I am finally back to my blog after an absence of one year. In order to make a good start, i thought to publish some interesting facts that i collected from http://www.funfactz.com/.
Enjoy them!
1) At Christmas, it is traditional to exchange kisses beneath the mistletoe tree. In ancient Scandinavia, mistletoe was associated with peace and friendship. That may account for the custom of "kissing beneath the mistletoe".- One reason more to buy mistletoe, although i am not sure if i can find one in Albania :s
2) One of every 8 married couples in the US last year met online.- I still find it impossible to find somebody online and decide to share ur entire life with him, boo
3) While it took the radio 38 years, and the television a short 13 years, it took the World Wide Web only 4 years to reach 50 million users.- Technology improving...
4)10 percent of the Russian government's income comes from the sale of vodka-Like it..
5)In New York City, approximately 1,600 people are bitten by other humans every year.- Dislike it...
6)Tasmania is said to have the cleanest air in the world- Maybe we should live there :-p
7)A recent study at Harvard has shown that eating chocolate can actually help you live longer!-Vive le chocolade!
8)Coconuts kill more people in the world than sharks do. Approximately 150 people are killed each year by coconuts-Thanks to God, neither coconuts nor sharks in Albania :D
9)Coffee drinkers have sex more frequently than non-coffee drinkers-Hmmm..
10)Watermelons can cost up to $100 in Japan!-...and it can cost up $1 in Albania..
11)23% of all photocopier faults worldwide are caused by people sitting on them and photocopying their butts- Are they doing the same in my company?!
12)It takes 17 muscles to smile, 43 to frown.- So smile people!
13)In older people, memory is best early in the morning and then declines during the late afternoon-..and it is the opposite in young people :)
14)While 7 men in 100 have some form of color blindness, only 1 woman in 1,000 suffers from it.-..not only color blindness!!!
15)The Ramses brand condom is named after the great pharaoh Ramses II who fathered over 160 children.-Why would u name it like that then?!
16)The Chinese ideogram for 'trouble' depicts two women living under one roof- smart :)
17)The word Tips is actually an acronym standing for 'To Insure Prompt Service'
18)Women have a slightly higher average IQ than men- true, true, true :)
19)Collect seven or nine different flowers on midsummer eve and place them under your pillow and it is said that you will dream of your future spouse. (Sweden)- I have to wait for summer :S
20)A lot of lovemaking can unblock a stuffy nose. Sex is a natural antihistamine. It can help combat asthma and hay fever.- Hmmm, now that i think i have a stuffy nose :))
Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday, November 10, 2008
Express-ize ur life!
Do u feel inactive, sleepy and unwilling to do anything? Cant u concentrate on ur work and in the meetings? Then dont worry, the solution is quick, drink an esspresso! I am drinking a Lavazza right now (my favourite) and it inspired me to post something about coffee. When i was in Turkey, i used to drink tea a lot and i wasnt used to drink coffee since it wasnt part of the Turkish culture. Besides, i didnt like the esspresso that some bars were doing; at the same time it was really expensive. Since i came back in Albania, i have started to drink coffee a lot, especially macciato.
If u re planning to have a small business in Albania, u would not regret in case u re planning to open a coffee-bar cause they are never empty here. People love to have a short break in a bar cause while they are tasting the coffee, they make some gossips, discuss a topic, or tell one's problems. This trend is not new and it has its origins in mid 1600's in London where the first bars were open and people were doing business while drinking coffee. Nowadays, each person consumes 60 kg per year statistically and the types of the served coffee have changed. New elements have been added and different ways and amounts are being served.
Scientists discuss that coffee is very 'healthy' because it reduces the risk of diseases such as Parkinson, cancer in liver, stones in the bladder and especially diabetes. Taking a cup of coffee everyday makes ur heart stronger and helps in digestion. Besides, the smell of coffee releases chemical substances which have antioxidant power. It helps not only for the health but also it makes us feel more dynamic and alive. But, as always it has its limits 'cause a big amount of cafeine has its damage too. As Line, the father of natural sciences have said: Drink a coffee, if u dont want to waste ur time and ur health".
If u re planning to have a small business in Albania, u would not regret in case u re planning to open a coffee-bar cause they are never empty here. People love to have a short break in a bar cause while they are tasting the coffee, they make some gossips, discuss a topic, or tell one's problems. This trend is not new and it has its origins in mid 1600's in London where the first bars were open and people were doing business while drinking coffee. Nowadays, each person consumes 60 kg per year statistically and the types of the served coffee have changed. New elements have been added and different ways and amounts are being served.
Scientists discuss that coffee is very 'healthy' because it reduces the risk of diseases such as Parkinson, cancer in liver, stones in the bladder and especially diabetes. Taking a cup of coffee everyday makes ur heart stronger and helps in digestion. Besides, the smell of coffee releases chemical substances which have antioxidant power. It helps not only for the health but also it makes us feel more dynamic and alive. But, as always it has its limits 'cause a big amount of cafeine has its damage too. As Line, the father of natural sciences have said: Drink a coffee, if u dont want to waste ur time and ur health".
Friday, November 7, 2008
And the winner is...
The elections for the new president of the US came to an end after a long and active campaign from the part of both candidates. Finally, there is a new president, Obama who will be for sure one of the most discussed presidents of US. These elections were seen as top news in all the media in Albania and i believe in many other countries. Since Albania has a chronic disease related to voting, democracy and elections, for us elections in US are a very good model of true democracy....the people choose their leader. Looking at the political perspective, none of the candidates was 'harmful' for us. Both McCain and Obama are positive about Kosovo and they welcome Albania's Euro-Atlantic integration.
For the world and Americans themselves, the importance of these elections was the candidacy of a black person and finally his victory as the 44th President of the US. As Obama would also say in his speech: "The dream of Martin Luther King came true and now we can". The racism against black people has its root in 1619 when the first black people (african slaves) were brought to Virginia. In 1861, they get their freedom but the new century will be full of racist acts of terror and discriminatory laws addressed at them such as special schools, buses, restaurants and even taps for black people.
Even though, the US is the promoter of democracy and respect of human rights, racism is still 'alive' there and as the new First lady would say:"Despite the victory, i will still remain a black woman in the States". For me, this is not right. During my stay in the States, i have never come across a 'negative' black person since i have stayed in Baltimore and Virginia where the population of black people was higher. They were the ones who helped me a lot when i needed it. They are all people like us who have suffered more than us and who work to be part of the community like all the others. Should they be blamed for having excessive skin pigment??!! I say no!
For the world and Americans themselves, the importance of these elections was the candidacy of a black person and finally his victory as the 44th President of the US. As Obama would also say in his speech: "The dream of Martin Luther King came true and now we can". The racism against black people has its root in 1619 when the first black people (african slaves) were brought to Virginia. In 1861, they get their freedom but the new century will be full of racist acts of terror and discriminatory laws addressed at them such as special schools, buses, restaurants and even taps for black people.
Even though, the US is the promoter of democracy and respect of human rights, racism is still 'alive' there and as the new First lady would say:"Despite the victory, i will still remain a black woman in the States". For me, this is not right. During my stay in the States, i have never come across a 'negative' black person since i have stayed in Baltimore and Virginia where the population of black people was higher. They were the ones who helped me a lot when i needed it. They are all people like us who have suffered more than us and who work to be part of the community like all the others. Should they be blamed for having excessive skin pigment??!! I say no!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Once more aware of the beauty of my country!
My work in the mobile company consists of many things, one of which is to travel around the cities of Albania to control the shops of the company and inform them about new procedures. I had the chance to go to many cities, i havent been before and to cities which i havent visited since long time. Despite being very tired in the end of this trip, i am very happy to have travelled around these cities and be aware once more of the beauty of my country.
Although, Albania is a small country, it has different beauties. The North part with the cities of Shkodra, Lezha and Koplik has beautiful lake, delicious fish, sandy beaches, warm hospitality and straight roads. The South of Albania with the cities of Saranda, Gjirokaster, Vlore has deep and clean sea, touristic cities, castles and ruins full of history. The Eastern part of Albania with the cities of Korce, Pogradec and Bilisht is loveable with its traditional and tasty cuisine, gorgeous lake and natural apples. Lastly, the central part which consists of Tirana, Elbasan and Durres is known for its metropolity due to the capital, the long beaches full of tourists and noisy nights.
I have visited many other beautiful countries but the thing that makes me positive about my country is the change that i see everytime combined with the traditionality, the beautiful nature and the presence of albanians. I hope that many other albanians abroad will notice what i saw and be part of the future of Albania.
Although, Albania is a small country, it has different beauties. The North part with the cities of Shkodra, Lezha and Koplik has beautiful lake, delicious fish, sandy beaches, warm hospitality and straight roads. The South of Albania with the cities of Saranda, Gjirokaster, Vlore has deep and clean sea, touristic cities, castles and ruins full of history. The Eastern part of Albania with the cities of Korce, Pogradec and Bilisht is loveable with its traditional and tasty cuisine, gorgeous lake and natural apples. Lastly, the central part which consists of Tirana, Elbasan and Durres is known for its metropolity due to the capital, the long beaches full of tourists and noisy nights.
I have visited many other beautiful countries but the thing that makes me positive about my country is the change that i see everytime combined with the traditionality, the beautiful nature and the presence of albanians. I hope that many other albanians abroad will notice what i saw and be part of the future of Albania.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
How to be mentally OK?
We all know pretty much the bad effects of stress and most of us always try to make different activities in order to feel better and to be mentally healthy. Regarding this, 400 scientists from the filed of mental research have prepared a report consisting of 5 main points which are supposed to hel a person to be mentally healthy.
The first point has to do with relations. Having good relations with family members, friends, colleagues and neigbors is very crucial in enriching our everyday life. The second point has to do with being active and engaging in sports. We all have heard of the saying, a wealthy mind is in a wealthy body which means that activities such as sports, gardening, dancing and even a simple walk is importat to have a body in shape which consequently will help for a mind in shape. Thirdly, we should notice everything around us, we should reflect in our everyday actions and learn to appreciate it. Fourthly, despite our age or conditions, we should always learn new things which can include learning how to fix a bike, how to cook something or how to play an instrument. These things will make one happy and ready for new challenges. And finally, help other people who may be ones you know or you dont know. Making other people happy will be rewarding especially if you are part of a community.
Some critics of this report said that bein mentally healthy should not be connected with only these 5 steps claiming that in case a person does not do any of them he/she will have mental collapse. In fact, these 5 steps are means to improve our mental and spiritual condition. I believe that no one is able to live the life according to steps and procedures but there are things like sport, learning new things, being positive and having good relations which are very important in feeling happy and wealthy. Then, of course being positive does not increase your salary directly but at least ir prolongs your life :).
The first point has to do with relations. Having good relations with family members, friends, colleagues and neigbors is very crucial in enriching our everyday life. The second point has to do with being active and engaging in sports. We all have heard of the saying, a wealthy mind is in a wealthy body which means that activities such as sports, gardening, dancing and even a simple walk is importat to have a body in shape which consequently will help for a mind in shape. Thirdly, we should notice everything around us, we should reflect in our everyday actions and learn to appreciate it. Fourthly, despite our age or conditions, we should always learn new things which can include learning how to fix a bike, how to cook something or how to play an instrument. These things will make one happy and ready for new challenges. And finally, help other people who may be ones you know or you dont know. Making other people happy will be rewarding especially if you are part of a community.
Some critics of this report said that bein mentally healthy should not be connected with only these 5 steps claiming that in case a person does not do any of them he/she will have mental collapse. In fact, these 5 steps are means to improve our mental and spiritual condition. I believe that no one is able to live the life according to steps and procedures but there are things like sport, learning new things, being positive and having good relations which are very important in feeling happy and wealthy. Then, of course being positive does not increase your salary directly but at least ir prolongs your life :).
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Are we aware of what we eat?! I guess not!
We have all heard about the scandal of poisoned milk in China where 4 babies died because of melamine poisoning and 54.000 more are sick. Although, this has happened long time ago, and so far there has been millions of dairy products entering Albania from China, we have just started to get worried about the milk we have consumed so far. I searched the internet about melamine, how it is found in the these products and what are the negative effects and i am going to explain shortly.
Melamine is an organic compound which combined with formldehyde produces melamine resin used in floortiles, kitchenware, commercial filters and industrial plastics. Chines food companies use melamine which is nitrogen- based to show that the food has lots of proteins and this has economic reasons because you can sell the product at a higher price showing that it is full of proteins. Melamine forms crystals in the body and it is not dissolved easily. In big amounts, it causes kidney failure as a result of formation of kidney stones. In early 2007, melamine was a discussed topic among veterinary scientists which explained that its presence in the dog and cats food was the main reason for the death of several pets in the US caused by renal failure. This year, we have the same situation in China but this time the victims were four innocent babies.
It is very scary to think about the chemical products that we use each day and the fact that there are many agencies which are supposed to do their job and check these products before they reach the consumers. And, after there are some victims, everyone is involved to find the cause. I have noticed that this is the way governments deal in general, even ours in Albania. Only after tragedies, people try to change things and the result...we are still in front of a new tragedy, God knows!
Anyways, i have to warn my family not to eat the condensed milk imported from China that we love so much, unfortunately!Of course, hoping that it is not too late :-s!
Melamine is an organic compound which combined with formldehyde produces melamine resin used in floortiles, kitchenware, commercial filters and industrial plastics. Chines food companies use melamine which is nitrogen- based to show that the food has lots of proteins and this has economic reasons because you can sell the product at a higher price showing that it is full of proteins. Melamine forms crystals in the body and it is not dissolved easily. In big amounts, it causes kidney failure as a result of formation of kidney stones. In early 2007, melamine was a discussed topic among veterinary scientists which explained that its presence in the dog and cats food was the main reason for the death of several pets in the US caused by renal failure. This year, we have the same situation in China but this time the victims were four innocent babies.
It is very scary to think about the chemical products that we use each day and the fact that there are many agencies which are supposed to do their job and check these products before they reach the consumers. And, after there are some victims, everyone is involved to find the cause. I have noticed that this is the way governments deal in general, even ours in Albania. Only after tragedies, people try to change things and the result...we are still in front of a new tragedy, God knows!
Anyways, i have to warn my family not to eat the condensed milk imported from China that we love so much, unfortunately!Of course, hoping that it is not too late :-s!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Hello and Goodbye...Madonna!
I had a blast last week....because Madonna was here! Now, normally i am not a fan of Madonna's songs in general but i had heard that she gives a real show on the scene. Not only this, but it doesnt happen often that a famous singer comes to the Balcans so everyone was rushing to find a ticket and a means to go to Budva, a lovely place in Montenegro. The mobile company, where i am working, made a promotion for its offer by giving 1000 tickets to Madonna's concert. Of course, they also gave tickets to us, the employees.
The albanians dont need a visa to Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia, so going to Budva wasn't a big deal. Unfortunately, it was so cold there and it started to rain but it stopped raining before Madonna appeared on the stage. Despite the fact that she is 50 years old, she was so energetic and active. I was more focused on the show that she was giving, the skillful dancers, the big screen transmitting her videos and the endless lights because i really didnt like some of her songs and she was off key several times.
The beautiful part is that there were 65.000 people from Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and many other countries (besides greek people who were waiting for Madonna in Greece on the 27th). And although, we were all there speaking different languages, we were singing with one voice. For once in a while, the Balcans was united...I guess Madonna was right in saying: ..music, makes the people come together..yeah :)
The albanians dont need a visa to Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia, so going to Budva wasn't a big deal. Unfortunately, it was so cold there and it started to rain but it stopped raining before Madonna appeared on the stage. Despite the fact that she is 50 years old, she was so energetic and active. I was more focused on the show that she was giving, the skillful dancers, the big screen transmitting her videos and the endless lights because i really didnt like some of her songs and she was off key several times.
The beautiful part is that there were 65.000 people from Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and many other countries (besides greek people who were waiting for Madonna in Greece on the 27th). And although, we were all there speaking different languages, we were singing with one voice. For once in a while, the Balcans was united...I guess Madonna was right in saying: ..music, makes the people come together..yeah :)
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