Forum

Monthly Newsletter
October 2010
www.amsoc.com.br

In This Issue It’s Halloween!

Witches, pumpkins, Haunted House… There will also be a light snack and
Need art? not to mention Kit Kats, Gobstoppers, dessert, and a cash bar for mom & dad.
Candy Corn, Smarties……It’s Hallow- This event is a one-of-a-kind in São Pau-
Page 5: Find out where to bid on lo, where Trick
and buy contemporary Brazilian een!!
Join us for or Treating is
art to refresh the look of your not part of the
home. our Annual Hal-
loween Party on culture.
Saturday, Octo- If you would
ber 30th at the like to partici-
Marine House in pate on the par-
Playing it safe São Paulo from ty committee,
17H – 19H00. please contact
Page 6: Read how a conversation Tickets will be Ruth Hollard at
between our author Natasha de 30 R$ per Trick- ruthhollard@
Carvalho and her security expert or-Treater (up hotmail.com or
husband can give advice to all of until 12 years of 9405-6424.
us. age), payable at The more
the door. Par- volunteers, the
ents enter for better the party
Thanking Eric Street free. for everyone.
We will have games with prizes for the It’s also a fun
Page 8: A look back at the AmSoc children, a Haunted House, and Trick-or- way to meet new people if you are new
career of our longest serving Treating stations for the children. to São Paulo!
board member.

Expat websites guide

Page 10: Sort the good from the
bad with our handy guide to São
Paulo’s best expat websites.
AmSoc Softball Championship 2010
At Yakult Park – Ibiuna, SP
Oct. 23, 24 & Nov.7
The American Society of São Paulo
(“AmSoc”) is pleased to announce this
year´s Softball Championship will be held
on October 23rd, 24th and November 7th
Tournament Format
- Oct. 23-24: First Rounds will be a round
robin format, with groups of 4 teams each
playing each other, either on Oct. 23rd or
Oct. 24th (no team plays on both days)
- Nov. 7: Final Rounds will be Single
elimination format. Group’s top 2

Our Mission
The American Society of São Paulo
promotes friendship by organizing
social, cultural and athletic events for
its diverse membership; encourages
integration with the Brazilian society;
and supports the American traditions
of education, philanthropy and
volunteerism.
at Yakult Park.
I am also pleased to announce that
the Confederação Brasileira de Beisbol
e Softbol will be our partner in this
event. With their support, we will open
our annual softball championship to the
general public in hopes of generating
an operating profit as well as attracting
some corporate sponsorships and new
members. Our goal is to give the net
profit and donations to our charities.
finishers advance to winners’ bracket,
and the bottom two play in the consolation
bracket.
- All teams are guaranteed to play at least
3 games in the first round
- Winning Team will be awarded a
Championship Jersey to each player
- Games: 1 hour time limit; no walks; and
unlimited pitching arc
(continued on page 4)

The President’s Corner
In the past
weeks I’ve had
the pleasure
of meeting
several people
new to São
Paulo. It is in
this time frame
that people
still count their
time here in
By Tim Scott, AmSoc president weeks. “I’ve
been here three weeks. I’m still at the
hotel… I can’t wait to get out of the
hotel.” Those with a couple months
already are by now anxious to get their
possessions but face the inevitable,
“Sorry sir, but your container is in
Santos and stuck in Customs.”
This time of year then is for some
a time of beginning in São Paulo.
Life here can be quite intimidating
at first. During the first days and
weeks the enormity and complexity
of São Paulo can be overwhelming.
Getting connected with people and
new communities is perhaps the most
important thing you can do as an
antidote against feeling down. If you
are reading this it means you probably
have connected to the American
Society. We extend to you our “bem-
vindo” and look forward to seeing you
engaged in the community during the
months ahead. We hope you enjoy the
rhythm of Sampa life.
In my President’s Corner article last
Forum is published monthly, with
the exception of January and July, by
About Forum
The American Society of São Paulo
Rua da Paz, 1431 04713-001 São Paulo, SP
Tel: (11) 5182-2074 Fax: (11) 5182-9155
forum@amsoc.com.br
2 Forum
month, I challenged us all to think
about where we might apply our
“Helping Hands.” Here is a great
opportunity, the Angel Party. This
annual party provides a day of
Christmas fun and gifts to over 200
children from American Society’s
selected orphanages. Planning
for the event is in full gear and
we need more Helping Hands to
make this event a special day for
all participants. Now is the time to
engage your spirit of volunteerism
and join in for a memorable event.
Chances are that you will get out
of the event, even more than you
put in!
The American Society is also
very excited about this year’s
AmSoc Softball Championship
2010 (see page 4). You may be
surprised to learn that there is
an outstanding baseball/softball
facility just on the outside of the
city at Yakult Park in Ibiuna. Our
Athletic Director, John Kennedy
has prepared an outstanding
tournament that will be fun for
all and also benefits the charities
that the American Society works
with.
October will be a great month.
No matter how you spend it,
resolve to make some memories,
you’ll be glad you did.
Abraços, Tim
Lynn Cordeiro, editor and layout
Simon Tharby, staff writer
Forum is printed by EGB.
(http://www.egb.com.br)
Views expressed in Forum do
not necessarily reflect those of
the American Society board of
governors, members, or staff.
Forum reserves the right to edit
content for brevity and/or clarity.
Newcomer
profile
Name:
Melissa Sabella
Harkin
Origin, time
here:
Originally
Brazilian, but
I’ve lived abroad,
including America,
for many years. I’ve
been back in Brazil
for a little over 1
year now.
Why São Paulo?:
My immediate family is here and
It’s the best place for my husband right
now. He works for Outback Steakhouse,
and the company is investing heavily in
Brazil. São Paulo is the biggest city in
the Americas and 3rd biggest city in the
planet. The possibilities and opportunities
are endless.
Best things so far:
Culinary. There’s no place like São Paulo
when it comes to food. No wonder it’s the
World’s capital of gastronomy.
Early frustrations:
In a city that is so fast paced, how come
public services move in slow motion?
Everything: Cartórios, Courts, etc.
Whenever you need public services it takes
forever and everything is very disorganized.
Have ‘saudade’ for anything back
home?:
I miss USA in general, but I miss
Missouri more, and all my friends and
family there. I also miss houses that are
not surrounded by huge walls, blueberry
muffins, snow, Halloween parties and kids
trick or treating around the neighborhood.
Progress with Portuguese:
Although I think in English and have
been using English 95% of the time for
the past 15 years, I’m a Portuguese native
speaker so it’s going well. But, sometimes,
I do get blanks in Portuguese.
Favorite place to hang out:
Avenida Paulista - the cafes, fnac, art
shows, theaters...I just love it there.
October
 The American Society
of São Paulo

Welcome to our new members from August

Please welcome the following New Members who joined us in August 2010. We are very grateful for their
support, and that of all our members!See you at our Halloween Party if not sooner!!! Welcome to the American
Society of São Paulo. Your Membership committee

Name Membership Type Citizenship Company or Profession

John Patrick &Adriana A. LYONS Family American Wall Street Journal

Luciana & Mateus ANDRADE Family Patron Brazilian Graded School

Alex X. S. NAVARRETE & Marie Louise MILLER Family Patron American HSBC

Mary & Gonzalo PETSCHEN Family American Cargill

Flavio & Wendi BARBOSA Family Patron Brazilian Magnesita Refratarios S.A.

David & Silvia MIDGARDEN Family American USDA

Rainer S. & Uschi TAMSCHICK Family Patron German Banco Westlb do Brasil S.A.

Maria Edith G. FORMICOLA & Marcello ALBANESE Family Brazilian-Italian Graded School

Rick & Julie D. SINKFIELD Family Patron American Laureate Education INC

Michael & Jennifer LAMIA Family Patron American Avon

Lance & Katherine POSEY Family American US Consulate

Michael H. & Dawn KLASEN Family American FTE Automotive

Victor & Ana Maria MUNOZ Family American Denham Capital Management

Eric & Aparecida VANDYKE Family American GM

Michael & Coree POIST Family American US Consulate

Rebecca ALVARADO Family American US Consulate

Marcelo & Julia OLIBARRIA Family Patron American US Consulate

Heather & Marcelo QUEIROZ Family American

Mauricio P. De CHIARO & Nathalie MIKELLIDES Family Brazilian Virtu Capital

Manohar R. PATOLE Junior American

Alexei BARRIONUEVO Single American The New York Times

Bert LEATHERMAN Junior American Academic and SAT Tutor

Ricardo & Jennifer FERNANDEZ Family Patron American General Mills - Brazil

Nicole & John MCDANIEL Family American

2010 Forum 3
 AmSoc Softball Championship 2010
From the desk of John Kennedy, Director of AMSOC Athletics
- Referees: Teams will provide 3 players
to referee other games
- Jerseys: Teams must wear shirts of the
same color or the team´s uniform
Home Run Derby
- Two rounds whereby up to top 50%
advance to second round (Nov. 7)
- Each team can submit 2 participants
for the Home Run Derby
- Participants will compete only on the
day their team plays
- Each batter will have 5 swings; and 3
“good” pitches will equal 1 swing
- Home Run winner will be awarded a
trophy as the Home Run King
Tournament Schedule
Daily Times: I look forward to seeing all of you at
10h00-11h00 Game 1 (3 fields) Charities and Fund Raising
11h30-12h30 Game 2 (3 fields) The event´s operating profit and
12h30-14h00 Lunch sponsor donations will go to our Charity
13h00-14h00 Home Run Derby
14h30-15h30 Game 3 (3 fields)
16h00-17h00 Game 4 (3 fields)
Finals Sunday: Same as above,
depending on number of teams, plus
awards ceremony
Registration & Fees
- Open to the public to watch the
games, but participation in games and
BBQ pay Fees
- Fees: To include food and drinks
at 2 BBQs (beer & ice cream sold
separately)
- Player: R$ 40 for AmSoc member and
R$ 60 per non-member
- Guest: R$ 10 for AmSoc member and
R$ 15 per non-member
- Kids: R$ 5 for all ages under 10
years
- An AmSoc membership desk will be
set-up for registrations during these 3
days!
Registration
- Only by TEAM. If you have no team,
please contact Kevin May to be on a
Team.
- Team name
- Team jersey (“rights” to use that color
4 Forum
for jerseys – “first-come first-serve”!!) - Name on the body of AmSoc
- Deposit confirmation for the team sporting event shirts for the next 12
- Names of the designated “3” players months
to be game referees (in other games) - Naming rights for this 2010
- Names of the 2 players to participate Championship
in the Home Run Derby
- Individual participant information: 100% of every donation is guaranteed
- Name to go to AmSoc´s Charity Fund of
- Is he/she a Player or Guest, adult or CAC
child Any Team who brings in any AmSoc
- Is he/she an AmSoc member or non- Sports Sponsorship will receive a
AmSoc member discount of 50% on their Team´s overall
- Captain´s name, e-mail & cellular fee, which includes their guests.
- Registration closes on Thursday,
September 30th For further sponsorship information
- Send information (or any questions) please contact me at john@kennedy-
to Kevin May at kmay@br.mbelatam. partners.com
com
Ibuina in support of your team and our
charities.
Fund of CAC (AmSoc’s “Community
Assistance (Action) Committee”)
AmSoc is soliciting corporate
sponsorships with the following levels
of donations:
- From R$2.000 to R$3,000 will get
AmSoc Sports Sponsorship benefits,
namely:
- Name/logo in both of AmSoc
website and monthly newsletter,
FORUM
- Name on all the banners at the
3-day event
- From R$3.000 to R$5.000 will get
AmSoc Sports Sponsorship benefits,
namely:
- Same as above
- One year Corporate marketing
piece in AmSoc´s website and
FORUM
- Logo on a sleeve of all AmSoc
sports shirts for the next 12
months
- Over R$5.000 will at least get the
below AmSoc Sports Sponsorship
benefits:
- Same as above
October

Appreciate and Acquire Brazilian Contemporary Art
by Mark Abrams, AmSoc Board Member
Tired of looking at those bare walls?
Thinking about upgrading your
collection? Always wondered who are
the top Brazilian contemporary artists?
Mark your calendars for Thursday,
November 4th at the architecturally
outstanding Museu Brasileiro de
Escultura (MuBE), centrally located on
Av. Europa, 218 in São Paulo. There
you will be assured of an unforgettable
cultural afternoon and evening: starting
at 2pm, plan to take a guided tour
of the exhibit featuring 100+ works
of art with renowned critic Paulo
Klein; from 7pm until 9pm socialize
during the sumptuous cocktail and
at 9pm official auctioneer, James
Lisboa, Esq. will commence the live
auction. For those who also enjoy
the art of travel, sports memorabilia
and excellent cuisine, approximately
15 truly special, non-art items will
also be included in the auction.
All of the art work has been
donated by the artists, galleries and
collectors. 100% of the auction
proceeds will benefit Vida Jovem, an
AmSoc supported charity, and ILADH
thanks to the generous support of
the event sponsors: Deutsche Bank,
Brazilian Mortgages, Banco Espírito
Santo and Gestamp.
The selection of the artists was
the responsibility of a committee of
experts comprising gallery owner and
graduate of Christie´s of London,
Lourdina Jean Rabieh; art critic Paulo
Klein and art restoration professional,
Ana Lucia Pecoraro. Among the many
artists participating are, Siron Franco,
Sergio Fingerman, Lara Donatoni
Mantana, Valdir Cruz, Cabral, Peticov,
Claudio Tozzi, Camille Kashani, Sergio
Machado, Isabelle Tuchband, Newman
Schutz, plus at least 80 more.
Associação Vida Jovem, has been
nurturing and educating children and
youth for over 23 years. Through its
homes, educational center courses,
workshops and seminars, mentoring
and support programs it impacts
the lives of more than 350 children,
teens, young adults and their families
2010
The American Society
of São Paulo
in the economically challenged areas to continue their education, serve as an
of Ipiranga and the neighboring example to others and practice regular
Heliópolis favela. The Association´s community service. Dozens of Vida
value-centered homes in São Jovem youth have gone on to college
Paulo offer love, healthy food, and and professional courses. Vida Jovem
psychological support, all in a family possesses all of the required federal,
setting. Its Educational and Cultural state and municipal certifications.
Center provides tutoring in core- Learn more about Vida Jovem at www.
competency classes and extracurricular vidajovem.org.
courses in English, computers and ILADH (Latin American Institute for
sports (swimming, basketball, soccer). the Promotion and Defense of Human
Rights) was founded in 2002
and has as its mission to develop
programs to help prevent human
trafficking and violence against
women and youth. Headquartered
in São Paulo, it maintains offices
in Salvador, Bahia and Recife,
Pernambuco. ILADH promotes
the establishment of national and
international networks of concerned
individuals, companies and agencies
to work toward the prevention and
repression of human trafficking and
the prosecution of accused parties as
well as provides support to victims
Preparation for post-secondary school of this type of crime. ILADH is one of
education takes place through courses the founders of the National Movement
offered in partnership with SENAC, Against Human Trafficking – MCTP.
(São Paulo Commerce Association) Learn more about ILADH at www.
and through the Center for Digital iladh.blogspot.com.
Inclusion established by Fundação More information regarding the
Bradesco at the VJ Educational specific tour time for Amsoc members
Center. An additional 150 youth from will follow closer to the date from Kim
the community participate in the life Corcoran and the AmSoc Cultural
skills and computer classes. Vida Committee. This is one event you
Jovem encourages the youth it serves won’t want to miss.
PRESIDENTIAL STYLE RETREAT
Set within 138 acre private estate on mountaintop with helipad.
Perfect Venue: Celebrity/Political/Business. Ultimate Privacy.
Main Residence 3,700 sq ft Open-Plan Living, Mezzanine library and.
separate level complete Leisure Complex with gym, heated pool and BBQ.
6 Additional Guest Villas with own outdoor pool, large lounge and total
cuisine complex including chef’s apartment.3,200 sq ft Loft-Style Atelier.
Multiple outbuildings housing workshops, pavilion stabling,
storage. 4 individual staff houses for personnel/security. Own water source:
turbine, reservoir, stream. Solar Heating. Satellite/Sky/Internet.
Full details: joao.andre@bluewin.ch
Forum 5
 Playing it safe
By Natasha de Carvalho

If you live in Brazil, you’ve had this away but would never take one; who the truth I will have to kill you.
conversation: It starts with someone would never make a careless mistake
recounting something that happened like leaving a front door unlocked Okay be serious; are we irresponsible
to them, a friend, or a friend’s friend or a passport lying about; who is to raise kids here? Is it too
that weekend. Something like a gold programmed to trust nobody but who dangerous?
necklace yanked off by a passing people trust implicitly. Yeah, so he’s so No, of course not. Danger is
cyclist, a wallet swiped by a beach not rock and roll…but I like him. His relative. It’s safer here than Kabul,
vendor. Then it descends into frenzied, advice has kept me safe up until now, more dangerous than Monaco.
horror-story one-upmanship that leaves so I thought I’d share some of it. Last
new arrivals wondering if they’ve made night after dinner I quizzed him. Here’s Very helpful! Could you try and be a
the right decision. the transcript: bit more specific?
I am as guilty Well, I reckon
of this as anybody: that if you put every
My current country side by
portfolio of pant- side, Brazil would
wetting anecdotes be a bit worse than
includes one about average. São Paulo
a friend caught in is safer than Mexico
her car on a Rio City and with a
highway during different type of
a gang shoot- crime than places
out. Gangsters like Johannesburg
ran between where there are
cars, smashing many rapes and
windscreens and violent crimes.
firing into the
air while she hid Square of
behind the seat chocolate?
reading storybooks Hand it over.
to her toddler.
There’s also the So, what are the
one about my biggest dangers
friend who stopped here?
his car to give In São Paulo
directions in Itaim, whereupon a guy Babe, can I interview you about and Rio, we’re talking about street
jumped in and held a gun-barrel against security in Brazil? crime. The problem is the perpetrators
his forehead until he handed over his Providing you don’t mention my are armed and don’t have much to
wedding ring. name. lose. In Rio you have drug gangs with
The story-telling is part territorial control, and police no-go
scaremongering, part therapy. We do Seriously? Can’t I even tell people areas. But for your average expat,
it for the same reason that we look at what you do? crimes of opportunity like mugging,
road accidents; to confront our fear and No car-jacking and express kidnap are the
accept the inevitable truth, that one day biggest threats.
we may be the protagonists of our own What are you scared of?
drama. We have to prepare ourselves I’m a discreet person. I value my Talk about kidnap
for the worst and hope for the best. But privacy. Kidnap for ransom is now very rare
there are things besides crossing fingers in Brazil. More common are express
we can do to avoid trouble. How on earth did you end up with kidnaps, when they capture a random
I am married to the most security- me? I only ever dreamed of being person, steal what they have on them
conscious person on Earth, a security famous….I bet you didn’t even tell and drive them around cash-points to
expert whose career is founded on me your real name! max out their cards before releasing
his being an inscrutable, levelheaded Marrying you was probably the them. There’s also virtual kidnap,
person who can spot a risk a mile riskiest thing I ever did. If I tell you when someone makes you believe, via

6 Forum October

telephone, that your relative has been
kidnapped and will be harmed unless
you make an immediate deposit to a
bank account. Meanwhile, said relative
is fine, shopping or at the cinema.
Does anyone really fall for that? I
get those reverse-charge calls all the
time
It seems unlikely, but intelligent
people can be duped. Even the
Brazilian Vice President fell for this a
few months ago.
How can people avoid becoming a
victim?
Be aware. Awareness costs nothing.
I see people invest R$50,000 to bullet
proof their cars, but then they drive with
their windows open, or with the doors
unlocked. Pointless. When driving,
you should always know where you
are going and plan your route, which
you never do.
I do. Just because I once took a four-
hour detour via the airport on what
should have been a twenty-minute
journey in Rio. I still can’t believe
how mad you were at me.
Don’t remind me. You were an
idiot. Those roads are dangerous. I
was worried about you.
Also, when you stop at traffic lights,
you shouldn’t fiddle with your radio
or talk on the phone; look around, use
your mirrors, and always keep enough
room between you and vehicles in front
when you stop, so that you have room
to evade trouble.
On the street, stay alert and keep a
low profile. Do not walk around using
your cell-phone or talking loudly in
English.
Don’t wear expensive jewelry.
Is that why all the jewelry you’ve
ever given me is made of wood or
seeds or plastic – for my safety?
Diamonds cause wars…where was
I? Be sensible. I wouldn’t sit on the
terrace of a restaurant with my laptop,
except perhaps in a shopping mall.
Don’t believe anywhere is completely
safe, even chic neighborhoods. Some
places are less dangerous than others.
That’s it.
What about at home?
2010
In an apartment you have an extra
layer of security – the doorman. But the
main problem is that despite equipment
like cameras and security gates, he is
often badly paid, untrained and could
easily let someone in.
With a house on the street you have
the advantage of having complete
control of who comes in and out, but
you need to invest in perimeter and
electronic security, and ensure your
maid is trustworthy and well trained.
Tell maids not to reveal or confirm
anything on the phone, and only let
authorized people in. Also, know who
you are hiring. Pay for background
checks and check references. It’s easy,
yet people don’t do it.
What do you do if something
happens?
Comply and stay calm,
Do you call the police? Are they
going to do anything? I don’t even
know the number!
Yes you call the police. Dial 190.
Are things improving?
São Paulo got much better in recent
years, but is worsening again. Rio is
progressing but has a long way to go.
In general, Brazil is improving slowly.
Are you scared of anything?
You leaving me!
Very funny.
People shouldn’t be ruled by fear.
Just be aware. It’s like avoiding sugary,
fatty foods – something you can easily
do which may or may not prolong your
life.
Another square of chocolate?
I’ll risk it
Natasha and her British-Brazilian
husband are life-long ex-pats, clocking
up well over 30 different homes in over
a dozen different countries. Together
they have lived in Paris, Philadelphia
and São Paulo. They have finally settled
in Rio de Janeiro with their two young
children, where Natasha is a freelance
writer and has her own blog about the
trials and tribulations of adapting to
life in Brazil http://becomebrazilian.
blogspot.com/
The American Society
of São Paulo
41st Chapel
Art Show
The opening cocktail is October
14th at 8pm. The exhibit is open to
the public from Oct.15th to Oct. 20th
from 9am to 9pm at Chapel School,
R. Vigario Joao de Pontes #537
www.chapelartshow.com.br
The Chapel Art Show opens its 41st
annual event on October 14th!
A fantastic art show we all look
forward to! A momentous collection
of many diverse contemporary
Brazilian artists, including known
artist such as Alex Cerveny, Burle
Marx, Cicero Dias, Marcelo
Grassmann, Claudio Tozzi, Emanoel
Arujo, Fang, Florian Raiss, Peticov,
Wesley Duke Lee, Tomie Ohtake
and Gregorio Gruber amongst
many others! Not to mention the
recognition of many talented new
artists! The artwork is for sale and
this is a wonderful opportunity to
buy Brazilian art while a portion of
the proceeds will go to supporting
Father Brown’s charities.
Every year a renowned Brazilian
artist is chosen to be the acclaimed
guest artist. This year the artist is
Luiz Paulo Baravelli.
Private guided tour of the Chapel
Art Show with breakfast
Monday October 18th at 9am
This is a wonderful opportunity
to have a private guided tour of a
diverse collection of Brazilian art on
display at the Chapel Art Show!
Julie Belser, a Graded School
graduate who studied art in the
United States and now works at the
MAM (Museu de Arte Moderno)
will be our guide. You will also
have the opportunity to meet the
guest artist Luiz Paulo Baravelli!
The Chapel School is offering this
opportunity to the American Society
Members at no charge.
Make your reservation with Kim
Corcoran kimcores@yahoo.com
Forum 7
 A Thank You to Eric Street
By Simon Tharby, staff writer

Eric Street, probably the longest
serving AmSoc board member ever,
recently announced his resignation from
the board. Street first joined AmSoc
in the mid-seventies, and other than a
brief interlude, (end of the 90’s to the
beginning of this decade), has served
almost continuously in a variety of roles.
He has been President, Vice President,
Treasurer, and his last post was Chair
of the Marketing, Forum and Internet
Committee and
Legal Counsel.
His expertise as
a lawyer has been
extremely useful
in almost all legal
issues AmSoc has
dealt with during
this period.
On arrival in
Brazil in 1970,
he worked for the
then largest law
firm, but within
two years had
set up a practice
in partnership
with one of the
senior partners of
this firm. “I fell
in love with the
country. I love
the people and
their attitude to life; their friendly and
open-minded attitude.”
Street has seen AmSoc change.
“Back in the 70s it was unusual to
find an American here who wasn’t a
member. AmSoc was more focused on
the social side; parties, Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and so on. I returned to
AmSoc largely due to a change its in
focus. AmSoc has such a solid base
now and is being run so well. It’s much
more focused on charitable work and
supporting the Brazilian community.
It has continuity and more clarity of
principles and working methods. We
get such a warm welcome here that I
feel an obligation to give something
back.”
Tim Scott (President) points to
Street’s role in these changes. “He was
really important in building AmSoc
into what it is today, impacting on the
lives of many. He was instrumental
in bringing in the charitable work we
do – he was always a voice in favor of
‘giving back’.”
“What’s great about Eric is his
down to earth attitude. Not only is he
a great strategist, who’s able to see
the big picture, but he’s also good at
seeing detail and helping to implement
ideas,” said Mark Abrams (Secretary).
“I can’t think of a person who’s more
approachable and easy to talk to. He
helps distill ideas into something
workable and find consensus.”
Examples of Street’s pivotal role
in the changes at AmSoc include his
frequent work on the by-laws. As
Alan Blau (Chair Social and 4th July
Committee) stated, “There have been
dozens and dozens of changes to the
by-laws, and Eric was always working
on these and coming up with innovative
ideas.”
Abrams highlighted Street’s work on
modernizing the Forum, “Eric enabled a
positive transition at a critical moment.
The editor was changing, and we had
issues with printing and the layout
process, as well as needing charitable
input.”
Street’s contribution, however, has
been far deeper than the more visible
work he did. “He is always chipper. It’s
not like time made him less excited,
quite the opposite. He was always
passing down his knowledge and
experiences to the younger, shorter-
term board members, who didn’t have
this previous
knowledge,” said
Blau. “He was a
bridge. He didn’t
want things to
stay the same,
but could provide
background
information. He
will be missed.
No matter what
was asked of him,
he would work
on something
actively, or help
out. He was
always available,
even for things
like setting up
tables for The
4th of July, or
helping out at the
Angel Party and
Christmas parties. He wouldn’t say
‘no’ to anything!”
“Eric was the three C’s of AmSoc,”
said Scott; “ Counsel [legal], continuity
and ‘can-do’ attitude.” A view echoed
by Bob Moser (former Forum Editor),
“He was a consummate professional,
who seemed to want to help everybody
he could at every possible turn.”
The fact that Street himself has
fondest memories of organizing Little
League, rather than any of the ‘grander’
AmSoc moments he was involved
in, is revealing. “Little League, here,
continues to be an organization about
the kids (more than the adults), and has
maintained a sense of innocence.”
These days, Street intends to spend
more time on his work as Vice-President

8 Forum October

of Americas Amigas, an organization
which educates on, and provides
support to, breast cancer prevention
and detection. “The organization is only
1½ years old, but we’ve already bought
and started using 10 mammography
machines, 2 in navy ships in the North
and North East of Brazil, getting to
people that most need access,” Street
explains, “It’s a very worthy cause.
We’re hoping to get 12 more machines
in the coming year.”
He also remains passionate about
the Associacão Alumni, where he
remains Vice-president, describing it
as, “The première teacher of American
English, which also enables cultural
and educational experiences for people
who want to study in the US.”
As if this wasn’t enough to fit in
alongside his continuing work as a
lawyer, Street will also continue his
involvement on the Board of Directors
of Fullbright Brazil. “The Fullbright
Commission enables the largest
number of scholarships in the world.
It involves technical schools as well
as postgraduate placements, from US
to Brazil as well as vice versa. There
are 400 to 500 scholarships at any one
time, and it definitely benefits many
underprivileged people and brings skills
and experience back to communities
here.”
It’s clear that Street’s retirement from
the AmSoc board is not going to reduce
his continuing efforts to help improve
the life of others. AmSoc has benefited
greatly from his warmth, experience
and work-rate, and will always be
extremely thankful for this, and very
happy to know he will continue in
an advisory role and as a member of
AmSoc.
2010
Cocktail for Helping Hands and
Patron members
The American Society is hosting
a cocktail in appreciation of the
extra contribution made by the
Helping Hands and Patron members
at the Gallery of contemporary
artist David Dalmau, on Thursday
evening October 21st.The artist
has kindly offered to make his
gallery available with his selected
paintings. His work is colorful,
humorous and youthful! Below
is his bio from the David Dalmau
website. This is a great opportunity
to mix with friends, meet with the
artist and enjoy the artwork!
If you are not a helping hands or
patrons member and would like to
upgrade your membership status
contact the AMSOC office.
David Dalmau
Painter, plastic artist,
photographer, theatrical designer,
David Dalmau was born on
December 4th, 1962 . His father, an
art collector, artist and businessman
travels around the world with
Dalmau visiting galleries and
museums. After this experience at
a young age and as a self-taught
painter, he declares his interest in
the arts and combines them with
studies in economy, architecture
and aviation. In 1982 Dalmau leaves
the United States with the dream
of living in Europe . He settles in
an old fishing house in Sitges near
Barcelona , were his uncle Pepe has
a small studio. He begins to dedicate
himself to painting, discovering
his own style and his potential for
portraying different themes, a virtue
he continues to maintain.
His paintings redeem the
tradition of the European figurative
expressionist, calling attention to
his fondness for the urban motives
and to his technique which involves
laborious construction, showing
a unique mix of simplicity and
The American Society
of São Paulo
sophistication with a brilliant
use of color and image in a
highly communicative drawing
that captures festive ambiences,
anonymous crowds and eternal ha
pp iness.
In the early 90’s, Dalmau visits
Brazil working as an assistant
curator at the 21st International
Biennial of São Paulo, representing
an additional stimulus for him to
establish residency and his atelier
and gallery in the city. Depending
on his mood and the Art-Show
schedule he also lives in Miami and
Barcelona . Agents and galleries all
around America , Europe and Asia
show his works. He is also actively
involved with important companies
working with image licensing.
Along with all the collaborations
and social works he has been doing,
he is now contributing with the
Maisha Foundation, a non-profit
United States registered charity
organization whose main concern is
improving and providing education
for people in places where a basic
education is difficult to attain.
DALMAU STUDIO
R. Groenlandia 1943
www.dalmaustudio.com.br
Forum 9
 Expat Gems from a Web of Mediocrity
By Simon Tharby, staff writer
Google something like “São Paulo expat
site” and what you’ll get is a bewildering
list of mostly uninformative, ugly and
often abandoned or defunct sites. So
where do you go to get useful expat
oriented information? Here’s our top
four suggestions to get you going, with
a focus on utility, ease-of-use, and
minimal distraction from ads.
Gringoes: www.gringoes.com
Probably the most established and
oldest of the websites reviewed here,
dating back to at least 2001. Gringoes.
com was set up to provide a one-stop
source of information for the growing
foreign community in Brazil.
Largely they succeed in this aim. The
homepage presents you with a number
of interesting articles, with “ Foreigners
Through Brazilian Eyes”, and “Brazil
Through Foreign Eyes” being two
regular columns that have immediate
appeal. Explore the tabs along the top
of the page and you’ll find there’s far
more to this site, with useful sections
on services, entertainment, useful
info., sports, business, travel, forums.
The forums are definitely the jewel in
the crown, with extensive discussions
and experiences related to almost
every aspect of expat living in Brazil.
One of the many uses of these forums
can be to get some advice on what can
at first appear a bewildering array of
10 Forum
bureaucratic processes available or Delve a little deeper, however, and
necessary here in Brazil. Better to read you’ll find it fills in some of the gaps
here first and get your paperwork in left by other sites, particularly in its
order, and avoid common pitfalls, before forum and advice sections on “São
waiting in line for hours to discover Paulo Family Life”, “Living in São
you needed an official translation, or Paulo” and “Financial & Legal.” Here
cartorio copy, or whatnot. you can find some clear, simple and
The forums are moderated, but well researched information on issues
moderately, so one drawback can be ranging from “Bringing Up Toddlers
having to sift in Brazil”, through “Having a Baby in
through the Brazil”, to “Brazilian Tax and Taxation
moaning, and in Brazil.”
sometimes It also boasts a good classified ads
downright section which, for example, had adverts
jingoistic tone, for rooms for rent posted on the same
of some forum day as viewed. Lots of people use this
posters, to get site to look for other like-minded people
to the nuggets to do things together, from setting up
of information. a darts team, to going out dancing. If
This aside, you have an idea for a group activity, or
Gringoes is a are searching for inspiration or simply
good place to other expats to hang out with, this site
start exploring is likely to be useful.
e x p a t
networks and
information,
a n d
somewhere you will probably return to
frequently.
BrazilMax: www.brazilmax.com
The ‘Hip Guide to Brazil’, is an
informative e-zine with articles, links
Angloinfo: and information about Brazil. Its
http://saopaulo.angloinfo.com/  mainly a travel-guide, and therefore
not specifically aimed at expats, but
Angloinfo might, at first sight, appear could be very useful for a newcomer
the poorer cousin of Gringoes, with in getting his or her bearings, and for
its forums definitely not as extensive getting ideas on things to do and places
or thorough as its main competitor. to visit in Brazil.
October
 The American Society
of São Paulo

What this site excels at is giving real A really high quality, generally up-to- This site is a good example of how
travel experiences from parts of Brazil date resource for the leisure minded. a personal blog can become a useful
you might not have even considered and interesting, if sometimes esoteric,
visiting. For resource. Aside from the tabs taking
example, “Amazon you to other useful links and a selection
Road: Travel BR of maps of Brazil, there is a long list of
163 through the blog items down the right hand side of
Rainforest”, by John the page.
Freivalds, contains There are links to in-depth articles
this wonderful on the Brazilian economy, side-by-
description; “But side with blogs about such issues as
even more impressive the positioning of a new bus stop!
than the slippery mud The ‘Costs of Things’ section is a nice
is the “jeito” you can simple price comparison section. Most
see at work there. Jeito major cities in Brazil have a number of
is a solely Brazilian related postings, as well as subjects as
expression meaning diverse as ‘Driving in Brazil’, ‘Beaches
innovation, if not in Bahia’, and ‘Crime’.
hope, and can be seen Although this website may not be
at work in extracting your first port of call when looking for
huge trucks, buses a place to live, or trying to negotiate
and an occasional a visa application, its personal tone
SUV out of the slimy and regular contributions by many
red mud.” readers give it a warmth and intimacy
This site also caries not found on the major sites. There are
features on art and culture, business probably many other blogs worthy of
and economy, carnivals and festivals, Expat American Living in Brazil: note, so please, if you come across any,
music, food and drink, and much more. http://expatbrazil.wordpress.com/ let us know!

Fellowship Community Church

The Welcome Place since 1921
Phone (11) 3253-7609 www.fellowship.com.br

09:00 am - Walking in Faith Classes (English and Portuguese)

Sunday’s 10:30 am – Worship Service (English only)

06:00 pm – Culto em português

Conveniently located on Rua Carlos Sampaio, 107 – Bela Vista

Just a block and a half from the Brigadeiro Metro station on the Avenida Paulista

2010 Forum 11
 Nominations CIWS Annual Fundraising Event
sought for CIWS Presents its Annual This is a great opportunity to catch

the 2010 Eric Fundraising Event Luzes do Mundo -

Saturday October 23rd, 2010
The Canadian International Women’s
up with the international community of
São Paulo, while supporting the CIWS
in its efforts to contribute to local

Poliak Award Society is very happy to invite you

to our annual fundraising event to be
held on Saturday 23rd October at the
NGOs. Tickets cost R$150.

For ticket sales and more information

Residence of the Canadian Consul please contact Sandy at reservations@
General in Morumbi. It’s going to be a ciwsbrazil.org, or check out our new
As our mission statement states, great night! We hope you will be able to website at www.ciwsbrazil.org.
“The American Society of São join us for cocktails, live music, dinner,
Paulo…supports the American wine, and great raffle prizes.
traditions of education, philanthropy
and volunteerism.”
Eric Poliak was a true example
of volunteerism, active in Chapel
School, Little League, the 4th of
A night at the Theatre
July celebrations, the Fellowship
Church and other Boards and
committees. The Board of This is your chance to see your life to the American Society’s Community
Governors established the award acted out, if not on the big screen, then Action Committee. This money will
shortly after Eric’s death in 1985, at least on the big stage. São Paulo’s then be dispersed to the orphanages, day
to be given to an American who has Playback Theatre will be performing care centers and educational programs
renewed his legacy, exceptional your story on October 24 at Graded that it supports.
efforts above and beyond normal School.
volunteerism. With Playback Theatre, you can When: Sunday, October 24
This month, the Eric Poliak volunteer to talk about an event from Time: 5.30 p.m.
Selection Committee is soliciting your life – in Portuguese or English - Place: The Graded School Auditorium
nominations from the general and watch professional actors perform Av. Giovanni Gronchi, 4710
membership. American Society your story, complete with props and Tickets: R$30 for performance and
members and former Eric Poliak music. And if you’re shy, watching great door prizes; presence not necessay
Award winners will come together someone else’s story become a to win
to review submissions and choose a theatrical moment can be hilarious, Available at the door and in advance
winner for 2010. deeply touching or exciting. with Kim Corcoran (kimcores@yahoo.
Nominations for the award All proceeds from this event will go com)
can be sent directly to the
American Society office, amsoc@
americansociety.com.br, or to Joe
Sherman, who will be coordinating
the selection process, at jsherman@
amcham.com.br.
Please place “Eric Poliak
Nominee” in the heading and
include your name, the name of
the nominee, and the reasons you
think the person is worthy of the
2010 award. Please send your
nominations by October 28.
This will be the Eric Poliak’s
awards 25 th year; we are looking
forward to recognizing another
American with exceptional
efforts-above and beyond normal
volunteerism.

12 Forum October
 The American Society
of São Paulo

Angel Party
On November 6, the eleventh annual
American Society Angel Party is
taking over Chapel School, come rain
or shine. There’s lots of good news to
share – and needs still to be met.
The best news is that the 232 children
coming to this year’s party all have
sponsors. Thank you all! We still need
back-up sponsors, however, because
we have new
kids arriving
as old kids
leave. You
can help
agreeing to be
placed on the
waiting list to
be a “super
shopper” (lots
of shopping in
a short time)
or contribute
R$300 so
we can do
the “super shopping” for you. Other
donations would be spent covering
the costs of buses for the children, the
show, extra refreshments and prizes for
the games. Please consider helping in
this way. To do so, write Sue Banman
Sileci at sue@sileci.com.
The Angel Party also needs volunteers
for an organizing day before the party.
We will have received all the bags by
October 6. Two weeks after that we do
a quick check that all gift bags have all
the items they need. We also put all the
gifts in uniform white bags and color
code them by orphanage or daycare
center with ribbons and printed labels.
This requires half a day of hard work
with 20 volunteers (or several days
work for one person if no one signs
up to help). Please do! It’s fun in the
way cleaning your kitchen cupboards
is fun. (You
just have to do
it and for some
people, it really
is a blast!) Sign
up by writing
Eileen Tasso at
eileentasso@
gmail.com.
Finally, we
usually have
120 volunteers
on the day of the
party, and lots of
others without
specific jobs helping where needed or
just enjoying the fun. Please consider
signing up to help. There are two shifts:
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
to 5:30 p.m. To volunteer, send an email
with your shift preference to Simone
Carneiro at simone.brazil@terra.com.
br.
We – and 232 struggling children –
need your financial help, your energy
and your support. Join us for some real
fun.

2010 Forum 13

H ousing
Elegant furnished house in
Tamboré
Beautiful recently professionally deco-
rated furnished house for rent. 600 m²
with 2,000 m² of land. Heated swim-
ming pool. Nice barbecue area and out-
door porch. 4 suites, family room, liv-
ing, dinning, large kitchen, maids room
and 3 car garage. The House is complete
ready to live in for high level execu-
tive. To see photos, visit www.suzimo-
niz.com.br – Avenida Marília,105. To
visit the house, call (11) 8179-3131.
Furnished Apartment for Rent
Vila Nova Conceição. São Paulo’s best
place to live. Near Ibirapuera Park.
Modern building with sports facilities,
heated swimming pool, three bedrooms
(one suite), a living room with terrace,
complete kitchen, maid’s bedroom and
bathroom, big service area, two park-
ing spaces. Fully furnished with all
appliances. Telephone included. Call
Alex or Eliane at (11) 3849-7085 or
(11) 8635-7788, or send an e-mail to
alex@caboverde.com.br.
Taylor Real Estate
Luxury spacious houses, apartments
and penthouses. Sales and rentals. Ten
years experience with expatriates. Fur-
nished and unfurnished. Trilingual Real
Estate agents. References from consul-
ates and multinationals. Photos sent by
email. Relocation Service. Consult the
site: www.taylorimoveis.com. Email
- taylor@taylorimoveis.com. Phone:
5511 3079 8888 and 5511 8774 5100
(Maria Elisa).
For Sale -
Beautiful House and Garden
Spacious 3 Bedroom house with 600
sq meters of construction and 6000 sq
meters of
land. Large swimming pool/view of
the Guarapiranga Lake. House located
in Riviera
Paulista, an ideal location for horse and
boating enthusiasts. Contact Joe Sher-
man at 9626 0711, or jsherman@am-
cham.com.br
14 Forum
Semi-Furnished Penthouse (duplex)
Itaim Bibi, excellent location, 110sqm,
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room,
3 terraces, Jacuzzi, 1 parking space.
Kitchen furnished with stove, refrigera-
tor and freezer. Closets, Bar with frigo-
bar, Hometheater. Check Zap Imóveis
(www.zap.com.br), code IM31307217.
Further details, call Sean at (11) 8122
3446 or seanphutch@gmail.com
S ervices
Psychotherapist for Ex-Pats
Serving Adults, Children, and Fami-
lies (also couples) struggling with all
adjustment issues. Specializing in is-
sues of divorce, separation, and recon-
ciliation. Many years experience with
drug/ alcohol issues. USA licensed as
MFT. Jungian Analyst experienced in
Sandtray, Dreamwork (groups also),
and Cognitive/ Behavioral therapy.
Please call/ email Matthew: 7734 5793
or mvanlokeren@yahoo.com for a free
initial consultation.
American-Licensed Expat
Psychologist
Richard Morhaime, Psy.D., offers
skilled psychotherapy for children and
adults. He also provides complete di-
agnostic evaluations in English for
children with academic or behavioral
difficulties, featuring individualized
recommendations for school and home.
For more information, contact Dr.
Morhaime at 5538-0099 or 9669-8057
or visit www.expatpsychologist.com.
American Psychologist
Services for Expats
Sukie Miller Ph.D. early director of
Esalen, former Board Member Jung
Institute San Francisco, 35 years ex-
perience private practice as coach,
psycho-therapist with adults and cou-
ples in eclectic approach to personal/
professional growth, woman’s’ issues,
adjustment to São Paulo, goal setting,
dream work, anxiety. Call Dr. Miller
at 11- 9823-8730 email sukiemiller@
gmail.com.
classifieds
American-Licensed
Psychotherapist
In this busy and ever-changing world,
people often feel stressed and over-
whelmed with no place to turn. Psy-
chotherapy/counseling can provide a
safe place to receive professional guid-
ance and support. Brief or longer-term
therapy offered depending on your
needs, goals and expectations. Ser-
vices: individual, couples, child/ado-
lescent. Certified to conduct Adoption
Home Study for American Citizens.
Contact: Pamela Wax, MSW/LCSW at
5051-5988 or 9656-2106. Located in
Moema.
Argos Dog Kennel
Traveling? What about your dog? Ar-
gos Kennel Hotel could be his second
home in the country. Food, water, and
shelter with lots of love and personal
care. No lonely kennel for him, but our
home and the freedom of a spacious
garden. Fetch and carry service. Eng-
lish and French spoken. Call Jean or
Christiane at (11) 4661-1430 or (11)
7143-0837 or send an e-mail to jean.
chris@uol.com.br. Embu Guaçu, SP.
Math and Science Tutor
Former Graded and Chapel teacher,
with 20-years experience, tutors Math,
Physics, Chemistry, and Science for all
levels, including but not limited to the
IB, IGCSE, SAT-I & II, AP and Brazil-
ian vestibular. Elementary and middle
school students are also welcome (all
subjects). Call Fernando Knijnik at
(11) 2533-3965 or 9134-6700.
Personal Trainer
I will come to your home, office, or
workout facility and create an exercise/
fitness program tailored to your health
concerns, fitness goals, and schedule.
For adults and children, individuals or
groups. Sessions in English, Spanish,
or Portuguese. For more information
please contact Daniela Franco at (11)
9739-6191 or dsf29@hotmail.com.
Research Assistant
ÁBACO Marketing Research, founded
1975, offers growth opportunity for
October
 The American Society
calendar of São Paulo

Learn more about this month’s AmSoc events (highlighted) at www.amsoc.com.br.

October 2010 Important Dates: 11 Columbus Day (US) / 12 Our Lady of Aparecida Day (BR)

INC Monthly Coffee & Vendors’ At 9 am, at the Scandinavian Church in Alto da Boa Vista, Rua Job Lane 1030. For more
Wednesday
6 Day information contact Birgit at monthlycoffees@newcomers-sp.com.br
Starting at 9am. For more information check our website www.amsoc.com.br. RSVP Kim
7 Thursday Street Art Tour Corcoran at kimcores@yahoo.com.
International Wives of It will happen at the Aclimação Park starting at 1pm. Get to know new people in a lovely
9 Saturday Brazilians Picnic afternoon! Contact Naomi at naomi.linguist@gmail.com for further info.

Opening Cocktail of the Chapel See page 7. The exhibit is open to the public from Oct.15th to Oct. 20th from 9am to 9pm
14 Thursday Art Show at Chapel School.

Little League at Graded School From 9 am until 12 pm. Contact Kristine Snider at 8447-8052 or visit www.amsoc.com.br
16 Saturday to know more!
To be held at Chapel School from 9 am to 5 pm. Please contact John Kennedy at john@
16 Saturday Softball Pick-up Games kennedy-partners.com or visit www.amsoc.com.br for more details.
INC Evening Event: Night at For more information contact
16 Saturday Bourbon Street Music Club Chris Sheridan at vpevents@newcomers-sp.com.br
Music at Fellowship At 4 pm. Free entrance. R. Carlos Sampaio, 107.
16 Saturday Community Church For more information call 3253-7609
Cocktail for Helping Hands
21 Thursday See page 9
and Patron members
CIWS Annual Fund-raising At the Canadian Consul General’s house. R$150/person. More information at reserva-
23 Saturday Event tions@ciwsbrazil.org See page 12

23/24 Sat / Sun Softball Championship See page 4

CAC’S Playback Theatre Charity Beginning at 5:30 pm at Graded School. R$ 30/person. See page 12
24 Sunday Performance & Raffle
AmSoc Community Action At AmCham Rua da Paz, 1431 from 1pm to 3pm. All charity-minded AmSoc members are
26 Tuesday Committee meeting welcome. Contact Eileen Tasso, Committee Chair if interested (eileentasso@gmail.com)
INC Tour of Biennal at Guide tour of the São Paulo Biennal at 10 am. Further information and RSVP at vpevents@
28 Thursday Parque Ibirapuera newcomers-sp.com.br
To be held at the U.S. Marine House. From 5 to 7 pm. www.amsoc.com.br or ruthhollard@
30 Saturday Halloween Party for Kids hotmail.com for more information.

bilingual Research Assistant in Inter-
national Department. Friendly envi-
ronment with interesting work. Conve-
nient Avenida Paulista subway location.
Requirements: Grammatically correct
English, moderately fluent Portuguese;
for children 4 years and older, teenag- email/resume to contato@EnglishEs-
ers, adults and senior citizens. Classes sentials.com.br.
in Portuguese or English. Contact: Sue-
ly Azevedo, 8456-5365 – 48 year old
music teacher with 30+ years of suc- A classified of up to 350 characters costs
cessful experience! Class in your house R$45 for AmSoc members and R$80 for
Classified
Place a

appropriate degree, some relevant ex-
perience, working documents. Spanish
desirable. Résumé with salary history:
“RESEARCHER”, to AG8@AbacoRe-
search.com.
in Morumbi and South Area. non-members. To place a classified please
call (11) 5182-2074 from 8:30 a.m. until
1 p.m., or send an e-mail to amsoc1@
Teach English americansociety.com.br.
Want to learn how São Paulo works?
Teach English “in-company - to São Forum does not check all of the advertisers
Our Readers

appearing in this newsletter. We urge you

A Note to

Piano Class Paulo professionals! Zona Sul and to use these services; however, thoroughly
Zona Norte. Immediate openings at check prices and services prior to finalizing
Beginning and advanced music classes top pay with career opportunities. Send any service or purchase agreement.
for piano or keyboard. Special method

2010 Forum 15

Listen up!
I was raised in
Colorado but
my grandparents
lived in Kansas.
When I was a kid,
vacations began
and ended with
a 10-hour drive
across the prairie,
parents in the front
By Sue Banman Sileci, seat and three
AmSoc member
bored, hot and
hungry kids (with no seat belts on, of
course) punching each other in the back.
When we neared any town – Colby,
Hayes, Salina – my parents would turn
on the radio and twirl the knob through
the static, desperately seeking their own
version of entertainment. (Go figure,
their view of fun didn’t involve punching
one another.) They were looking for
news. For twenty minutes on either side
of a radio tower, we weren’t allowed any
more bickering in the back seat. We sat
in bored silence so Mom and Dad could
hear what had happened in the real world
since we’d left home a few hours earlier.
So imagine when I got my own
driver’s license and knew all the cool
radio stations. Watch out Denver… I’m
not listening to news!
I also appreciate the radio when I
quilt. Is there anything that says “swirly
quilted flowers and leaves” better than
Iron Maiden on KISS FM? When I tire
of head banging, I turn to other stations,
sometimes Top 40, occasionally a station
that calls itself college radio and – surprise
surprise – news.
News? I just became the Number
One Fan of CBN: Central Brasileira de
Notícias, “The station that plays the
news.” I’m as startled by this as anyone,
but I began a new quilt, and quite a bit of
driving, in July and felt that Judas Priest
or Lynyrd Skynyrd weren’t properly
inspiring me.
And, let me fess up, I developed a mini-
fascination with the Bruno do Flamengo
case and needed, for a two-week period,
to know the latest news. Why? Because it
was awful. If you haven’t heard, Bruno,
the goalkeeper for Rio’s Flamengo
soccer team, was arrested in July along
with several friends, a girlfriend and
his ex-wife for allegedly kidnapping a
young woman named Eliza Samudio,
who claimed Bruno was the father of her
newborn son. Bruno and friends are all
accused of participating in Eliza’s murder
and feeding her corpse to dogs. Nasty.
But it was also my hook, something
that got me off my tired music habit and
into the whole new world of what’s up, in
detail, in Brazil.
CBN keeps you in the loop because
it starts every half hour with a short
update on the latest news in Brazil and
the world. That takes about two minutes.
And then, for the next 28 minutes, you
hear interesting bits and pieces of lots
of other things. Just now I listened to an
hour of CBN and I heard, as always, the
latest news, followed by:
* a survey on the number of Brazilian
homes that don’t have adequate water,
sewage or trash pick up
* a CBN ad about its Friday night rush
hour news program
* a traffic report (including the tidbit that
the average driver in São Paulo spends so
much time in traffic that it adds up to 27
days per year)
* a sports segment with news about this
week’s soccer games, an analysis of this
weekend’s games and the rankings of
local teams in various championships
* an advertisement about responsible
voting
* a weather update for the next few days
* a segment on concerts, plays and new
movies in town this weekend including a
synopsis and prices
* and, at the top of the next half hour,
another update on the latest news followed
by health tips, more sports, financial and
cultural news and an analysis of a recent
political poll and what it means.
My favorite part of CBN is listening
to soccer games. After watching too
much Galvão Bueno during the World
Cup (because Globo could filter out the
vuvuzelas better than other stations), I
truly appreciate CBN’s game coverage.
Various commentators talk about what
the game means, discuss every utterance
the coach has made this week, track fan
movement in the stadium and help the
Flipside
listener, especially listeners like me who
don’t worry about the minutiae of the
sport, understand what this particular
game means to the teams playing. It’s
smart, fast stuff with people who know
what they’re talking about. Of course,
because they talk so fast, I’m slow to
understand who just made a goal, but
it gives me a general idea of what’s
happening.
Of course, interspersed in the game
commentary, we hear important news
updates. Recently, events surrounding
an overturned truck interrupted sports
coverage every 20 minutes. When the
game is over, it’s back to the latest news
every half hour followed by cultural,
political, financial, social and international
news.
Somehow I do feel more connected.
Recently a friend gave me a book by
Gilberto Dimenstein. Three months ago
the author’s name would have meant
nothing to me. But suddenly, I was excited
because I knew Gilberto Dimenstein as a
commentator on CBN. I felt so smart!
With a new quilting project begun
and meetings across town starting up,
I’ve dropped my dependence on music.
São Paulo’s traffic and safety issues
don’t make it viable to cruise along, hair
blowing in the breeze, windows open,
singing along to “Honky Tonk Woman”.
I’m opting for improving my Portuguese
and my general knowledge instead. But
give me a moment on a fast-moving
highway and I’ll open the windows, twirl
the knob and start singing.
CBN – Central Brasileira de Notícias
90.5 FM and 780 AM