the Olympics. How is your country doing in the total medal count?DialogueA: Os Estados Unidos continua ganhando o maior número de medalhas de ouro, não é? B: É, mas a China tem o maior número de medalhas ao todo. A: É, eles têm menos de ouro e de prata, mas têm muitas de bronze. B: Você sabia que oficialmente o Comitê Olímpico Internacional não reconhece o quadro de medalhas? A: Sério! Isso eu não sabia. Por quê que não reconhece? B: Dizem que o objetivo dos jogos não uma competição entre os países.A: The United States keeps winning the highest number of gold medals, right? B: Right, but China has the highest total number of medals. A: Yes, they have fewer gold and silver, but the have the most bronze. B: Did you know that officially the International Olympic Committee doesn’t recognize the total medal chart? A: Really, I didn’t know that. Why don’t they recognize it? B: They say that competition between countries is not the objective of the games.

Jul 12, 20160

Intermediate 12: Wow, Those Gymnasts Are Amazing!

How can those athletes combine such grace and strength, it’s amazing. After today’s lesson we will be able to use Portuguese to describe such moves in gymnastics.DialogueA: Não! Não acredito! Você viu o equilíbrio e flexibilidade dela? B: Realmente, essas ginastas nas barras assimétricas são incríveis. A: Concordo. Elas não são muito altas, mas as piruetas requerem uma força impressionante. B: O que você gosta mais, o tablado para solo ou a barra de equilíbrio? A: Os dois são bons, mas eu prefiro ver a mesa de salto. B: Também, o pulo daquele trampolim é demais.A: No way! I can’t believe it! Did you see her balance and flexibility? B: Really, these gymnasts on the uneven bars are incredible. A: I agree. They aren’t very tall, but their moves require impressive strength. B: What do you like more, the floor exercises or the balance beam? A: Both are good, but I actually prefer the vault. B: Me too, the jump from that trampoline is too much.

Jul 5, 20160

Intermediate 11: Congrats to the Silver Medal Winner

We have been looking forward to this for years. The Olympics are coming to Brazil and now we have to decide if we are going to attend the events live. After today’s lesson, you should be more excited than ever to attend.DialogueA: Você acaba de ganhar a medalha de prata no salto com vara. Como você se sente? B: Olha, é muito gratificante, viu? Depois de tantos treinos e tanto esforço, essa sensação não tem igual. A: Mas você não está desapontada que não ganhou a medalha de ouro? B: Desapontada? Quando tem milhares de atletas que não tem a oportunidade de representar o país deles, não, pra mim é uma honra. A: Por favor, fala um pouco sobre aquela última tentativa. B: Pois é, falhei nas primeiras duas, mas na terceira, peguei uma boa velocidade, decolei bem, e passei por cima da barra.A: You just won the silver medal in pole vaulting. How do you feel? B: Wow, it’s very satisfying, you know? After so many years of training and so much effort, there is nothing like this feeling. A: But aren’t you disappointed that you didn’t earn a goal medal? B: Disappointed? When there are thousands of athletes that don’t have the chance to represent their country, no, for me it’s an honor. A: And tell as a little about your last attempt. B: Yeah, I missed on the first two, but the third one, I had good speed, took off well, and cleared the bar.

Jun 28, 20160

Intermediate 10: Have you purchased tickets to the Olympics?

So the Olympics are coming, but now we need to purchase tickets. Which events would you like to see most? Let’s just hope that they aren’t too difficult to come by. At least after this lesson we’ll have the Portuguese ability to talk about our tickets.DialogueA: Você já comprou ingressos para as olimpíadas? B: Já, o ciclismo de pista, levantamento de pesos e vôlei de praia. A: Por quê você não comprou ingressos para o basquete? B: Adoro basquete, mas é muito difícil e muito caro conseguir os ingressos.A: Have you purchased tickets to the Olympics? B: I have, road cycling, weight lifting and beach volleyball. A: Why didn’t you get tickets for basketball? B: I love basketball, but it’s really difficult and really expensive to get tickets.

Jun 21, 20160

Intermediate 09: Are you going to the Olympics??

We have been looking forward to this for years. The Olympics are coming to Brazil and now we have to decide if we are going to attend the events live. After today’s lesson, you should be more excited than ever to attend.DialogueA: Você vai assistir a cerimônia de abertura? B: Claro, adoro ver o momento quando todos os atletas entram no estádio. A: Eu acho legal ver quando entram com a chama da tocha olímpica. B: Você acompanhou a rota do revezamento da tocha? A: Acompanhei, até assisti em Santos quando os condutores passaram.A: Are you going to watch the opening ceremonies? B: Of course, I love to see the moment when all of the athletes enter the stadium. A: I think it’s cool when they enter with the flame of the Olympic torch. B: Have you followed the route as the exchanged torches? A: I have, I was even in Santos when the torch bearers passed by.

Jun 14, 20160

Elementary 47: The New Baby’s Keeping Me Up At Night

Some of the most tender moments in life are when we get to hold a baby, especially in those quiet hours in the night when it is just you and the baby. But man, it’s exhausting to keep up that pace! Still, after today’s lesson, we’ll be able to talk about those moments in Portuguese too.DialogueA: Mãe, porquê que você nunca me falou o quanto exaustivo é ter bebê em casa? B: Isso passa filha, com os anos a gente nem se lembra mais. A: A Aina precisa mamar a cada três horas! B: Olha, aquelas horas aconchegadas com a criança assim, são preciosas. A: Eu sei, mas eu estou exausta, eu não aguento mais. B: Prometo filha, algum dia você vai sentir falta desses momentos.A: Mom, why didn’t you ever tell me how exhausting it is to have a baby in the house? B: This will pass daughter, as the years go on we don’t even remember it. A: Aina needs to nurse every three hours! B: You know, those hours snuggled up to a baby are precious. A: I know I’m just exhausted, I can’t take it anymore. B: I promise you child, some day you will miss those moments.

Jun 7, 20160

Beginning 47: Just Hit Control-C

Some people catch on to new technologies with no problems, others struggle with the new learning curve. Take for example the time you tried to teach grandma how to use a computer. In today’s lesson we tackle that problem, in Portuguese no less!DialogueA: Mãe, é fácil, destaque e pressione Control C para copiar. B: Peraí, deixa eu anotar isso, tá? A: E aí, pressione Control V para colar. B: Peraí, deixa eu anotar isso, tá?A: It’s easy mom, highlight it and hit Control C to copy. B: Let me write this down, OK? A: And then hit Control V to paste in. B: Let me write this down, OK?

May 31, 20160

Elementary 46: Would You Ever Do Plastic Surgery?

When it comes to plastic surgery, the joke is that there are no ugly women, just poor husbands. Of course plastic surgery is not the solution to all beauty issues, and in today’s lesson Marco does a good job of reassuring his wife that she is beautiful. After today’s lesson you will be able to do the same, with or without plastic surgery.DialogueA: Eu acho que não faria uma cirurgia plástica, mas se fizesse, que parte mudaria? B: Mas que pergunta é essa! Porquê você pergunta isso? A: São essas rugas no rosto, são bem feias, viu? B: Mas quem faz a cirurgia plástica acaba parecendo super artificial. A: Mesmo assim, é duro aceitar essa rugas. B: Querida, há uma beleza que só vem com o passar do tempo, você está linda.A: I’m not saying I would do plastic surgery, but if I did, what part should I change? B: What kind of question is that! Why would you ask that? A: It’s these wrinkles in my face, they are so ugly, you know? B: But those that have plastic surgery end up looing really fake. A: Still, it’s hard to accept these wrinkles. B: Dear, there is beauty that only comes with the years, you are beautiful.

May 24, 20160

Beginning 46: The Grandchildren Are Afraid Of Clowns

There is no question that grandparents love to be with the grandchildren. The hard part is choosing the activities that the kiddos enjoy. In today’s lesson that activity is not the circus, but after this lesson you will have the Portuguese to talk about other possible ways to entertain the grandchildren.DialogueA: Vamos levar os netos pro circo? B: Não sei, viu? A Leticia tem medo de palhaços. A: Ah é, é verdade. Seria melhor nem entrar nisso. B: Acho que eles gostariam muito mais do aquário.A: Should we take the grandchildren to the circus? B: I don’t know, you know? Leticia is really scared of clowns. A: Ah, that’s right. Let’s not even consider it. B: I think it would be better to go to the aquarium.

May 17, 20160

Elementary 45: No Green Thumb From You

How do you keep those houseplants alive? For some it is easy, for others there is no hope. Do you have a green thumb? And if so, and you talk about it in Portuguese? After today’s lesson you will be one step closer (at least in talking about it).DialogueA: Marilene, você diz que adora plantas em casa, mas olha lá. B: Uai, você não acha que são lindas? A: Lindas? Querida, elas estão quase mortas. B: Quem sabe elas precisam de mais luz. A: O que elas precisam é de mais água. B: Pode ser, tem razão. Sou ruim como jardineira.A: Marilene, you say that you love houseplants, but look there. B: What, don’t you think they are pretty? A: Pretty? Dear, they are almost dead. B: Maybe they just need more light. A: What they need is more water. B: You might be right, I am a lousy gardener.

May 10, 20160

Beginning 45: Can’t Find The Remote, Again

We all know that we need this lesson. Who hasn’t lost the remote? All remote just seem to disappear, and the same is true in Brazil. We can’t guarantee that it will be any easier to find the remote, but after this lesson you will at least be able to ask for it in Portuguese.DialogueA: Bem, cadê o controle remoto? B: Deve estar lá na sala ao lado do sofá. A: Onde? Não estou vendo ele. B: Aqui ô! Se fosse cobra, te mordia.A: Honey, where’s the remote? B: Should be in the room next to the sofa. A: Where? I can’t see it. B: Right here. If it were a snake it would have bitten you.

May 3, 20160

Elementary 44: Empire State Building, I Love It!

More and more Brazilians are traveling abroad, and what an exciting thing it is to see. In today’s lesson our Brazilians are in New York City, and look how fun it is to see the Empire State Building. Of course, we will want to be able to talk about all of this in Portuguese.DialogueA: O Marco, em qual portaria a gente entra pro hotel? B: É na que fica em frente ao Madison Square Garden. A: Mas a escada rolante está estragada. B: É Marilene, mas vamos por aqui mesmo, não temos outra opção. A: Nossa, que beleza! Pertinho do Empire State! Amei!A: Marco, which gate do we take to get to the hotel? B: It’s the one in front of Madison Square Garden. A: But the escalator isn’t working. B: Yes Marilene, but there’s where we go, there is not other way. A: Wow, how gorgeous! Right next to the Empire State Building, I love it!

Apr 26, 20160

Beginning 44: Here kitty, kitty, kitty

We know that people love their pets, and we love ours too. But really, if the only thing that people like about you more than their pet is that you don’t shed hair all over, well that’s not much of a complement. Still, it sounds better in Portuguese.DialogueA: Miau, miau, miau, miau. B: Sinceramente Marilene, você ama aquele gato mais do que eu. A: Não é verdade querido. Você não solta pelo e nem tosse bolas de pelo. B: Obrigado querida, isso me faz sentir bem melhorA: Here kitty kitty, here kitty kitty. B: I swear Marilene, you love that cat more than me. A: Not true dear. You don’t shed hair and don’t cough up fur balls. B: Thanks sweetie, that makes me feel much better.

Apr 19, 20160

Elementary 43: Take Out The Trash

Wow, that garbage can is starting to smell bad. Either we learn some Portuguese to talk about taking the trash out, or we take out the trash ourselves. Either way, this lesson has got to help us clear the air a bit.DialogueA: Tem um cheiro estranho aqui, não é? B: Tem. Você tirou o lixo? A: Quem sabe, devo tirar, deixei osso de galinha no lixo. B: Marco, você deixou ele a noite inteira? A: Eu nem pensei nisso, esqueci. B: Bom, agora a casa inteira tem um cheiro horrível.A: There is a strange smell here, right? B: There is. Did you take out the trash? A: I probably should, there are chicken bones in the garbage. B: Marco, you left them there all night? A: I just didn’t think of it, I forgot. B: Well now the whole house has a terrible smell.

Apr 12, 20160

Beginning 43: Do You Like Your Job?

You love your job, but it’s your boss who makes things difficult, right? Hey, we feel your pain, and after this lesson, we’ll be able to feel your pain, and talk about it, in Portuguese.DialogueA: Ô pai, você gosta de seu trabalho? B: Adoro, é do meu chefe que eu não gosto. A: Sério, pensei que ele fosse bem legal. B: Não, ele fica chateado a toa.A: Dad, do you like your job? B: I love it, it’s my boss that I don’t like. A: Really, I thought it was a really cool. B: No, he gets upset easily.

Apr 5, 20160

Elementary 42: Plucking Your Eyebrows

What is this, some kind of torture! When it comes to waxing and plucking eyebrows, you women have an incredible threshold of pain. We admire that, and after this lesson, that admiration can be expressed in Portuguese.DialogueA: Mulheres, vocês pagam mesmo alguém para depilar as sobrancelhas? B: Não eu mesma uso pinça, pago outros para fazer depilação de cera. A: De cera, hein? Em mim, acho que doeria muito. B: Sei, as vezes traz lágrimas aos olhos. A: Ainda bem que não sou mulher. B: Concordo, você choraria como bebê.A: Women, do you really pay someone to pluck your eyebrows? B: No, I pluck them myself, I pay someone to get them waxed. A: Waxed, huh? Sounds like that would be painful. B: I know, sometimes it brings tears to my eyes. A: Glad I’m not a women. B: Agreed, you’d cry like a baby.

Mar 29, 20160

Beginning 42: Can You Buy A Little Milk?

Don’t you hate it when you run out of milk! How can one be expected to eat cereal for breakfast when there is no milk. Oops, let’s take that back. Brazilians don’t eat cold cereal for breakfast. Still, if someone is going to the store, let’s learn how to ask them to pick up some milk.DialogueA: Ô Marco, vou dar uma passadinha no mercado. Você precisa de alguma coisa? B: Que tal um pouquinho de leite. A: Por quê, Marco? Não tem mais? B: Não, acabou hoje Marilene, pela manhã.A: Marco, I’m heading to the store. Do you need anything? B: How about some more milk. A: Why Marco? Don’t we have any left? B: No Marilene, we finished it this morning.

Mar 15, 20160

Elementary 41: The Electric Bill Has Arrived

Nobody likes to have to pay the bills, but when the amount is even more than usual, it is even more difficult to accept. In today’s lesson the electric bill is way too high. Find out whose fault that is.DialogueA: A conta da eletricidade chegou, bem. B: Ah é, quanto foi? A: Nossa, mas que coisa! 230 reais! B: De jeito nenhum! Por que é tanto assim? A: Boa pergunta, o que é que você fez esse mês? B: Eu! Nada, não tenho a mínima ideia por que me cobrariam tanto assim.A: The electric bill has arrived, dear. B: Oh yeah, how much was it? A: No way, Oh my gosh! 230 reais! B: No way! Why is it so much? A: Good question, what did you do this month? B: Me! Nothing, I have no idea why they would charge me so much.

Feb 23, 20160

Beginning 41: Do I Look Fat In This Dress?

Careful! One of life’s most challenging questions, “Honey, do I look fat in this dress?” Of course the answer is ‘no.’ And in today’s lesson we learn how to subtly handle this task in Portuguese.DialogueA: Querido, estou gorda nesse vestido? B: Não vem com essa, claro que eu não vou responder essa pergunta! A: Quer dizer que sim, estou gorda. B: Eu não disse isto, você está linda.A: Honey, do I look fat in this dress? B: Don’t come with that, of course I’m not going to answer that question! A: That means yes, I do look fat. B: I never said that, you look great.

Feb 16, 20160

Intermediate 07: Visiting the Soccer Museum

Of course not everyone loves soccer, but everyone should be able to join in on conversations about soccer. And what better way to talk the talk than to visit the soccer museum in São Paulo? So here we go, who was better Pelé or Garrincha? Maradona or Messi?.DialogueA: Ô Andréia, você já esteve alguma vez no museu de futebol, lá no estádio do Pacaembu em São Paulo? B: Ah, já fui, é interessante, em São Paulo, olha, eles são capazes de montar um bom museu de futebol muito bom. A: Também acho, eu fui pela primeira vez na semana passada. B: Ah legal. A: O museu é muito bom, viu? Eu não esperava ver o quanto o futebol está ligado com a história do povo brasileiro. B: Realmente, é impressionante ver como um esporte inglês, dos brancos, das elites, tornou-se numa das manifestações mais reconhecidas da cultura popular brasileira. A: É. E sabe, eu gostei muito da exposição que tem os vídeos com os jogadores famosos, técnicos, e jornalistas, todos falando dos momentos mais históricos do futebol. Foi fascinante rever alguns desses momentos. B: É, e se me lembro bem, também tem uma sala em que você faz o papel do juiz, não é, assim, assistindo as jogadas, com a pressão de apitar a decisão. A gente sai apreciando como seria difícil ser árbitro em campo, viu? A: Olha, uma pergunta. O que você acha, quem era melhor, Pelé ou Garrincha? B: Vixe! Bom, tem gente que briga pelos dois lados. Todo mundo sabe que ninguém driblava com um estilo único como Garrincha, mas eu acho que o Pelé era mais completo em todas as áreas. Para mim, Pelé continua sendo o rei. A: E Pelé ou Maradona? B: O quê? Maradona nem era o melhor jogador da Argentina. Nessa, o Messi está bem mais à frente. A: Também acho. B: Não vem com essa, o Pelé ainda é show de bola. Ele ganha facilmente essa. A: Muito bom.A: Hey Andreia, have you ever been to the soccer museum, the one at Pacaembu stadium in São Paulo? B: Oh, I have, it’s interesting, and in São Paulo they are able to put together a good soccer museum. A: I think so too, I went last week for the first time. B: Ah cool. A: The museum was really good, you know? I wasn’t expecting to see how much soccer is tied to the history of Brazilian people. B: It really is impressive to see how a sport from England, of the white elite, became the most recognizable symbol of Brazilian popular culture. A: Right, and you know, I really liked the display that has the videos of famous players, coaches, and journalists, all talking about the most historic moments of soccer. It was fascinating to see some of those moments again. B: Right, and if I remember well, there’s a room where you can play the role of referee, right, watching plays where you have the pressure to make the call. You come out of these with a greater appreciation for how difficult it is to be a ref, you know? A: Hey, a question for you, what do you think, who was better, Pelé or Garrincha? B: Oh my, well, there are people who will argue for both sides. Everyone knows that nobody dribbled with as much of a unique style as garrinhca, but I think that Pelé was a more complete player in every aspect. For me, Pelé continues to reign as the king. A: And Pelé or Maradona? B: What!? Maradona wasn’t even the best player from Argentina. In that, Messi is way out in front. A: I think so too. B: Don’t even come with that one, Pelé is the star. He wins easily in that one. A: Very good.

Feb 9, 20160

Elementary 40: Casual Summer Dress

Casual clothing, what could be better than a casual afternoon, comfortable clothing, informal settings, and a feeling of chill? Well, for some the answer is that dressing up and looking fine more fun than life in a t-shirt and shorts. Whatever side you fall on, here’s the Portuguese language to go with it.DialogueA: Fala o que quiser, mas nada é melhor do que usar shorts e camisetas. B: É verdade, especialmente nesses dias de calor. A: E sabe o que mais? Adoro rasteirinha, tênis, ou chinelo mesmo. B: Eu concordo, o conforto sempre ganha, né? A: Falando nisso, me empresta aquela blusa azul estampadinha, tá bom? B: Aquela sem manga? Claro, pode pegar.A: Say what you will, but nothing is better than wearing shorts and t-shirts. B: That’s true, especially on these hot days. A: And you know what else? I really love sandals, tennis shoes, or flip flops. B: Agreed, comfort always wins out, right? A: Speaking of which, lend me that patterned blue blouse, OK? B: The sleeveless one? Sure, feel free.

Feb 2, 20160

Beginning 40: Counting Steps With My Fitbit

They say that the way to make progress is to keep track of progress. If so, the Fitbit has got you covered, counting all of your steps each day. Bring it on, and good luck in out-distancing your friends. Even more, now you can talk about it in Portuguese.DialogueA: Sabe que esse Fitbit conta os passos diários. B: Sério, quantos passos você já deu hoje? A: Deixa eu ver, 9,850. Nada mal. B: Legal, mas você tem que usar essa pulseira o dia todo, não é? A: É, mas eu não ligo.A: You know, this Fitbit counts your daily steps. B: Really, how many steps have you taken today? A: Let me see, 9,850. Not bad. B: Cool, but you’ve got to wear that bracelet all day, right? A: Yeah, but I don’t mind.

Jan 26, 20160

Elementary 39: This Lasagna Is Fantastic

No doubt, our lessons are about Portuguese, but how can somebody resist good Italian food? And where do you find some of the world’s best Italian food? In São Paulo, Brazil of course. Enjoy a large serving of lasagna and enjoy the lesson about food.DialogueA: Essa lasanha está fantástica, o que é que você coloca nela? B: Sabe, eu acho que o segredo está na mussarela ralada. A: Ahh, muito bem, mas tem outros queijos também, não é? B: Tem, tem queijo parmesão e requeijão. A: Também gosto desses pedaços de presunto. B: Sei, bem picadinhos, não é? que vai bem com o molho de tomate.A: This lasagna is fantastic, what did you put in it? B: You know, I think that the secret is in the grated mozzarella. A: Ahh, really nice, but it has other cheeses in it too, right? B: There are, there is parmesan cheese and requeijão. A: I also like these pieces of ham. B: I know, chopped up fine, right? that go well with the tomato sauce.

Jan 19, 20160

Beginning 39: You Caught A Cold!

All that sneezing and runny nose! You’ve got a cold, poor thing. Chances are you aren’t in the mood to do a lot of talking, but in this lesson at least you can learn about how to talk about it.DialogueA: E, você pegou uma gripe! B: Não é nada, estou bem. A: Não, você pegou sim. Você já tomou alguma coisa? B: Só o remédio que a Marina me deu, e muita vitamina C.A: Wow, you’ve caught a cold! B: No, it’s nothing, I’m fine. A: No, you really caught one. Have you taken anything? B: Just the medicine that Marina gave to me, and a lot of vitamin C.

Jan 12, 20160

Elementary 38: Hacking Into Wifi Networks

Security, network safety, computer hacking, wifi networks, passwords, where does it stop? Are we being prudently cautious or just paranoid? That is the topic in today’s lesson, and come away with lots of new vocabulary related to high tech as well.DialogueA: Quanto tempo você acha que a Marta precisa para hackear uma rede wi-fi? B: Ela é muito esperta, não sei, 15 minutos talvez. A: Não, ela conseguiu em apenas 8 minutos e meio. B: Uau, ainda bem que ela trabalha nisso e não tem intenções criminosas. A: Pois é, imagina o que esses criminosos fariam. B: Realmente, é preocupante saber que somos tão pouco protegidos.A: How long to you think that Marta needs to hack into your wifi network? B: She is pretty clever, I don’t know, 15 minutes maybe. A: No, she could do it in only eight and a half minutes. B: Wow, it’s a good thing that she works in this and doesn’t have criminal intentions. A: Right, imagine what the criminally minded would do. B: Right, it’s worrisome to know that we are so little protected.

Dec 15, 20150

Beginning 38: First Time In Brazil?

We can pretend that the reason that we are traveling to Brazil is to work or to study, but in this lesson we learn how to confess what really motivates our travel. Listen and find out what.DialogueA: Essa é a primeira vez que você vem ao Brasil? B: É A: Você veio para trabalhar ou para estudar? B: Eu vim para as praias e para as caipirinhas.A: Is this the first time that you have come to Brazil? B: It is. A: Did you come to work or to study? B: I came for the beaches and for the caipirinhas.

Dec 8, 20150