Welcome — how to navigate this blog

March 25th, 2009

AmSoc logoThe bulk of material in this blog comes from the most recent issues of Forum, the monthly newsletter of AmSoc. Scroll down to see the first few paragraphs of each story, and click the blue “read more” links if you are interested in, well, reading more.

Along the right side of the blog should be a series of topical categories. There you can quickly sort these blog posts to find those specifically about, say, AmSoc sports or Traditional Events.

View the September issue of the Forum

August 30th, 2010

AmSoc Forum September 2010 Issue

View the August issue of the Forum

July 29th, 2010

Scroll through a fully interactive pdf of the August 2010 issue of Forum.

AmSoc Forum August 2010 Issue

AmSoc Happy Hour held in late May

June 7th, 2010

See photos below from the AmSoc Happy Hour, held in late May at Skye Bar Lounge.

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View pdf of the June issue of Forum

May 31st, 2010

Scroll through a fully interactive pdf of the June 2010 issue of Forum.

Forum newsletter June 2010

Independence Day Party on July 3

May 26th, 2010

From the June issue of Forum

By Richard Wegman and Alan Blau, AmSoc board members

In a beautiful home in Chacara Flora, AmSoc will be hosting a family picnic for all its members to honor the traditional Independence Day outings in the United States. The day begins at noon on July 3, with lots of games, prizes, special monitored activities, rides, face-painting and more for the kids. We’ll also keep them busy with hot dogs and cake to eat, and of course ending the day with sparklers and smiles.

A scene from last year's Independence Day Party.

A scene from last year's Independence Day Party.

We also thought about the adults and family games, which could include an old-fashioned egg toss or three-legged race in order to get your blood flowing. Of course, for adults we have beers as well as sodas, hamburgers with all the fixings (even a little chili); hot dogs and chicken skewers with BBQ sauce. Read the rest of this entry »

Apply for Forum editor job

May 26th, 2010

From the June issue of Forum

The Forum’s paid editor position will open up this month, and a new editor will take over production of the monthly newsletter in July for the August issue. A native English speaker is preferred, as well as someone with a firm grasp of proofreading, editing and media, if possible.

If you are interested, please contact the office as soon as possible at 5182-2074 to share your resume. This can be considered a part-time job that you can manage from home, and fit around your existing schedule. The monthly salary is R$800, with opportunity for additional income for writing stories not taken on by the staff writer. The editor coordinates the planning of each issue, works with contributors from the AmSoc Board and a staff writer to generate content, edits that content and works with an outside design company that lays out the issue. After layout is approved, the editor helps ensure the printing company delivers the Forum on time to readers.

60th Anniversary: a sparkling diamond of an event

May 26th, 2010

From the June issue of Forum

By Simon Tharby, staff writer

540 guests attended the American Society’s 60th Anniversary Party, making it one of the largest events ever organized by AmSoc. In keeping with the diamond theme, appropriate for a 60th anniversary, it was a glittering, multi-faceted gem of a night.

from the 60th Anniversary Party (www.falaphoto.com)

from the 60th Anniversary Party (www.falaphoto.com)

Violins serenaded guests as they arrived at Buffet Torres in Moema. Elegance and style were in abundance, with men wearing black ties with dinner jackets or dark suits and the women in their best party dresses.

The evening started with cocktails and “mystery boxes” – on sale for R$50, R$100 or R$200, containing donated gifts guaranteed to be worth more than the sale price. There was also time to make bids on items for silent auction, which proved enormously popular. The items included weekends away in resorts, bicycles, pieces of art and many other items. Read the rest of this entry »

Newcomer profile

May 26th, 2010

From the June issue of Forum

Name: Eduardo Estrada

Eduardo

Eduardo


Origin, time here: Born in Guatemala, I lived in Guatemala City, but I also lived in the States for nine years (California, San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz) before moving to Sao Paulo; six years.

Why Sao Paulo?: I came because of my work with Syngenta Multinational, working with crop protection. Nowadays, I am president of DSM Latin America, a Dutch company working in life sciences and material sciences. Before coming here, I used to say “I will never go to Sao Paulo,” but my CEO insisted, saying it was a career opportunity. I fell in love with the city and the culture.

Best things so far: The professional “can do” attitude of the Brazilian business community and the growth opportunities. The Brazilians’ passion for their country and enjoyment of life. Family-wise, the culture is very rich. The school my four kids go to, Graded, is excellent.

Early frustrations: The phrase “fica tranquilo” – I found the negotiating tactics here are quite different to those I was used to. Mastering the traffic was also a challenge.

Have ’saudade’ for anything back home?: My kids all have things they want me to bring them when I travel to the States, Guatemala or Colombia. For me it’s hot peppers from Guatemala. I also, of course, miss my family: I have seven sisters and 38 nephews. I miss the organized chaos back home with so many women around!

Progress with Portuguese: Very good. My first boss here didn’t speak any English or Spanish so I had to learn pretty fast. My accent still gives me away most of the time, though sometimes people think that maybe I am from the south of Brazil.

Favorite place to hang out: Vila Madelena – plenty of places there, the beautiful stores, great discos, and the food in Vila Madelena in general. My favorite is a botequa named Salve Jorgé – a good sports bar with good, typically Brazilian food.

The President’s Corner

May 26th, 2010

From the June issue of Forum

By Tim Scott, AmSoc president

What are you looking forward to this summer? Or should I say winter?

About now you have been wearing a sweater for a couple weeks and begun to pile on the blankets at night. It is always a little confusing this time of year to be making the annual summer plans for a trek up to the northern hemisphere while preparing here in Sao Paulo for cooler weather. Some of you will be heading out to various places. Before you go, I hope you have a chance to take part in a traditional Brazilian festival, the Festa Junina. Read the rest of this entry »

Clarification

May 26th, 2010

From the June issue of Forum

In the story “AGM on April 14, a great night for members to gather,” found on page 9 of the May Forum, AmSoc Board Member Aline Ricardo’s words were taken out of context, regarding comparison between this year’s food and entertainment, and last years.

Catering companies Beebys Gourmet and Deborah Dayan are both valued friends of AmSoc, and have aided the society in throwing terrific parties over the years. Special recognition should be given to entertainers from both years as well, including Meredith White on piano.