Thanks, D. ;-)Monday, April 21, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Shackles
Reporters Without FrontiersIt's not fresh news that China is:
- a) a dictatorship
- b) there is no freedom of press
- c) there's no freedom of information
- d) there have always been attempts on human rights (if nothing else, the notorious questions with girls orphanages)
- e) also the Dalai Lama is out of Tibet for "some reason", right?
Having all that said, China was awarded the event nonetheless. For nothing else, at least because of the symbolism of the Truce. Athenas and Sparta were constantly at war but all retaliations stopped during the games. Under Hitler's rule nations went with their athletes.
Now Tibet is in uproar. UN won't go there because it's Mighty China. No-one will go there.
But imagine you are a high competition athlete. You may not agree with it. But your goals have been set to "that country". What are you to do? Throw your last 4, 6, 8 years or more of preparation out the window?
It's up to the Government to take diplomatic action. Boycott the ceremonies? Why not? Because of Tibet at least. Everyone saw the Journalists at the Lighting of the Olympic flame but not the Chinese. Maybe they'll see it here.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Repent from riches or Hell awaits!
Last week, during a seminar for priest, to update on the new trends of church, new Mortal Sins were added to the list.
As stated in Wikipedia:
Twenty-first century sins
In March of 2008, Archbishop Gianfranco Girotti listed seven new mortal sins:[
- Environmental pollution
- Genetic manipulation
- Accumulating excessive wealth
- Inflicting poverty
- Drug trafficking and consumption
- Morally debatable experiments
- Violation of fundamental rights of human nature
Accumulating excessive wealth....
Will the Vaticam "repent"?
By the way, the last one, as stated by Archbishop Gianfranco Girotti, include rape and paedophilia.
PS - for you unbelivers that don't know or don't remember (or haven't seen the Magnum icecream campaign of 2006), the "old" and still rulling sins are:
- Lust (Latin, luxuria)
- Gluttony (Latin, gula)
- Greed (Latin, avaritia)
- Sloth (Latin, acedia)
- Wrath (Latin, ira)
- Envy (Latin, invidia)
- Pride (Latin, superbia)
Friday, March 7, 2008
Oh, they do that in Europe, do they?
True story, a few days ago:
Where: NatWest (it's a bank) in New Bridge Street (in the CITY, of all places), London, UK:
"So, is it true that it is not possible to transfer money online to other countries?
Yes, I'm afraid it is, for international transfers you need to come to the branch (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm) and fill in a paper form. Alternatively, you can call your Private Banking team (side comment: slightly better timings, I found out: Monday to Friday from 8am to 6 pm... - does that sound like working and commuting time to you? To me it does...)
What about SEPA?
SEPA?
The European Payment System?....
Not sure what that is...
...
But why can't it be done online, it is possible in Switzerland, Netherlands, Portugal, in any simple bank account?
Oh, they do that in Europe, do they?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
How Chivalrous Are You?
Some tricky scenarios to determine where you guys fall on a scale from Sir Lancelot to Sir Mix-a-Lot. (Girls test your friends ;) )
Start with –5. Add or subtract points for each answer.
1. On a date:
a. You always pay for dinner. (+5)
b. Even on your birthday. (+15)
c. But you make her pay for what she's eaten off your plate. (–20)
2. You're on the street and a woman is attacked. You:
a. Confront the attacker. (+20)
b. Look around for someone strong and brave. (+2)
c. Shout, "Hey, stop that!" (–5)
d. Twice. (–10)
3. The person who best represents how you think women should be treated is:
a. Mullah Mohammed Omar, head of the Taliban movement. (–50)
b. Henry VIII. (–15)
c. Giovanni Casanova. (+5)
d. Oprah. (+20)
4. If you were lame enough to have a ringtone, it would be:
a. "Face Down Ass Up," by 2 Live Crew. (–20)
b. "Girls," by Beastie Boys. (–10)
c. "Glory of Love," by Peter Cetera. (+10)
d. The version of "Glory of Love" you wrote for your wife. (+25)
5. You're sitting down on a crowded subway car. You would offer your seat to: (Choose all that apply.)
a. a pregnant woman. (+3)
b. an elderly woman. (+5)
c. a man with long hair. (+10)
6. Someone grabs your girlfriend's ass at a bar. You:
a. Punch anyone who won't make eye contact. (+10)
b. Stand by her while she does. (+5)
c. Tell her it was probably accidental and she needs to relax. (–5)
d. Collect the five bucks, ask your friend if it was worth it. (–40)
7. At your birthday, your intoxicated wife slips and bangs her head really hard. You:
a. Take her to the hospital and insist that she did not ruin your birthday. (+20)
b. Lay her down on a pile of coats and tell her to close her eyes for a few hours. (+5)
c. Ask her why she always has to be the center of attention. (–10)
8. You're camping and a grizzly bear appears. You:
a. Tell her to run, then make yourself seem as big as possible, like they showed you on Discovery. (+20)
b. Run, telling her to make herself seem as big as possible like they showed you on Discovery. (–20)
9. If a woman were an automobile, she'd be:
a. a Lexus, elegant, with plenty to love under the hood. (+5)
b. a 1967 Shelby Cobra, a privilege to experience, worthy of constant pampering. (+15)
c. a Jeep, palatable in most situations, best when dirty. (–5)
d. a minivan, utilitarian, slightly embarrassing, best for holding children. (–20)
10. At Thanksgiving dinner, your uncle suggests your girlfriend should abstain from a second helping of mashed potatoes. You:
a. Take another serving yourself as a sign of solidarity. (+10)
b. Tell him he's out of line. (+5)
c. Suggest the green beans. (–10)
11. If you were an animal, you would be:
a. a New Zealand paddle crab. (They eat their mates while mating with them.) (–50)
b. a blue crab. (They hold their women in a pre-mating embrace to protect them as they're molting.) (+10)
c. a black vulture. (Philandering vultures are attacked by other vultures.) (+20)
d. a sea horse. (Males carry the babies. Lucky bastards!) (+30)
-------------------------
Key
More than 100 points: Congratulations! You belong in the esteemed ranks of Prince Charming and Sir Lancelot. And if you're not getting walked all over, at least you're getting laid.
50 to 100:You're in the ranks of Sir Mix-a-Lot. But since we've been forced to lower our standards, you'll probably do okay.
Less than 50:Dick.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Things a Man Should Never Do in the Company of a Woman!!!
The editors of Marie Claire advise against bad tips, blow-drying, and cleaning your gun. I'll take their word for it, and i choose some of them, and i add "Things a Man Should Never Do in the Company of a Woman - whom he wants to impress" ;)
1 - Reveal how much your car cost.
2 - Polish high school trophies (which you still have displayed).
3 - Refer to your mother as your best friend.
4 - Blow-dry your hair.
5 - Celebrity impressions.
6 - Forget to carry cash. (IMPORTANT FOR MAN AND WOMEN)
7 - Flip it, flop it, swing it around, tug on it, adjust it, scratch it, or do anything that will remind us that it's just a goofy appendage and not a mystical source of pleasure and satisfaction. (VERY IMPORTANT)
8 - Use the words bitch, slut, tramp, or whore, unless referring to another man. (IMPORTANT)
9 - Tell us you're going to kiss us. (Just get on with it! ;)
10 - Clean your gun.
11 - Say : You're not one of those feminists, are you?
oscar 2008
"In fashion one day you are in the other you are out"
the days you are in
the days you are out
Monday, February 25, 2008
Kefir
Kefir is the "champagne of yoghurts" and boasts many added properties that yoghurt lacks
So what is Kefir?
Kefir is a refreshing cultured-milk beverage, which many centuries ago, originated in the Caucasus Mountains. The word kefir is said to be derived from the Turkish word keif, which loosely translates to good feeling or feeling good. This is quite possibly because drinking kefir is renowned to increase a sense of well-being.
Traditional authentic kefir can only be prepared by culturing fresh milk with Kefir grains.
Kefir grains, or kefir granules if you wish, are in fact a natural-starter or natural mother-culture.
Kefir grains increase in overall volume, numbers of, and by weight, as the grains are self-purpetuating when continually cultured in fresh milk to prepare kefir
Easily digested, it cleanses the intestines, provides beneficial bacteria and yeast, vitamins and minerals, and complete proteins.
Because kefir is such a balanced and nourishing food, it contributes to a healthy immune system and has been used to help patients suffering from AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes, and cancer.
Its tranquilizing effect on the nervous system has benefited many who suffer from sleep disorders, depression, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
The regular use of kefir can help relieve all intestinal disorders, promote bowel movement, reduce flatulence and create a healthier digestive system.
In addition, its cleansing effect on the whole body helps to establish a balanced inner ecosystem for optimum health and longevity.
Kefir can also help eliminate unhealthy food cravings by making the body more nourished and balanced. Its excellent nutritional content offers healing and health-maintenance benefits to people in every type of condition.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
As time goes by...
I'm slightly at a loss with what to call this... let's see if I get inspired.
I forgot to say something on week 1: for one of the first times I got a "benefit" for being a woman. Meaning: while I was preparing myself psychologically to get additional 2 kg of laptop by changing my Dell latitude 410 by a 600 and something, and I get the 430 - even lighter than my old one. Explanation of the IT guy: well, as a default we give the lighter version to ladies, since more than once we have had to change the laptops after a few days because it is just too heavy. Well, my back thanks the chivalry! :-P
Week 2 brought one of the most hated activities of moving in: house hunting. No way around it, I really don't like it - as much as I want to find a place to call my own and have my stuff around me (I'm almost out of books to read... and all those little trinkets that fill up all the available shelves and drawers and God knows what else actually have a purpose every now and then). Diane (the real estate agent, or one of my baby sitters) is quite nice and I think she got the feeling of what I'm looking for. We go for a walking trip (pity that she hasn't told me in advance, flat shoes would have been more appropriate... especially after 3 hrs!). A few problems, though: rents are incredibly expensive for the space you get. 575 GBP / week for 65 sq mtrs??? And the problem is that it is hard to get bigger apartments, even for higher budgets. I wonder how the bed is going to fit. Is it going to fit???? Easier to find furnished apartments, what is not what I'm looking for. And, biggest of all issues, I have to make my mind of where I want to live, which can be a bit difficult without really knowing the city...
Hummm... By the end of the day, my energy is drained and I'm reasonably down... Nothing that a good night's sleep and some reflexion doesn't solve. However, someone should explain current boss that I'm quite bad with mornings generically and that some days I just wake up on the wrong side of the bed - in which case, just leave me to it and I'll get over it, sooner or later. He was actually worried??!! Past boss didn't do a proper handover :-P
Anyway, after agreeing that we would look a bit around before trying to close down the housing issue (after all, i't has been less than 2 weeks!), things move on...
A bit of mom's wisdom in the process: when it comes to yourself, you hate choices. And she is right!
Thursday is pay day and also disappointment day with English banking. I finally get money in my bank account but I still don't have a pin to the debit card. Solution: go to the branch and withdraw money at the cashier. What????? I haven't done that in YEARS! Not in the Netherlands, not in Switzerland and in Portugal the last time that I had something to do with cash at a branch, was because I had to deposit something and the ATM was not working. In addition, the same system that forces me to use my two surnames because "that's what's in your passport", also messes it up for misspelling these surnames and merging them into one - reason for which the credit card got lost, was retrieved but too late and now needs to be re-issued - hopefully with the correct name this time. Bureaucracy? On the phone with the Credit Card Services and I ask to change an address that they changed without asking. No, we can't. Call your branch and have them call us with the changes. ??????????? Cherry on top of the whipped cream: I go to net banking and I cannot find the international transfers, so I call the help desk. Oh, there's no such thing. If you want to do an international transfer you have to go to the branch. OK, if I am a complicated person that's my own fault, I know. It's nobody else's fault (except probably the tax departments in Netherlands and Switzerland and the Unilever Company in Switzerland, all of whom have some pending issues with my finances). However, I do need to move money around and I don't really fancy 1 trip a month to nice NatWest New Bridge Street branch to fill in 2 or 3 forms..., between 9 and 5. Either is is solvable via the phone banking or soon I will be looking for another bank, with internet banking options as main criteria...
Now, I assume this sounds as an odd thing, a peculiarity for most normal people... but it is a peculiarity that CGD, Santander (Portugal), ABN AMRO (Netherlands) and UBS (Switzerland) all cater for - and these are the ones I know.
In the meanwhile, I get more proof about the country's obsession with food: there's a chef programme every night! Today I even zapped through two simultaneously - one of them being Jamie's at Home and may all of Jamie's fans forgive me (and him as well) but he must be half crazy... Either that or there is a new form of Red Bull made of Olive Oil and raw Peas and Broad Beans :-P Lovely!
One day to go until weekend... I should be working, there are some lovely Excel files waiting to be properly completed :-P
Beijinhos!
PS: found a title, at last... ;-) and if you got this far, you must be very patient!
PS2: talk about clouds with silver lining: little Tamas was born this morning in Hungary to a proud and healthy mom that less than one year ago was facing a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Shouldn't that be more than enough to put a smile in my face? It is! :-D
Some deep thoughts!
1 - Calories are little animals living inside our closets, which come out during the night and shrink our clothes…
2 - Love is like the flu. It hits you without notice and before you know it you end up in bed.......
3 - Anyone who always tells the truth is a big liar
4 - Our lack of cooperation is mutual
5 - If everything goes perfectly, something’s wrong
6 - I’m an atheist, thank God.
7 - Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?
8 - If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
9 - Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup?
10 - Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?
11 - Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad atyou, but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out thewindow?
12 - If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made fromvegetables,then what is baby oil made from?
13 - Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They'reboth dogs!
14 - The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.
15 - Os problemas do nosso país são essencialmente agrícolas: excesso de nabos, falta de tomates e muito grelo abandonado. (É em Portugues e não tem grande nível mas é muito boa)
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
India vs Pakistan
This is written by a Pakistani journalist....
......
Capital suggestion
By Dr Farrukh Saleem
12/9/2007
Here's what is happening in India :
The two Ambani brothers can buy 100 percent of every company listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) and would still be left with $30 billion to spare. The four richest Indians can buy up all goods and services produced over a year by 169 million Pakistanis and still be left with $60 billion to spare. The four richest Indians are now richer than the forty richest Chinese.
In November, Bombay Stock Exchange's benchmark Sensex flirted with 20,000 points. As a consequence, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries became a $100 billion company (the entire KSE is capitalized at $65 billion). Mukesh owns 48 percent of Reliance.
In November, comes Neeta's birthday. Neeta turned forty-four three weeks ago. Look what she got from her husband as her birthday present: A sixty-million dollar jet with a custom fitted master bedroom, bathroom with mood lighting, a sky bar, entertainment cabins, satellite television, wireless communication and a separate cabin with game consoles. Neeta is Mukesh Ambani's wife, and Mukesh is not India 's richest but the second richest.
Mukesh is now building his new home, Residence Antillia (after a mythical, phantom island somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean ). At a cost of $1 billion this would be the most expensive home on the face of the planet. At 173 meters tall Mukesh's new family residence, for a family of six, will be the equivalent of a 60-storeyed building. The first six floors are reserved for parking. The seventh floor is for car servicing and maintenance. The eighth floor houses a mini-theatre. Then there's a health club, a gym and a swimming pool. Two floors are reserved for Ambani family's guests. Four flo ors above the guest floors are family floors all with a superb view of the Arabian Sea . On top of everything are three helipads. A staff of 600 is expected to care for the family and their family home.
In 2004, India became the 3rd most attractive foreign direct investment destination. Pakistan wasn't even in the top 25 countries. In 2004, the United Nations, the representative body of 192 sovereign member states, had requested the Election Commission of India to assist the UN in the holding elections in Al Jumhuriyah al Iraqiyah and Dowlat-e Eslami-ye Afghanestan. Why the Election Commission of India and not the Election Commission of Pakistan ? After all, Islamabadis closer to Kabulthan is Delhi .
Imagine, 12 percent of all American scientists are of Indian origin; 38 percent of doctors in America are Indian; 36 percent of NASA scientists are Indians; 34 percent of Microsoft employees are Indians; and 28 percent of IBM employees are Indians.
For the record: Sabeer Bhatia created and founded Hotmail. Sun Microsystems was founded by Vinod Khosla. The Intel Pentium processor, that runs 90 percent of all computers, was fathered by Vinod Dham. Rajiv Gupta co-invented Hewlett Packard's E-speak project. Four out of ten Silicon Valley start-ups are run by Indians. Bollywood produces 800 movies per year and six Indian ladies have won Miss Universe/Miss World titles over the past 10 years.
For the record: Azim Premji, the richest Muslim entrepreneur on the face of the planet, was born in Bombay and now lives in Bangalore.India now has more than three dozen billionaires; Pakistan has none (not a single dollar billionaire).
The other amazing aspect is the rapid pace at which India is creating wealth. In 2002, Dhirubhai Ambani, Mukesh and Anil Ambani's father, left his two sons a fortune worth $2.8 billion. In 2007, their combined wealth stood at $94 billion. On 29 October 2007, as a result of the stock market rally and the appreciation of the Indian rupee, Mukesh became the richest person in the world, with net worth climbing to US$63.2 billion (Bill Gates, the richest American, stands at around $56 billion).
Indians and Pakistanis have the same Y-chromosome haplo group. We have the same genetic sequence and the same genetic marker (namely: M124). We have the same DNA molecule, the same DNA sequence. Our culture, our traditions and our cuisine are all the same. We watch the same movies and sing the same songs. What is it that Indians have and we don't?
INDIANS ELECT THEIR LEADERS
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