"The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" of John Boyne

Hi Everyone!

Recently I have read one of the books of John Boyne, an Irish novelist, which is titled The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. I decided to tell you about this novel for two reasons. First of all, in my point of view, it touches really embarrassing problem and, obviously, it is worth bearing this in mind. Furthermore, a Boyne's style attracts reader's attention. Why? He has this amazing capacity to tell about very serious matters in simple words.

(http://www.dailyedge.ie/boy-in-the-striped-pyjamas-voted-favourite-winner-of-bisto-book-awards-346677-Feb2012/)

Do you know John Boyne? He was born on 1971 in Dublin and published his first novel  called The Thief of Time (Weidenfeld & Nicholson) in 2000. It is woth pointing out that Boyne recived Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of East Anglia this year. Today I would like to present you his the most well-known book which was awarded with a large number of prizes, including Irish Book Awards Children's Book of the Year, Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis and Qué Leer Award Best International Novel of the Year. 

Taking place in Germany, the story focuses on the life of one of the German wealthies families in the 1940 s. One day, Bruno  the 8-year old boy moves from Berlin to the country due to his father's responsibilities. The father works as an officer: it is really valued profession. Bruno and his sister, Gretel can't get out. But Bruno breaks the rules and, as a result, he knows Shmuel. It might appear that his new friends lives in an entirely different world: behind a barbed wire fence...

WHY you can't find a job?

Hi Everyone!

How are you today? I would like to bring up very crucial subject which concerns many people. Do you wonder why people aren't getting hired? To tell the truth, today's job market is different than it once was. Why? In my point of view, it depends on many aspects. One of the most significant factors is an enormous number of employees: following on from that problem, the job market becomes more competitive. There is no point in fretting about this: you can't change it. 

(http://www.regaltribune.com/north-carolina-unemployment-grows-as-nebraska-retains-lowest-rate-in-the-country/22597/)

Coming back to the most important question, "Why you can't find a job?" I must admit that when you don't have work experience you can use volunteer jobs. In my opinion, this is the best way to achieve your goal. According to prospects.ac.uk:

"Volunteering can be a multi-purpose endeavour. Some students and graduates say that they volunteer to make a positive contribution to society in some way. For other people, volunteering is an important way of gaining the skills needed to pursue certain careers and to bolster their CVs" 

(http://www.prospects.ac.uk/work_experience_volunteering.htm)

Furthermore, not only your outfit but also behaviour during job interview might negatively impact on the outcome. You should remember that humbleness is really welcome. First an foremost, you have to pluck up the courage to apply for a job. Then I recommend you to discuss your CV with a specialist.

When you stuff yourself with candy...

Hi Everyone!

And now for something completely different :) Do you know that many people gorge themselves on chocolate and candy due to extreme stress? It allows to work off their frustration, tiredness and, above all, makes them happy. More and more of us are stuffing themselves with (not only) snacks in odrer to obscure troubles. It is common knowlegde that sugar and carbs affect human mood.  If you reach for chocolate (or a slice of chocolate cake) when something makes you skittish and then you are relieved... You should mull it over.

Unfortunately, eating beyond measure leads to health problems: one of these diseases is obesity. What's more, it can be results in mental disorder. It's worth risking our life?

 (http://www.milionkobiet.pl/zdrowie/dlaczego-ciagle-zajadamy-stres-slodyczami-naukowcy-znalezli-odpowiedz,20514,1,a.html)

According to psychologists and nutritionists, it's necessary to deal with our mind. Then, we can focus on our body. It is interesting that a strict diet leads down a blind alley: it cab result in obesity. The human body has to adapt to changes. It's bad enough that we begin to eat five small meals a day which contain a number of large of vegetables. Furthermore, experts advise people who have weight loss problem to engage in sports. 

So let's do it :)

Are you addicted to the Internet?

Recently I've found an Internet Addiction Test (IAT) (http://netaddiction.com/internet-addiction-test/). You can read:

"The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) is the first validated test for Internet Addiction to measure Internet use in terms of mild, moderate, to several levels of addiction.

Based upon the following five-point likert scale, select the response that best represents the frequency of the behavior described in the following 20-item questionnaire".

I must admit that more and more people are suffering from various addictions. These days we are living in a hurried society: people are feeling not only overwhelmed but also overworked. That is why we are prone to stimulants and become addicted not only to nicotine but also the Internet and a phone. What's the first thing you do when you wake up? Many people log onto Facebook and check their email account (using a smartphone, multiple times per day). Even at breakfast they surf the Internet ignoring their family members. 

 (http://www.bandwidthplace.com/internet-addiction-disorder-when-online-is-all-the-time-article/)

What's more, in the Internet everything is available: we can shop groceries, clothes, electrical and electronic equipment. Low prices and convenience have an impact to our decision: we prefer to stay in. Unfortunately, all addictions run a huge risk. I recommend you to take a break from technology and dedicate time to yourself and your family.

Colombian violence: "Delirium" of Laura Restrepo

Today I would like to tell you a little about "One of the finest novels written in recent memory" (according to José Saramago). This Portuguese writer, awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1998, had in mind one of the works of Laura Restrepo, Delirium (2004, VII Premio Alfaguara de Novela).

I agree completely with Saramago: Delirium deserves really warm acclaim. In my point of view, everyone shoud read this not only captivating but also touching novel.

Firstly, I present you a bit Laura Restrepo. You must know that she is one of the most renowned Latin American authoress. Restrepo was born in 1950 in Colombia. She graduated at the Department of Philosophy and Humanities (Specialization: Political Science) and then she was emploed as a lecturer and journalist. She is not only a novelist but also a political activist: in 1982 the president of Colombia, Belisario Betancur engaged her in peace negotiations with the M-19 guerillas.  

 (http://www.azquotes.com/author/49493-Laura_Restrepo)

In her work Laura Restrepo pays close attention to Colombian's drugs trafficking and violence at the end of the 20th century. One of the main figures is as clear as day Pablo Escobar: an infamous Colombian drug lord. Delirium focuses on a love story between Agustina (an aristocrat) and Aguilar who belongs to the middle-class. He gets his Ph.D. in Literature but due to major riot he has to give up his professional carrer and start to feed dogs. Agustina suffers from delirium and, unfortunately, loses her mind. Her madness stands for Colombian disruption caused by drugs trafficking. What is more, Restrepo pays careful attention to aristocratic moral hypocrisy.

A little bit about Dubrovnik

Hi Everyone!

How are you today? How did you spend your weekend? 

Recently I have promised you a little mention of my favourite Croatian city: Dubrovnik. Ok, here goes!

Since childhood, during my summer holiday, I have been in the habit of traveling with my parents. I must admit that the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik, made on me an incredible  impression.

Firstly, Dubrovnik is situated at the heart of one of the most renowned tourist destination in the Mediterranean Sea: Dalmatia. Each year a bit of people decide to spend their holiday here. Really nice weather, kind inhabitants and partys into the small hours - that's why I point this city as a place so attractive for everyone. 

I recommend you to tour the fortress called Lovrijenak. However, you have to be in reasonably good shape :) There are so many stairs (too many for me...) but the fact is that you have an opportunity to burn off a few calories. Honestly, at the top I got to see absolutely breathtaking scenery: I found myself in entirely different world.

(http://www.hotelclub.com/blog/walled-city-of-dubrovnik-pearl-of-the-adriatic/)

Furthermore, you should visit Sponza Palace. According to HotelClub:

"This historic Gothic Renaissance palace is one of the few buildings that has survived the catastrophic 1667 earthquake and has stayed intact. This is the finest architectural monument of Dubrovnik and is currently used to house the National Activities".

(http://www.hotelclub.com/blog/walled-city-of-dubrovnik-pearl-of-the-adriatic/)

 

This historic Gothic Renaissance palace is one of the few buildings that has survived the catastrophic 1667 earthquake and has stayed intact. This is the finest architectural monument of Dubrovnik and is currently used to house the National Archives. The entry fee will cost you just 22 Kuna and all that money is more than well spent as you admire the beauty of the Sponza. - See more at: http://www.hotelclub.com/blog/walled-city-of-dubrovnik-pearl-of-the-adriatic/#sthash.OSUEaise.dpuf

This historic Gothic Renaissance palace is one of the few buildings that has survived the catastrophic 1667 earthquake and has stayed intact. This is the finest architectural monument of Dubrovnik and is currently used to house the National Archives. The entry fee will cost you just 22 Kuna and all that money is more than well spent as you admire the beauty of the Sponza. - See more at: http://www.hotelclub.com/blog/walled-city-of-dubrovnik-pearl-of-the-adriatic/#sthash.OSUEaise.dpuf

Sponza Palace

Sponza Palace

 (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/citybreaks/8458904/Dubrovnik-Croatia-packages-hotels-restaurants-and-getting-around.html)

Personally, I think that the most interesting part was all that family bonding time. What's more, I love eating traditional Croatian food: my favourite dish is prawns with octopus and I have a strong yearning for Dubrovnik.

Welcome to Croatia!

 Hi Everyone!

How are you today? Although the weather is daunting and we are eagerly waiting to catch a whiff of spring I hope that you are taking full advantage of your free time. Btw, I recommend you to boost your immune system in an attempt to avoid catching a cold. You should make ginger tea with lemon and honey. This, I believe, is the best way to not get sick easily.  

Today I would like to encourage you to plan your holidays in Croatia. In the world we can visit a lot of delightful and charming places but, in my opinion, Dalmatia is one of the regions which you have to see. I therefore think it is important to point out that this is one of the most popular and noteworthy tourist destination. 

In Croatia you can admire not only breathtaking landscapes but also marvellous monuments. In this country you meet very hospitable and generous people. Furthermore, you have a chance to sample a large number of traditional dishes. If you are in no mood for visiting tourist attractions I suggest you to lie around on the beach all day.  

 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvreWbVDECY)

In the next day I tell you a little about Dubrovnik: my favourite Croatian city.

See you soon!