VisioSphere

Fancy hiking?

2007-12-01T15:33:00.000+02:00

If you want to go hiking in a mountain trip, this entry will help you out. This summer I've been to Parang, the most beautiful mountains in Romania. I say this because they are not so touristic as compared to Valea Prahovei which is too crowded for my taste. Parang is a virgin teritory where, the words nature, calm and quiet have true meanings.

I've been in this trip with some friends and we rented rooms in a pitoresque villa next to the forest on a mountain top. It was the best feeling to be in the middle of nature, surrounded by peace, quiet and lack of pollution. No people hurrying up in the morning, no cars, no phone calls, no notebooks, no modern world worries. Like me friend would say related to barbeque: Just you, the fire and meat :-D

During day we used to hike in the forest, climb to the mountain top on massive rocks, search for lakes and small rivers in the woods, find places to rest and eat and then start all over again. On the way back, everybody was looking forward to reaching the villa as evening was setting upon us. These were the moments when we could finally eat, rest our tired bodies, talk about the beautiful places we saw and play cards.

And to show I'm not exaggerating with these descriptions, here are the proofs:

Tags: Parang, Bucegi Mountains

Going to beach?

2007-12-01T13:22:00.000+02:00

As you might have noticed, I haven't been blogging for quite some time. I was reading Laurentiu and Alina's blogs so this reminded me of the good old times...

I thought about where to start after so many things happened and I decided to share some photos that will speak for themselves.

First series will be from my summer vacation in Antalya, Turkey. I recommend this location to anyone looking for incredible landscapes bringing together sea and mountains along nice resorts, new hotels, very good service at afforable prices.

Antalya has a perfect combination of new constructions and old ruins in deserted islands. You can go boat boat cruising, rafting, scuba diving, visit Pamukkale

We enjoyed our stay at Porto Bello, the food and service were very good. If you go there don't expect good drinks though, this is not their strong point :-)

Antalya is a very nice travel destination for families and people who seek relaxation and sea activities. As we discovered, for people who want clubbing, this location is not a good option.

Tags: Antalya , Pamukkale, Porto Bello

Meme: 8 Random Things

2007-08-01T10:54:00.000+03:00

Ladies and gents, sorry for the long period of being away from my blog. I've been tagged by Alina to write 8 facts about me. All the persons who have been tagged for the same post have to follow these rules:
* We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
* Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
* People who are tagged write their own blog post about their eight things and include these rules.
* At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged and that they should read your blog.

Here are my 8 random things:

1. I love to walk in the park, forest, mountain trail and anything that belongs to nature. I can do this by myself, with my loved one or my friends, doesn't matter, it's still great!

2. I like going out to bars, clubs where I can have fun with my friends, enjoy the atmosphere with strangers and listen to the music I like.

3. I like working out in aerobic class, spinning, swimming, basically anything that involves sports and a rush of endorphins.

4. I enjoy taking pictures of anything that appeals to my senses, in some way. It doesn't matter if it's something considered ugly or beautiful by the majority.

5. I am a sucker for buying casual silly jewelery. I can't help it sometimes, even though I am not a fan of shopping in general.

6. I adore to see kids smiling and playing, without any worries while showing their innocence so different from our everyday routine and problems.

7. I enjoy a great deal watching a movie that is considered weird by most people, but to which I find interesting and educational symbols.

8. I love swimming during night in a clear sea under a full moon, watching the stars and screaming: This is life!

Now that I have presented to you my 8 random facts, I am very curious what are your habits. The people below have to blog about this topic. Sorry :)

Sim, Naomi, Raluci, Alex C

Tags: Alina , Ali

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The amazing Singapore

2007-07-13T23:00:00.000+03:00

Recently I've had the chance to take a course in the wonderful city of Singapore.

My pictures will speak by themselves therefore, in this virtual journey through Singapore, my comments will be short.
The people living there are extremely polite, helpful and always seeming to be cheerful. Their immense variety of food would satisfy anyone from no matter what country.
The business center contains of skyscrapers, vast shopping malls and widespread network of trains. Therefore you wouldn't believe that 40 years ago in the same place there was only the ocean. With the land acquired from another country, in 40 years, they have managed to build a modern downtown with hight tech means of transportation.
In Bucharest, Romanian's capital, we have "managed" to build 3 subway stations as extensions of the old network in guess how many years: 20 years Ta-ta-ta!! Great "efficiency"!
I respect a great deal the people of Singapore and if I will get the chance to visit them again, I will definitely return with a large smile on my face, as I know they will welcome me with the same attitude.

Here are a few samples of Singapore sights:

Skyline of Singapore at night

Bars across the river

Esplanade - one of the impressive landmarks in Singapore

View of Sentosa island

Equatorial forest on Sentosa island

Frog symbol in Sentosa forest

Siloso beach on Sentosa island

Sunset on Siloso beach

Laser, fire, water and projections at 'Sounds of the ocean'

Fireworks at 'Sounds of the Ocean'

Indian temple

Little India

Chinatown

Night Safari entrance

Night Safari tram

Pan Pacific hotel

Tags: Singapore , Sentosa island , Night Safari in Singapore , Pan Pacific hotel

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Last post?

2007-04-18T11:10:00.000+03:00

This post is written for Urban Monk who has created a meme and for each entry he will save $1. When he reaches $500 he will donate the amount to charity. I have found out about his idea from Ali.
His idea is summed up as below:

"Bloggers: The blogosphere is coming to an end.
You have one last post. What is it going to be?
What is the final summary of your blog?
What is the one last gem that you want to leave with your readers?"

If this day should come, I would say that this experience has been great for me as I have discovered interesting articles, people and my all time favorite PHOTOS (you have seen the post about the hot guys :)). Blogs give people the chance to write a virtual journal with nice pics and links to other blogs and of course receive comments from other bloggers. I have read some interesting online journals but I have never wanted to write my thoughts, experiences in my blog. This is because I wouldn't like to make public my most intimate thoughts, I am not brave enough to do that :). Anyway I admire people who can, they are courageous.
I especially like Raluca's blog because she is not afraid to tell about the stuff that troubles her, good and bad thoughts and so on.
I would feel sorry if I could not be able to read and write anymore on blogosphere. However I am sure something else would be invented in this case because people need to communicate more and more.
In my blog I have spoken of many fun events, also about my own thoughts regarding career women, hot guys and a family problem. I think in general my posts had diverse subjects and hopefully people who have read them did not get too bored.
Thanks to all of you who took the time to read my blog and to comment on my posts.

P.S. Raluca, you have been tagged and you need to write a post with this theme and link Urban Monk.

Tags: Ali, Urban Monk, Raluca

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Hot guys coming up!

2007-03-12T09:49:00.000+02:00

Hey ladies! I have a special treat for you as the International Women's Day has just passed. If men like to watch beautiful women, I don't see a reason why we shouldn't endulge ourselves with these pics.
Check out these guys from the Cosmopolitan's Hot Guys USA .
I have selected 3 of them so feel free to vote for your favorite one.

Rich Andres

Philadelphia, Medical/MBA Student
Age: 26
In his own words: "I'm ambitious, goal-oriented, and down-to-earth."
Brainiac babe: "After working on Wall Street for two years, I decided to go to medical school. Once I enrolled, I got into business school as well. It's a lot of work, but I'm committed to getting both degrees."
A perfect Saturday: "I'd drive about an hour away to the Jersey Shore and go sport-fishing on my grandpa's boat. It's really relaxing."
Female features he's hot for: "I'm attracted to all types of women, but I've always had a thing for blond-haired, blue-eyed girls."
Girlfriend must-have: "I want a woman who will get my jokes. I have a strange, sarcastic sense of humor."
Put down the pickup lines: "I'd love it if a girl introduced herself and said, 'Hey, how are you?' It's so much more appealing than using cheesy lines."
Girlie getup he digs: "A white tank top and jeans."
Listen up, ladies: "Guys are straightforward, so if we say something, we probably mean it. There's no reason to overanalyze everything that comes out of our mouths."

Jud Dean

Newark, Personal Trainer/Nutritionist
Age: 25
In his own words: "I pride myself on having an optimistic, upbeat attitude."
How he chills out: "I'll do something active, or I'll stay in and watch Law and Order."
Sexiest girlie garb: "Tight workout pants, a white tank top, and a hair band. A woman wearing this is probably really fit."
Low-maintenance lover: "I want to be with a girl who doesn't care if I bought her one rose or 12 — just the gesture makes her happy."
Eye guy: "I'm especially attracted to women with brown or greenish eyes."

His sweep spot: "My abs. I love when a woman touches me there."

Matt Wood

Fort Collins, ComputerSolutions Architect
Age: 26
Personality Profile: "I'm passionate and caring — a solid nice guy with a good heart."
Crucial chick qualities: "I'm looking for a woman who is charismatic and knows who she is. I don't want to be with someone who's using a relationship to try to find herself."
Locks he loves: "I like girls with brown hair."
His sweetheart style: "I'd rather do small gestures, like saying something romantic every morning, than plan one big event."
Puzzling babe behavior: "I don't get why girls go to the bathroom in groups."
Listen up, ladies: "Men are just as insecure about dating as women are."

Tags: Cosmopolitan

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High Hopes

2007-01-27T22:50:00.001+02:00

A tribute to Pink Floyd
High Hopes

Beyond the horizon of the place we lived when we were young
In a world of magnets and miracles
Our thoughts strayed constantly and without boundary
The ringing of the division bell had begun
Along the long road and on down the causeway
Do they still meet there by the cut
There was a ragged band that followed in our footsteps
Running before time took our dreams away
Leaving the myriad small creatures trying to tie us to the ground
To a life consumed by slow decay

The grass was greener
The light was brighter
With friends surrounded
The nights of wonder

Looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind us
To a glimpse of how green it was on the other side
Steps taken forwards but sleepwalking back again
Dragged by the force of some inner tide
At a higher altitude with flag unfurled
We reached the dizzy heights of that dreamed of world

****

Encumbered forever by desire and ambition
There's a hunger still unsatisfied
Our weary eyes still stray to the horizon
go down this road we've been so many times

The grass was greener
The light was brighter
The taste was sweeter
The nights of wonder
With friends surrounded
The dawn mist glowing
The water flowing
The endless river

Forever and ever
"Hey, is that Charlie? yes... Hello Charlie... great"

Tags: Pink Floyd

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Women- powerful or not?

2007-01-26T11:53:00.000+02:00

Today I read many silly articles for women, you know the kind: advice for your relationship, how to meet the perfect man, how to have passionate sex and so on. I know some impressive career women who despite their position, financial status, power, when they meet a man they like, they lose their mind and emotions go wild. From this moment on they become like any other women, maybe even more emotional and needy. They start having some serious security issues. They need their men to hold them, rub them and tell them how special they are for providing them moral, mental and emotional support.

There's a real irony here when you think of all the women who go out of their way to show how independent they are. These are usually the same women who become extremely insecure once they finally fall in love.

I am sure this article will not be liked by women and maybe some will call me bad names. But we need to face the facts. I admit to be somewhat similar to the women I previously talked about. But I try to find a balance in everything I do, this means to have a personal life, career, relationship, friends and so on. And if I would give any of the mentioned areas too much priority then the balance will be ruined which is not good. Of course nobody can find a mathematical equation to keep the perfect balance. Sometimes one or more areas of our lives will be neglected for other(s) but the important thing is to try and even plan a balance.

I think no matter what prince Charming we have found along the way, we should not change our lifestyle, our preferences and in the end not change ourselves. We need to realize that we are not so independent as we would like and as we state. Of course we achieved financial, social and professional independence but we don't have to neglect our emotional dependence which will always make romantic, silly and childish creatures from us, with bursts of tears and tantrums when we least expect it.

Therefore let's spread our wings, face our femininity, admit we are not completely independent, smile and cry, be happy and sad! Be true to ourselves!

Tags: Girls' blogoshpere club

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Snow carnival

2007-01-16T09:33:00.000+02:00

It looks that Romania will have a snow carnival this year, 13th edition at Cerbul villa in Paraul Rece-Predeal. The participants will see video projections of clubs, will hear theme songs and see parades and dances in carnival costumes. I think this event can be quite interesting given the nice location. If one gets bored with the carnival, ski and snowboard slopes are available.
The schedule of the event is here.

Tags: Dor de duca

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Armin again

2007-01-08T10:19:00.000+02:00

Last year I went to Armin van Buuren concert held in Bucharest and organized by The Mission.
At that time I had no clue about who this dj is, what his music is all about. My boyfriend had invited me to go with him because he is a fan and therefore I went. It was a great concert and from then on I am listening almost daily to Armin van Buuren mixes and A State of Trance. This year I will definitely go on 24th February to his concert at Sala Polivalenta.
The warmup will be done by DJ Vania and Remy.

Tags: Armin van Buuren, The Mission, A State of Trance,
Dor de duca

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New Year has come

2007-01-01T23:04:00.000+02:00

It seems that New Year's Eve has come and gone suddenly. I can't really tell the exact moment when I realized we've entered the new year but then again I never cared too much for the standardised celebrations meant to be compulsory for everybody. The best practical thing I find for New Year's celebration is each person's private recollection of the past year, with the ups and downs, good and bad memories, things we've wished we would've done differently, inspired and stupid decisions, new people in our lives and so on. These thoughts guide us in a way to the new year, with fresh confidence in ourselves and what the year will bring. No matter how many supersistions we can find in each culture related to this event, the important thing is to keep our faith, confidence that somehow everything will be better.
Therefore, let's all enjoy 2007 and live every moment as intense as we can!

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The most important things

2006-12-23T20:12:00.000+02:00

I dedicate this post to my grandfather along with my wishes for his recovery.

First of all, I apologize for the sad post, but this theme was necessary for me.
The idea for it came into my mind when I realized that lately I didn't pay attention to the important things in my life. Such as family. It should be more important than any job, masters degree, friends. Then I started thinking that maybe I'm not the only one regretting not spending time to visit the relatives (grandparents in my case) eventhough they live in the same city, for example. Then when you hear one of your grandparents gets sick of an utter disease, you start feeling guilty you didn't spend more time with him, because who knows when you might get another chance. Also when you have known a person your entire life as being strong, athletic, healthy, funny and always cheerful and then all of a sudden he looks old, with a hunchback, not able to walk so well, breath or talk at all. You are shocked and besides feeling pity for him and incapable of refraining from crying, you start thinking that someday it will be your turn. And if you don't take care of your life, you may never get a second chance.

Our lives evolve around career, money, social status, properties, valuables and once in a while family and friends. Then, by the time we're 35-40 years old we realize we wasted our life working and we don't know what else to do. When we reach 60-70 years old, we need treatments, doctors and hospitals with other sick fellows like us to stay alive. Few of us, the lucky ones, will be visited by relatives who enrich our miserable lives with joy and feeling that we are loved and we will be remembered once we turn into dust.

The reason why this post is called " The most important things" is that I'd like to read your opinions about your life priorities. What do you consider the most important things to be in your life?

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We're not getting any smarter....

2006-12-19T15:03:00.000+02:00

Contrary to what many people might think, we will not become smarter in the future. Based on dr. Flynn's opinion from Otago University in New Zeeland, mankind evolved almost as much as possible up to this point, therefore we have reached our potential and a future development is considered to be imposible. He considers that the only posible development of other brain parts are for emotion and linguistic skills. Flynn based his findings on standard IQ tests for which the results have stopped increasing. The interpretation of this fact is not that people are getting more stupid but that the maximum limit of development has been reached. Results of IQ tests were improving in the last century due to adaptation to social environment, results were increased. Now in some parts of the world they are still increasing, e.g. in USA, but this is not necessarily relevant for the outcome of the study.
The researcher's advice for mankind is to help the evolution of linguistic and emotional parts of our brain by reading literature books. This may sound like a torture for many of us but still, maybe we can try :). What do you think?

Full story here

Tags: Evenimentul zilei

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Do you work on Fridays?

2006-12-15T14:02:00.000+02:00

Friday work....Not really work of course because this day is a reminder for working people that weekend is coming soon. Great joy so nobody feels like working anymore especially when weather is sunny and warm. If for example you work, like me, right close to a park and you go outside to enjoy the sun for a short break then all you want to do is take a nice stroll in the park and forget about anything else...what a nice dream. Friday is worse if people who are forced to work with you leave their offices for teambuilding and only you and some colleagues remain to do some "work". Then you find the remedy: stay on the balcony for short breaks, read interesting web articles, write emails to your friends and in all this time pretend to be very concentrated on the difficult tasks you're trying to solve.
You're all invited to share your Friday work experiences and the rest of activities done in the meanwhile.

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European Week Eindoven

2006-11-20T15:55:00.000+02:00

Last year I participated at the EWE event and I found it interesting for its debate subjects. The participants are students and the lecturers are professors from
TU/E (Eindhoven Technical University) and guests from EU, NATO councils. This year the topic is "European Evolution- from a separate past to a united future".
In 2006 the event reached the largest number of participants in its history: 450 students. Besides the interesting lectures, debates and workshops, the participants can choose from a variety of cultural programs, Amsterdam visit including of course a lot of clubbing and partying. Every night the organizers guide the participants in club tours, huge Auditorium event of 1000 "party animals" with various music styles, laser shows and of course large amounts of alcohol drinks.
If you are a student, want to debate with fellow international students over EU themes and are willing to experience Dutch and other European cultures, check out the conditions from EWE website and apply for an invitation.

Tags: EWE 2007, EWE website

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New DJ in town

2006-11-20T10:17:00.000+02:00

Some people like to go out in weekends, to a bar, club, movie, theatre with their friends. Others choose to leave the boring, cold city for other friendly destinations. It doesn't matter which kind of person you are, sometimes it's nice to just relax and chillout in a club where a new DJ made his appearance. It's interesting and fresh to witness his first event in that city, no one knows him there, the audience is not used to this music genre and therefore he may be a little nervous, not knowing what will happen. I kept hearing people forming opinions about clubbing days, the good old ones and the mainstream present times. Even though they are bragging about their "underground" culture, when the moment of listening to virgin sets comes, they don't like the music because it's not what they were used to, or fall down due to alcohol and who knows what else, thus laying on couches and sleeping. Forget about the "music" you like to hear, the one you are pasionate about, being the only reason you drive for 3 hours to go in a different city clubbing.
This weekend I have met this type of people and listened to great sets of a fresh DJ mixing trance. Even though I am not a trance fan, I enjoyed his music a great deal, because of the various slow and fast beats changing and therefore not becoming boring, new rythms and even old tunes mixed so that anyone can enjoy the sets.

This new DJ is Oliver Auerbach and the club where the afterhours event took place is Karma in the city of Constanta. The audience in this city still have to learn about quality music and the first condition to achieve this is to have an open mind. This German DJ has mixed before not only in Germany but also in Cheers club, Bucharest. One of his sets was played at Radio21.
I hope we'll hear about his new sets in the near future and who know, maybe he'll have a website where we can find out about his new club gigs, sets and post our comments.
Weiterhin viel Erfolg!

What DJs/bands/artists do you like and would like to see in a concert/clubbing?

Tags: Oliver Aurbach in Cheers, DI Trance channel , Trance

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What do you dream about?

2006-11-08T23:48:00.000+02:00

I created this blog in order to present interesting events with certain photos I like. No personal details and opinions whatsoever because this is not a session at a psychoanalyst or diary. However, in this post I will break my blogging golden rule and write a personal opinion.
I proposed myself an exercise of thinking and writing things I would love to do and don't find the time for. Of course, tben I thought I don't want to do this exercise by myself so I will ask the persons who are reading this blog to post comments about their hobbies, dream jobs, favorite movies or anything that raises their adrenaline, dream about and so on.

Right now I would love to be on a virgin slope in high altitude mountains, no traces of humans whatsoever, high degree of inclination and sharp rocks. The activity is obvious: ski. I would like to be afraid at first (which I am sure I would be) and then be thrilled to try the slope. To find my way through the difficult paths, pass trees, listen to a dynamic song (e.g. Queen's "Ride the wild wind"), feel free and light, wind blowing in my face. I can imagine the sensation and a huge smile on my face. My heart beating fast, speeding and at some point shouting anything because I'm alone and free from any constraints. Then arrive at the baseline and there is no crowd waiting for their turn at the funicular.
I hope tonight I'll dream about skiing like in previous wintertimes. For me, this activity plus Christmas and New Year's Eve make this cold, unfriendly season worth while.

Tags: Romanian ski resorts , European ski resorts , Hobbies , Dreams

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Romanian White Nights

2006-11-03T14:14:00.000+02:00

It is good to see Romanians have decided to import a beneficial event from our French friends. I am referring to the White Nights event which I have described in a previous post.
White Nights will be held in 16 Romanian cities so it looks like it will be an extended event for all Romanian insomniacs. The organizers invite us in the 4th November night to stay up and enjoy the artistical program which includes theatre plays, movies projections, 2 rock concerts, hip hop party and a lot of clubbing. The surprise is the graffiti contest gathering all the young artists willing to show their talent in this post modern art form.

One of the theatre plays will be "Belgrade trilogy" by Biliana Sbrljanovic with final year students from National Theatre Academy. For more details, you can look in my description from a previous post dedicated to this play in "Time for theatre" post.

During White nights we can view "Cum mi-am petrecut sfarsitul lumii". It is an interesting movie telling a story about two classmates breaking the bust of dictator Ceausescu in their school, during the Communism regime. The film has received very good reviews and has won "Un Certain Regard " award at the Cannes Festival for the Best Actress category.

I think it is a very good initiative of National Authority for Youth to promote this event and I will definitely attend to it. Who wants to join?

Tags: Nopti Albe , National Authority for Youth

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Free hugs

2006-10-31T21:41:00.000+02:00

Australia has promoted the "Free hugs" which is comprised as the name suggests, of hugs from and to citizens. This idea has been welcomed by the European and American countries, being considered a very good opportunity for people to remember or learn, whichever being the case, to express themselves in an open and close manner.

In Xian Chinese city, after the announcement for the "Free hugs" movement was published on Internet, volunteers gathered on the streets and started putting the campaign message into action.
The passing 'victims' hadn't find out about this new concept. Therefore they were shocked, some of them stopped to wonder about what was going on, others rushed away and the majority were appalled that such activities could happen. Even some incidents occurred which needed to be solved by police intervention. The cause of this failure is of course simple: Chinese tradition does not imply hugging. It was imported from foreign cultures and the Chinese people are not used to this form of expression.

Evidently, this campaign would have had success in Romania, for example, where people were accustomed with socializing and expressing their feelings, during many centuries of culture and tradition.
For the countries who have a permissive tradition for this kind of expression, I think the idea is very good because it reminds us that one we do not have to be alone, even if we lead busy lives, we do not have to run everyday back and forth on streets and do not even notice the other people passing by.
They are like us and we all share a small place in each community. We can actually remember how it is like to notice people around us, to smile once in a while and to socialize, without any alterior motives.

All this being said, would you like to take part in such a movement and come up with suggestions related to this idea?

The event was described from "Evenimentul Zilei" newspaper.

Tags: Free Hugs , Free Hugs on YouTube ,
Free Hugs on TEN News Australia

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Independent women

2006-10-29T20:18:00.000+02:00

Independent women have nowadays their own funds, ideas, hobbys and friends. They do not need to listen to what men say and think. They pay their own bills when they go out with possible partners (of course when they find time in their busy schedule). These women lead a very interesting life, full of targets, deadlines, meetings, presentations, responsibilities, aerobic classes, cars and good clothes. They always look sharp, nice hairdo, makeup, the latest trend in business dress code and the latest duo technology for their notebook processor. This dynamic rithm is continued until the women reach 30-35 years and they suddenly realise their friends think in 2 because they all have spouses. When they walk in the park they look with contemplation to the women who look after their babies and small kids, talking about the problems and they joys they encounter. Our case study women notice that they would like to have some other source joy in their life, except money, properties and car. Then the ides comes into their minds: find a man, marry and make kids. The only problem is it may be too late, the target men already have gone through these procedures with other women, not so independent, not so career oriented, who did not sacrifice so much for their development, stable income and targets.

After this our women agree that this is the price they need to pay, go to the office, plan the project organization for the next 3 weeks and go home at 3 a.m. After 1 week they decide to buy a cat or a dog and take care of the pet, substituting this way the need to care and be cared by someone.

Around the age of 35-40 our women have already adopted the 'Sex and the city' lifestyle. Therefore make a baby with the first man they have intercourse with after a long period of abstinence. Or find an older man tired of many failed relationships with top models lacking of personality, find a waiter which you can transform into a successful actor or fall in love with a man who can't marry you because you are not of the same religion as him.
Even Forbes magazine gives this advice to men: "Marry pretty women or ugly ones. Short ones or tall ones. Blondes or brunettes. Just, whatever you do, don't marry a woman with a career". A recent study has shown that even career women prefer the man to be the primary breadwinner of the family.

So, my dear women, do you think the future sounds nice? Don't worry just yet, this post is exaggerated and it is meant to make us prioritize everything in our lives with better care: ourselves, family, job, friends and so on. What do you think about all this nonsense?

Tags: Career women, Girls Blogosphere Club, Most powerful women

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Viewing Ploiesti....

2006-10-22T19:59:00.000+03:00

This weekend I went with my friend Alina in her hometown Ploiesti. Although I had passed by this city plenty of times before, when going to the mountains, I never really visited it until now. I admit it was a very nice experience, I saw nice architecture of modern buildings and also old cathedrals.

The weekend was also productive for me because I finally purchased nice costumes at reasonable prices and studied a bit for my master's exams next week. Also the conversations with Alina were interesting as usual and hopefully in the near future we will prepare a develop a lucrative surprise.

Now it's time for some details about Ploiesti. Extract from Wikipedia:
The city was founded in 1596 during the reign of Mihai Viteazul (Michael the Brave).In the mid-19th century, the Ploieşti region became one of the most important oil extraction and refinery sites in the world. The city was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1940, but managed to become the main source of oil for Nazi Germany during World War II, when Romania was allied to Germany. The city was captured by Soviet troops in August 1944. If you want to know more, read here the full history.

Tags: Ploiesti, Alina

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Journey to a great woman

2006-10-17T22:01:00.000+03:00

I have recently discovered a blog written by an impressive woman. This discovery was done through Alina's post on Girls Blogosphere Club. After you read a few of the posts from Naomi's blog, you will regard the author as a source of strength, positive attitude and unconditioned love towards her children and grandchild. I have read many stories full of grief and suffering belonging to different people and in general the majority of them didn't have any hopes left for a better life. The major difference which is very impressive in Naomi's life stories is that she always keeps a positive attitude towards the events, even if they are worse than anyone can imagine.

She thanks God for not being in more troubles than she is, in some situations when we would all be upset, angry that we were so unlucky. Naomi finds strength in herself to continue her life, to make the best choices for her and especially her daughter and grandchild, who are the center of her universe. I admit I felt ashamed that sometimes I am dominated by minor things that are irrelevant in comparison to the real problems people like Naomi face. And these people deal with the situations in an admirable manner, which is even more to appreciate. Let us all learn from her and in the same time encourage her to remain the wonderful person she already is and to fulfill her dreams.

Tags: Naomi's blog, Girls Blogosphere Club, Single mother

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Let's tolerate...

2006-10-16T23:14:00.000+03:00

A new amendment was proposed by the Muslim Cult from Romania in the Romanian Chambers of Deputies. The intention is to include the additional settlement within the Cults Law. This project is currently under debate and it specifies that any forms, means, acts or actions of defamation or instigation towards religios feud wil be forbidden. If the amendment is approved , one of the effects will be that certain rock concerts, movies, books or theatre plays will be banned. Therefore, fans of the respective bands, who wear Tshirts with their idols signs, photos or crosses can be penalized based on this law.
As a protest movement, the Solidarity Organisation for Freedom of Conscience will set up a concert in Piata Constitutiei on 28th of October, in Bucharest.

What do you think of this new settlement? Do you agree with it, are you among the young fans that will protest or simply a citizen appaled of the free expression right being taken away?

Tags: Source article, Chamber of Deputies, Blogs about cults

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Venice Carnival

2006-10-15T14:09:00.000+03:00

I've just seen the description of the events for the last 8 years carnival in Venice and I thought this is a "must see" show. It doesn't matter if you're 20 or 50 years old, with your girlfriend, family or friends. This 10 days event is for anyone who is willing to dress in a ball costume and enjoy the historical palaces, streets, canals and everything else Venice has to offer. As a carefully organized event, the schedule is available in due time. Also the festival website offers the possibility of making reservations for hotel rooms.
Last year the stars of the carnival were, in my opinion, the characters shown here:

Tags: Venice carnival, Costumes photos, Blogs about Venice carnival

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I got shot!

2006-10-15T11:34:00.000+03:00

The winter season is getting closer as we've already noticed this week by the low temperatures. It's time to start gathering our ski/snowboard equipment, to check out the weather reports for the mountain areas and to start polishing our boards. But the first thing we need to do is to participate in the warm-up party and the media (photos and videos) competition for snowboarders at the "I got shot!" event.

Cafe Terrace (next to Ateneu) will host this event, on 28th of Otober starting from 19:00.
The music is provided by the artists Grasu XXL, Paco 10 Grei, Bitza, and the club mixing is handled by Skiller, DJ Bully, Konspirator, Trg.

Everyone is welcome to join the party and in the meantime to celebrate the beginning of snowboard season. If you want to participate in the contest you need to gather the best 3 photos and or a video to show us your boarding skills. Send them here and the jury will analyze them. You need to show in the media what snowboarding means to you, what is your lifestyle and how boarders have fun.Then join the event and you can win a backpack full of awards. The organizers have announced they will also prepare additional surprises.

Tags: I got shot!, Boarders shop, Snowboarders forum, Snowboard, Prahova slopes

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Soccer game? Not really....

2006-10-12T22:09:00.000+03:00

Today at Howard Johnson a soccer game was simulated in order to demonstrate that anything can be managed and monitored using business processes environment.

The event "Improve Your Team Play" was inspired of course from the Soccer World Championship and it was used to exemplify the use of Process Performance Manager of ARIS platform. The provider of this business solution is IDS Scheer. It was a very interesting presentation, even for a newbie like me who has no idea about the business flows.

The demo included the famous France-Italy soccer game from this year's championship. The conclusion is that the players performance can be monitorized using the above mentioned solution, resulting in reports, charts. Of course the results of the analysis can be used to improve the team performance and also detect the best, the worst performance per each player. It would be interesting to know if game strategies will be implemented using a database which includes not only all the possible combinations of attacks, defenses, but also the players' qualities, specific performances for each training and competition days, field conditions, referees, country and so on.

Tags: Improve Your Team Play, IDS Scheer,
World soccer championship, Soccer

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Not Hollywood movies

2006-10-08T23:32:00.000+03:00

'Annonymous' festival was held this year in Danube Delta at Sfantu Gheorghe and this weekend the retrospective was organized in Bucharest at Studio cinema. Films participating in the competition, short movies and the awarded movies were shown this weekend.
The only short movies that brought something new and was interesting to follow, in my opinion, were the German anime "Not the end", the Romanian "Love close-up" and the Australian movie "Wait please".
The first one won the first prize for "Best short anime" and it ironically presents the strange relationship between 2 people who end up cheating each other, the modern people who always seem to work out and the omnipresent cactus flower who apparently is connected to all the characters.
The story described in the Romanian movie is obviously, as the title suggests, a love story triggered by a brief encounter between a Russian student coming to visit Bucharest and a suicidal Romanian. The woman saves his life, takes care of him and spends one and night with him. The memory of a simple, beautiful love affair is just what both of them needed.
The Australian movie depicts a suicide attempt in a funny way. The desperate person makes a phone call to a help line and from here on the well known procedure for any call center needs to be followed in order to actually manage to speak to an operator.
"Offside" Iranian movie has won the "Best Director" award presenting the strict regulations in Iran related to women spectators at soccer matches. Irony, smart comments and funny situations are a nice blend for explaining the passion of several women for football and the extent they would go to in sacrificing almost anything for sneaking into the soccer field. For me, the most impressing character is a young girl who went through many attempts and difficult moments in order to enter the stadium for celebrating the memory of her boyfriend who had died at a soccer match.
The great festival prize and the award for best image went to the Maroccan drama "Heaven's doors". Three independent stories are described in an alert rythm specific for modern Casablanca, all having in common one symbol: the mother. She is always the person who stands by her children no matter what wrong paths they choose, what insults they have for the person who gave them life or for the disappointments they 'bestow' on others. A hard life with illegal activities handled by poor, desperate citizens is described in fast moving images backed up by suitable songs. The directors are the Noury brothers, one 28 years old and the other only 23. Therefore we expect many other masterpieces from the talented young directors.

Tags: "Annonymous" festival , Heaven's Doors, Offside

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Time for theater

2006-10-05T22:01:00.000+03:00

Last evening a friend of mine, Ionut Grama, a talented young actor had his debut with the play entitled "Belgrade Trilogy". This is one of the projects for his diploma due to graduating Theater Academy.

The script written by Biljana Srbljanovic describes three stories related to Serbian citizens, all forced to flee the country due to the war. Their aspirations of starting a new life are completely different from the real situations. Even though their financial status has improved, they suffer from personal dilemmas, created by the change of environment. The immigrants are presented in three locations (Prague, Sydney and Los Angeles) at the New Year's Eve celebration. Each character is led by frustations and dramatical situations are sometimes described with dark humour. At the end of the play we realize that nobody is happy with the new life and everyone has a feeling of unaccomplishment. Whether the reason comes from financial status, carreer pursuit, marital life or sexual inability, their lives seem to be cursed. The rich young lady suffers because she had to leave the country due to her husband will, the loving brother longs for his lost love, the alcoholic husband cannot satisfy his wife anymore, the workaholic is permanently criticized by his spouse, the pianist becomes a waitress and the actor fails to receive any theatrical parts.

The only character that seems content with his life is the Serbian man born in USA, full of arrogance, paranoia and violence towards strangers. When the play reaches the end, we do not feel we have witnessed a great art performance or have relaxed after a long day. It is an intellectual display where the viewers are forced, in a way, to reflect upon its meanings. I believe there is a double meaning of the script, one national and one personal. The characters are depicted through the difficult circumstances found in their homeland and each individual has to reflect on one's choices and to adapt one's goals to each encountered situation. On the other hand, the US citizen is described in an ironical way, full of flaws, not capable of analysis, only following his first insticts and no quality whatsoever.

Below I included two photos of the New Year's celebration in Sydney in which Ionut Grama acts.

Scene for New Year's Eve in Sydney

Tags: Bucharest Theatre Academy , Belgrade, Biljana Srbljanovic

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View the world through lenses

2006-10-04T02:35:00.000+03:00

I saw a link to a photo workshop organized by a Romanian professional photographer Mihai Moceanu. As I was browsing through his photos taken in the Alps, Romanian mountains Retezat, Maramures area, Valea Vaserului. Then I thought that the idea of training others into a few courses and practical exercices taking photos in a beautiful Romanian landscape is quite useful and of course business wise (the course has a fee of course). Very good idea indeed.
Then I moved on to more exotic places this planet has to offer: African continent, New Zeeland and South America. These landscapes were offered by Ladislav Kamarad, an artist who enjoys taking photos from above 8000m altitude.

Namibian desert

"Dark Planet" - Moeraki Boulders in New Zeeland

"Golden Peak " in Peru

Then, from the impressive landscapes, peaceful nature, as a 180 degree turnover I browsed and discovered the winner for the 2006 World Press photo.

The photo shows the emaciated fingers of a one-year-old child pressed against the lips of his mother at an emergency feeding clinic in Niger. A devastating swarm of locusts and the worst drought in decades left millions of people short of food in the African state.
Here is another photo of the winner photojournalist Finbarr O’Reilly, that depicts the "beautiful Africa" as he described it.

The gallery for the winners at the World Press Photo contest includes shocking images of news from this year all around the world, from bomb attacks to starving people in African villages.

These images along with their stories offer a devastating image of our world and I can't help thinking that while there are healty, fortunate people worrying over all the silly things in their lives, analyzing all the minor details (their choices, thoughts, beliefs, desires, fights and so on), in another area of the world or maybe in the same city, terrible events take place. Thus the "unlucky" people have important problems which are seen only by a few journalists, the members of a few social organizations and the entertainment stars who wish to leave their own share of good deeds(for whatever reasons they may have).

Tags: World Press, Mihai Moiceanu, Ladislav Kamarad
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Phoenix tour for Baba Novak

2006-10-02T17:48:00.000+03:00

The legendary band has announced the Baba Novak tour in ten Romanian cities. It doesn't matter what age, social background, income level, the vast majority of Romanians are familiar with Phoenix songs. Some lyrics have remained famous, have been added to the Romanian vocabulary as generally valid sayings. Also several songs after the comunism period that are included in the folk and pop genres are remakes of Phoenix well-known melodies. Even though the configuration of the band has changed over the years, Phoenix has remained our favorite choice regarding the Romanian music. These famous people delivered anti-comunism messages through their songs when no one else even dared to say a word on this topic. The messages were of course expressed in metaphores and therefore a connection was created between the public and the band: people who understood and felt in the same way. Being forced to flee the country, they returned after freedom of speech was restored in Romania and exactly as the phoenix bird is resurected from its ashes, the same way the musical "bird" returned to Romanian scene. Besides the meaningful lyrics and good melody line, what impressed me related to this band is its longevity: since the original band entitled "The Saints" in 1962, until nowadays.

The tour schedule is presented below:
11th october 2006 Constanta - Casa de Cultura
12th october 2006 Braila - Sala Sporturilor
13th october 2006 Brasov -Sala Sporturilor
14th october 2006 Pitesti - Casa de Cultura
18th october 2006 Craiova - Casa Studentilor
19th october 2006 Arad - Casa de Cultura
20th october 2006 Cluj Napoca - Casa Studentilor
22th october 2006 Bistrita - Sala Sporturilor
23th october 2006 Iasi - Casa de Cultura
25th october 2006 Bucuresti - Sala Polivalenta

For those of you who are interested in finding out what songs are included in the Baba Novak album:

1. Zori de zi
2. Fluier in cer
3. Orasul scufundat
4. Pasarea de foc
5. Singur
6. Apocalipsa
7. Baba Novak
8. Haituit
9. To My Brothers…
10. Orient Express
11. Orujo
12. Mila 2 de langa 3

Tag: Phoenix lyrics

What I've seen, felt and hurt in Romania

2006-09-28T21:35:00.000+03:00

This month, HotNews organized an interesting photo contest meant to bring amateur and professional photographers together. The theme is very generous considering the many posibilities for the artists to capture beautiful scenery, emotional moments from day to day life of Romanians all over the country and painful portraits. It makes no difference if the photos were taken in the Carpathian mountains, in the frozen Black Sea or in the vast fields of Muntenia, they are altogether fascinating. I personally took an hour to view the final selected photos which comprise of 100 images. They are found here:
http://www.hotnews.ro/concursfoto/concursfoto_finala.php

I have inserted a few pictures which, in my opinion, follow the requirements of the contest: to capture the theme, to not be digitally modified or already published.

Autumn sunrise in Semenic Mountains

Morning thoughts

Autum in Iliesti

Childhood on a sidewalk in Bucharest

Drawings in water, at Jdioara

Tag: Romania

White night in Paris

2006-09-27T16:16:00.000+03:00

Maybe you are wondering about the purpose of a white night in this European city. This event is a celebration of setting the sleep aside just for one night in order to join a party or a relaxing discussion. This year's edition of the extravagant Parisian "Nuit Blanche" is scheduled for October 2nd. This modern awakening has inspired other cities such as Rome and Montreal, to host artistic all-nighters. During this annual nocturnal fiesta, various monuments and sites, not usually open to the public until the late hours, become the backdrop of a series of “insomniac” art installations and performances. In the spirit of this tradition, during this night, insomnia becomes a virtue for the participants. All the museums, libraries, cinemas, parks, public gardens, swimming pools, shops and universities are open until dawn. Last year over 600.000 people didn't get any sleep, enjoying the night out in Paris.

Miyazaki's Manga

2006-09-26T20:54:00.000+03:00

Given the fact I previously wrote about Miyazaki , the famous manga director, in the post about the anime/manga festival, I considered necessary to insert here short descriptions of my favorite Miyazaki mangas.

The Howl's Moving Castle presents a love story between an 18-year-old girl cursed by a witch into an old woman's body, and the notorious wizard Howl in his a flying castle. The characters have magical powers and obviously they are fighting in the eternal 2 sides: for the good and evil. Even though the plot seems somewhat childish, this manga, as awell as all Miyazaki's creations, presents symbols of modern society.

Pricess Mononoke is a symbolic battle between man and nature. The Mankind evolved by taming the nature which led to its eradication. The plot is described as the fight between the mighty clans of animals and the humans.

Spirited Away is, in my opinion, the metaphore of modern society presented to its peak in the consumption era. The inhabitants of such a society appear as never having enough consume of products and services. The story presents a different world, in which each citizen needs to work hard for satisfying the master. Humans that arrive, by chance in this world, have to pay for being greedy and the only chance is the young girl whose character has not been compromised yet by consumerism.

Festival for anime/manga fans

2006-09-26T19:09:00.000+03:00

Otaku festival is held in Bucharest and Brasov starting from this year. Incredible news, at least for me, and in the same time thrilling. I can't consider myself an otaku which means obsessed fan of anime and manga. I am somewhat a regular fan of manga. Probably most of us have watched Miyazaki's famous Spirited Away, Mononoke Princess, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Winds and Howl's Moving Castle (presented at TIFF event last year).

This festival promises to promote the young Romanian artists in the anime/illustration/3D industry, who have been inspired by Otaku culture. The expo will contain a great deal of magazines, posters, Tshirts, badges and so on. Obviously the movies will not be left out and also documentaries. The location is at Centrul National de Dans Contemporan in Bucharest and at Centru Cultural REDUTA in Brasov. Very good news for all of us is the free entrance so we can all enjoy this event. Surely, it will set the trend for future festivals to come. The date set for Brasov is 30 September and for Bucharest 07-08 October.

More information is available at the festival official website:
http://www.otakufestival.com/

TMBase Again

2006-09-26T18:24:00.000+03:00

This year is time for the 9th edition of Drum&Base festival held in the old city of Timisoara. Last year I travelled for 500 km to enjoy this form of trendy urban electronic music and I would say that definitely this event is a must do. The location is also unique being a deserted industrial building. The location is a vast space and tall columns with no tables, chairs or anything that can be considered furniture. However, do not worry, the entire atmosphere in which the laser show is included, obviously, gives one the feeling that the event is indeed underground. Therefore one can except to see interesting characters and for sure, not one trace of "manele" or "latino" lovers.
Some of the artists are: Adapt, Alex S, Dr.Dan, Makunouchi Bento, Mr Pit, P Nal, Qewza, Sensorship, Sneila, Toxica, Ufo&Ummo, Urban Experience.
The conclusion is we need to free some time from work, university and other irrelevant activities, between 19th and 21st of October and join this base party. If you are interested in more details, here is the official website:

http://www.tmbase.ro/festival.php?lang=en