Archive for July, 2009

Calling all ex-pats for new fantasy football league

Monday, July 27th, 2009

From the August issue of Forum (Note: Contact Bob Moser ASAP if interested in participating)

By Bob Moser, Forum editor

For American ex-pats who still ache inside on Sunday afternoons for our brand of football, I’m offering the best remedy possible while living in São Paulo: A new Ex-pats Fantasy Football league.

The Vikings' Adrian Peterson seems to be the consensus no. 1 pick this year by fantasy forecasters.

The Vikings' Adrian Peterson seems to be the consensus no. 1 pick this year by fantasy forecasters.

I’ve been a fantasy football fanatic since my early teens, and long for the camaraderie that stems from weekly competition with coworkers or friends through fantasy football. With plenty of experience managing leagues, I’d like to organize a league for 10 or 12 owners, with a draft held in late August before the NFL season starts on Sept. 10. (more…)

Clear skies draw great turnout to AmSoc July 4th bash

Monday, July 27th, 2009

From the August issue of Forum

By Kim Beecheno, staff writer

AmSoc’s July 4th Independence Day Party went off with a bang this year due to an indispensable army of highly motivated volunteers and a record number of attendees. (more…)

Win ‘GOL’ tickets in Membership Game

Monday, July 27th, 2009

From the August issue of Forum

By Richard Wegman, AmSoc board member

Back by popular demand is the Membership Game, which will started in June and will run until February 2010, with two tickets on GOL for anywhere in South America as the grand prize. We will also have some addition prizes for those who contribute to our need for new members. (more…)

Welcome Back breakfast and Little League sign-ups set for the 15th

Monday, July 27th, 2009

From the August issue of Forum

By Tim Scott, AmSoc president

Hey parents and kids, it is time for Little League!

Baseball is one of many youth sports offered through AmSoc Little League.

Baseball is one of many youth sports offered through AmSoc Little League.


Our Little League, sponsored and organized by the American Society, typically offers soccer, softball, basketball, tennis, and of course baseball. On Aug. 15, we will conduct sign-ups at Graded School, on Av. Giovanni Gronchi, 4710, 9-11:30 a.m. Girls and boys ages 5-13 are eligible to participate in Little League, and you need not be from the U.S. Major sponsors for Little League are the companies Cisa and GOL. (more…)

Charity event to feature major Brazilian stars

Monday, July 27th, 2009

From the August issue of Forum

By Chelsea Pflum, Associação Vida Jovem staff

Ladies and Gentlemen, this Sept. 12 you are invited to enter the “Land of Dreams,” making the dreams of Brazilian children come true while having a blast at the same time.

Emanuelle Araújo and her band, the Banda Moinho, will be in attendance to rock the house away with their heavy percussion and lively dance beats.

Emanuelle Araújo and her band, the Banda Moinho, will be in attendance to rock the house away with their heavy percussion and lively dance beats.

The Associação Vida Jovem is hosting its 6th annual Fundraiser Gala at the Hyatt Hotel. This exciting event is gearing up to be one of the highlights of the year, with superb entertainers performing throughout the evening, a plethora of fantastic items to auction off, and just a great time to socialize with old friends and new. (more…)

Safety seminar with U.S. Consul set for Sept. 3

Monday, July 27th, 2009

From the August issue of Forum

A safety seminar organised by AmSoc and the U.S. Consulate will take place on Sept. 3, at The Graded School at 7 p.m. A diplomatic security officer will talk about crime prevention, and Josiah Pierce, vice-consul at the U.S Consulate in São Paulo, will explain what the Consulate can do to help, should you become a victim of crime.

The seminar is aimed at all U.S. citizens in São Paulo, and any and all AmSoc members. As crime is prevalent in São Paulo and security is important, the seminar will cover subjects such as basic street crime as well as driving techniques, and explain recent events such as the riots in Paraisopolis (near Morumbi) for ex-pats to gain a greater understanding of these issues in São Paulo.

It is a great opportunity to meet many of the people involved in AmSoc and its board members, make new friends and integrate into the American community. Membership applications will be offered on Sept. 3 at the event, and AmSoc is looking forward to meeting many new of the new faces and families in São Paulo.

Unlock the pleasures of fine Brazilian food in SP

Monday, July 27th, 2009

From the August issue of Forum

By Claudia Quiñonez, AmSoc board member

Searching for the best Brazilian food experience?

I find it impossible to give a single answer to this question, which would not be fair to São Paulo either, where the options are vast and the restaurant scene is vibrant. But here are some of the places I often go back to, especially when I have friends visiting or when I miss the pleasures that only certain dishes can bring. (more…)

The President’s Corner

Monday, July 27th, 2009

From the August issue of Forum

By Tim Scott, AmSoc president

August is a time of beginnings in São Paulo. Several of you readers are new to town, and AmSoc welcomes you.

Beginning life here can be quite intimidating at first; getting connected with people and new communities is really important. Many of you are coming back to town after a couple months of winter break, beginning school and your Brazilian life again. Many of you who make Brasil your permanent home begin in August to look to a new season, enjoying the warmer and longer days of summer and celebrating the rhythm of Sampa life. (more…)

Pet Profile

Monday, July 27th, 2009

From the August issue of Forum

Every month we feature a local pet that one of our AmSoc members knows is in need of a good home. Take a look at this girl:

Name: Whoppi
Age: almost 7 months
Color: Black Labrador

Whoppi the dog

Whoppi the dog


Sex: Female
Fleas: none
Ticks: none
Size: large
Kilos: 25 kg
Farts: don’t know yet
Hobbies: She likes to play a lot, and loves to be around people and other animals
Vaccines: Don’t know because she was rescued with good health
Neutered: no
Quirks: Needs to be loved and educated!
Injuries: none
Level of perfect goodness for a nice family: high
Applications: Being accepted at carol.kliass@uol.com.br

Newcomer Profile

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

From the August issue of Forum

Name, age: Seth Kugel, 39
Origin, time here: From Boston via New York. Since December 2008
Profession: Journalist

Seth Kugel

Seth Kugel


Why São Paulo?: As a freelance journalist covering Brazil for GlobalPost.com and contributing to the New York Times and other publications on South America, it’s the most central and exciting place to be. Easy flights everywhere, tons going on, and a cosmopolitan vibe. People have to learn what “cheddar” means, though.
Best thing so far: Traveling through vastly different parts of Brazil, then coming home to the big city.
Early frustrations: Anything having to do with paperwork, cartorios, and visas. And where is my RNE, anyway?
Have saudade for anything back home?: Mexican food, Indian food, any spicy food that does not involve malagueta peppers.
Progress with Portuguese: I spoke it before I got here; still working out a few kinks.
Favorite place to hang out: Bars of Vila Madalena, the cafe at Livraria Cultura or any unusual and creative Brazilian restaurant.