Author: Tamara Mrázová
Interesting facts about film How to lose a guy in 10 days
Great, romantic, and fresh classic: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. It’s a film that almost everyone has seen. Released in 2003, it’s been a fixture on TV screens in hundreds of countries for 21 years. Viewers join the cheerful main character, Andie, played by Kate Hudson, in a romantic comedy packed with laughter and love. Can you really lose a guy in 10 days? If you love this film as much as we do, you’ll definitely want to check out these interesting facts you might not know. A Million-Dollar Hit At first glance, it might seem like just another run-of-the-mill romantic comedy from Hollywood, but it’s actually quite the opposite. It was a huge success, raking in around 180 million dollars. Unforgettable Yellow Dress Anyone who’s seen the film will remember the iconic yellow dress Kate Hudson wears at the end. Designed by Carolina Herrera, this dress has become a reference for many classic elegant designs. It was love at first sight during the costume fitting, and the entire crew agreed it would be a standout piece in the film. Million-Dollar Necklace The necklace that Andie proudly wore at the end of the film was made of real diamonds, allowing us to see genuine diamonds in all their beauty on camera. It was later auctioned off for 5 million dollars. Based on a Book The film was adapted from a book by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long. It was a short, humorous book with illustrations that the screenwriters transformed into a cinematic masterpiece. Best Friends The authors of the original concept, Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long, were the inspiration for the names of Andie’s best friends in the film. They were named Michele and Jeannie, and along with Andie, they formed a perfect trio of women who made us smile more than once. Iconic Scenes Were Improvised If you remember the scene where Andie brings Ben a plate of vegetables while he’s playing poker with his friends and then throws it into the air, that was pure improvisation. Kate Hudson also added her own lines to the script, which fit perfectly into the film and added to its authenticity. Source of Famous Quotes The film has become a source of memorable quotes for many romantic comedies that followed. One notable example is: “You can’t lose something you never had. You can’t lose me.”
8 Cultural Shocks Slovaks Experience Living in Spain
Spaniards are known for their open, lively personalities and their love for celebrating life. In Spain they live by their emotions and find positive energy in everyday moments. Compared to Slovaks, they’re more liberal and aren’t afraid to be controversial or stand out. I had the chance to experience life in Spain myself when I took a job in tourism and services for the summer. The differences I noticed were endless, but some were so striking they deserve their own article. Here are the 8 biggest cultural shocks I faced as a Slovak living in Spain for three months. 1. Divorce Even though Spaniards are family-oriented, they tend to have more fluid family structures. While the divorce rate in Slovakia is around 28%, in Spain it has climbed to 60%. What’s even more surprising is that half of those divorces occur within the first two years of marriage. It’s not uncommon for people in Spain to marry up to three times in their lifetime. 2. Timing in Life Slovak women typically get married at around 27, while Spanish women wait until they’re about 33. Spaniards don’t usually plan their children; they believe they’ll come at the right time. Young people often don’t think too much about the future and leave things to fate. Most of the youth don’t pursue higher education or full-time jobs. 3. Vulgar language While Slovaks might use vulgar language in everyday communication, we generally know when to hold back and keep it out of polite conversation. In Spain, this is turned on its head. Swear words are used regularly and can express both positive and negative emotions. You’ll hear them in the workplace, in stores, and even on public transport. 4. Siesta in Spain It’s real, not just a myth—Spaniards really do enjoy their naps! If you thought the siesta, or afternoon nap, was just a stereotype or something only for children, think again. Most employers give their staff an hour or two in the afternoon for a good rest. Many offices even have designated rooms where employees can take a nap. 5. Sparkling Water If you ask for sparkling mineral water while on vacation in Spain, you’ll likely be recognized as a tourist. Spaniards don’t drink it, like it nor aren’t used to it. You’ll mostly find it in tourist areas, and it’s rare in smaller, remote villages. For them, there’s nothing better than regular, filtered still water. 6. Nightclubs In Slovakia, nightclubs are mainly for the younger crowd. It’s rare to see bars full of people from different age groups on a Friday night. In Spain, however, it’s completely normal for colleagues to hit up a club together during the workweek, regardless of their age. Fun knows no age limit there, and younger folks often dance alongside their parents and even grandparents at the same nightclub. 7. Socializing and Visiting in Spain In Slovakia, it’s common to visit each other’s homes, enjoy a good glass of wine, and catch up. In Spain, this isn’t a tradition. Spaniards prefer meeting outside their homes, often in lively bars with loud music and socializing in the city centers. 8. Spanish Music In Slovakia, we listen to a mix of music—Slovak, Czech, English, and even Spanish. Radios play songs in various languages. In Spain, though, the music scene is different. They mostly listen to reggaeton or Spanish-language songs performed by Latin artists. You won’t find many globally famous English hits in their music lineup.
Are you thinking of getting a tattoo? Read this first!
A tattoo today is more than just body art—it’s a way to express yourself or capture important life moments. For some, it symbolizes freedom; for others, it’s a memory of someone special or simply a style choice. What was once seen as rebellious is now a normal part of life for many. If you’re trying to decide whether to get a tattoo, there are a few things you should think about first. Hopefully, these tips will help you make up your mind. Placement Carefully consider where you want your tattoo. It’s not just about how it looks and whether it will be visible, but also about how sensitive the area is. Think about your pain tolerance because of nerve endings and the thinness of the skin. The most sensitive spots are the ribs, ankles, neck, inner thighs, hands, and fingers. Artist Art isn’t just limited to paintings, music, or poetry—tattoos are definitely a form of artistic expression too. Just like other artists, tattoo artists have their own unique style. Make sure you’re 100% happy with the artist’s style before committing. Even if you bring your own design, the final tattoo might have slight variations. Health Risks Before getting a tattoo, it’s a good idea to check if you have any allergies to the ink or other materials that will be used. If you have any health conditions, be sure to consult your doctor first. Aftercare A tattoo is a permanent change to your body, so it would be a shame if it got ruined by improper care. You might get a lot of different advice, but trust what your tattoo artist recommends and follow their instructions closely. Removing a Tattoo Hurts More Than Getting One While many believe that tattoos are permanent, modern techniques have made removal possible. You can use a special laser to “burn” a tattoo off your skin. However, most people say that the removal process is more painful than getting it in the first place. So, think carefully about whether it’s worth it for you. “MY BODY IS MY JOURNAL, AND MY TATTOOS ARE MY STORY.” – JOHNNY DEPP
How to prepare yourself for back to school
It’s that time of year again—time to start off another school year! Organization and preparation are essential for a successful return to school. Students who are well-organized get better grades, experience less stress, and have greater confidence. However, it’s normal for kids (and their parents) to feel anxious about returning to school. Read on if you want to know how to start the school year on the right note. Establish a daily routine and stick to it As summer winds down, it is important to re-establish your routine. Have you ever noticed that the anxiety that stems from being late or forgetting your homework can ruin your entire day? This can be avoided by simply following a basic routine that would include doing homework, brushing your teeth, showering, etc. Establishing a daily routine will help you stay motivated and rested as you work through your workload. Make a to-do list Your to-do list can contain tasks you want to complete within a certain amount of time, such as chores, homework, test preparation, healthy habits, and creative projects. Choose whether you want to set your goals for each day, month or year. Make it creative so that is helpful, but also fun. Afterall, a to-do list might help boost your productivity. Create your own study place You can easily lose focus by digging through a cluttered desk or listening to your family members as they converse. Find a clean and quiet area in your house where you can sit and study or complete homework. Keep all the distractions, such as your phone, out of sight. Instead of sitting in bed which could make you sleepy, opt for sitting at a desk with a comfortable chair. Go shopping for supplies One of the most fun things on back to school might be shopping for new school supplies. Pick out a new school bag, notebooks, binders, pens and highlighters that will help you stay organized. A little shopping spree could boost your excitement and make you feel better prepared. Find ways to manage stress School can be stressful, no matter if you are 10 or 20 years old. Keeping the stress at bay is very important for your health and future success. If your find yourself overwhelmed with stress try to step back, take a deep breath and recognize your feelings. Sometimes stress might get too difficult to handle, in case it happens do not be ashamed to seek help. “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai
Car to Donate for Ukraine’s Victory
The team is transferring cars for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Ukrainian rescuers and doctors. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the transfer of 40 vehicles from Spain, Italy, and Poland has been organized. One car from Ukraine and one from Germany were given to the team as gifts. These cars have already been transferred. In addition, the team helps organise the purchase, maintenance, and transfer of vehicles to other volunteer groups on a turnkey basis. More than 100 000 euros (about UAH 4 000 000) have been entrusted to us in one form or another. The founders of the organisation post all the reports on their Facebook page. There you can find photos and a complete spending history with costs and receipts there. We are grateful to All People Who Make Donations, the Team, our Partners, and everyone who spent at least a minute of their time or one hryvnia from their budget for a common cause. And we keep going! If you have a car that you want to donate to save lives in Ukraine, we are ready to provide the whole process on a turnkey basis: paperwork; transfer; maintenance; report. We guarantee that the car will be transferred as a form of humanitarian aid, and we will provide the donor with all subsequent documentation and reports. At the donor’s request, we can indicate their name on the car and social networks. If you want to help, you can fill out the form at https://cartodonate.com/, and we’ll contact you for further details. You can also help the project by providing financial help: UAH PRIVAT: 5168752005654333 UAH MONO: https://send.monobank.ua/jar/83LXbxULEC USDT TRC20: TMVRCJuLFvrBWzxdhuccp8dUgfcbkhU49j Paypal: lushin.alexandr@gmail.com
Entrepreneur Irina Arsene: Supporting someone can change their life
“When someone comes to me and tells me that I’ve changed their life, it fills me with gratitude knowing I have such an impact,” says Irina Arsene, a Romanian entrepreneur who leads Mindit, a company with over 250 engineers. Mindit.io’s vision is to become the partner of choice for software product engineering and to offer specialized support teams for international companies. Irina started in Romania, but today she lives in Switzerland with her two children while continuing to run her successful business. What was the initial idea behind your business? Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur? If I had to say what defines me, it’s the process of learning. I’m a ‘life explorer.’ Ten years ago, I started in the HR business, but I’m a computer science engineer, and since 2015, I’ve been in the software business. I love sitting in front of a computer and creating something out of nothing. It’s beautiful and fascinating. For me, programming is amazing; it involves a lot of creativity. I enjoy finding potential in people who don’t see it in themselves and supporting them. When you support someone, you can change their life. I believe no one is perfect, and we shouldn’t focus on our weaknesses but rather on our strengths. That’s where growth happens. By the time I was thirty, I already had a great career and two wonderful children. I realized how fantastic my life was and wanted to help others achieve the same. I discovered that my strengths lie in business and helping others. When someone comes to me and tells me that I’ve changed their life, it fills me with gratitude knowing I have such an impact. What led to the founding of your company? I founded it in 2015. We specialize in software development and employ over 250 people. Also, we run an HR company, which is a completely different field from IT. We operate in Switzerland, Germany, and partly in Austria. What’s important to me is that we function as one team and it’s not just about providing services. When you put both your mind and heart into something, it creates something magical. It’s not just code; it changes people’s lives. We have skills that we develop and think about how to use them. To create something meaningful, you need to invest a piece of yourself into it. With today’s fast technology development, what do you think is the future of AI? Will there still be a need for programmers eventually? People will still be needed. I don’t see AI as a threat; I see it as an opportunity. It’s all about the mindset—seeing the possibilities that artificial intelligence brings. I view it as a chance to create innovative and intelligent solutions. While some people live in the past and reminisce about how things were when they were younger, I have the opposite problem: I live in the future. I should focus more on enjoying the present moment. But I’m someone who’s always dreaming. When I want to do something, 80% of it happens in my mind and only 20% is in the actual task. Recently, you posted on LinkedIn saying you’re a ‘future astronaut.’ Could you explain that further? When I was a child, I wanted to be an astronaut. I started in a small town in Romania, in a poor family. It seemed impossible at the time. But nothing is impossible. People say, ‘The sky is the limit,’ but for me, not even the sky is the limit. I’m proud of my Romanian heritage and the educational system where I learned so much. But there’s also a beautiful world outside with many opportunities. The more you learn and discover, the more you realize that people are similar despite different cultures, religions, locations, and industries. We all ask the same questions: How to be a better parent? How to be a better person? What is the meaning of my existence? That’s the essence. I believe that when you step back and look at a person as a whole, it gives you a sense of unity. That’s why I would like to go to space—to see the world as one whole. I also ask existential questions about the meaning of life. My family and I have lived abroad for a while, facing challenges and integrating into a new culture, which wasn’t always easy. But it brought us closer together. You start focusing more on what connects you rather than what divides you. I love people and enjoy finding potential in those who don’t see it in themselves. You live in Switzerland but part of your team is in Romania, how do you co-work with them? During the pandemic, we were also separated and worked remotely. We had meetings to have a bit of fun. We enjoy meeting up for coffee and discussing ideas. I really miss the energy of being in the same room together. And I miss that energy when we’re apart. Balance between genders is important. It brings a fresh breeze into company. Yes, we’re complementary, and that’s a good thing. Given the chance, women can be excellent leaders even at the top management level. Family is very important to me. I believe you can have both a family and a career if you have support. You need support both at work and at home. For me, freedom means I don’t have to work, but I choose to because I want to do work that I’m passionate about. When I have a passion, I’m a better mom. Instead of just telling my children what to believe or how the world is, I show them that if they work hard, their dreams can come true. I lead by example and bring that passion into their lives. And when I’m with my kids, it’s not because I have to, but because I want to. What is the system like in Romania for mothers? Maternity leave is two years. I was a working mother, and I think the system is okay, but it’s focused on the mother rather than parenting as a whole. It’s embedded in our culture. There is pressure when a woman has a child; even in my own family, when I went back to work after three months, my sister asked me what kind of mother I was. Ironically, these questions often come from other women. I told my sister that I am the best mother my child could have. It’s about mindset. If we have a voice and influence, we need to educate people and talk about it. We should tell young people, colleagues, and women that if they want to support a young mother, they shouldn’t automatically push her towards motherhood but rather support her dreams and passions and listen to her. This way, she will become a better mother. Irina, what were the biggest challenges you faced building Mindit? We started from scratch, and the first two to three years were very tough. Every project was a ‘make it or break it’ situation. Every month that we managed to make payroll was a significant victory. Now we’re going through a transformation; we’re no longer a small company but a mid-sized one, so we need to establish different processes. But I’m excited about it. Everything depends on the team—everyone is important and on the same level; we don’t have a hierarchy. Everyone is part of one big flower, and we need everyone to make that flower beautiful. I believe in the future of our company because we are building it together. All I need to do is continue learning, inspiring others, and supporting my team throughout our ongoing process of growth. Aren’t you scared of leading a big company? I find intellectual stimulation in the idea that having a bigger business and larger numbers gives me the chance to have a greater impact. All limits are only as big as you set for yourself. I learn a lot from transformation, and as a company grows, you can’t avoid it. It’s about the joy of learning new things. I don’t set limits for myself, so big numbers don’t surprise me. I have the advantage of having the choice. Irina, what do you consider your biggest success by far? I view the entire process of building a business as a journey to success. But if I had to choose one event, it might be being named Inspiring Woman of the Year by Ernst & Young. I received this award earlier this year in Romania. Or perhaps the fact that I’ve been in business for 10 years. I don’t need external validation. I do it to make an impact. But the best part is enjoying the journey and knowing that what you do is meaningful to others. When I accepted the award, I stood on stage as the only woman among about twenty men, and I thought there should be more women up there. If I can inspire even one woman, I would consider that a win. How would you advise women working in a business environment? I don’t like to give advice because everyone has to find their own answers within themselves. But reflecting on my own journey, I’ve found that when I focused on what was important to me and believed in it, I simply couldn’t give up. People often fear declaring what their life’s purpose is or what their business is about. You need to find your sense of purpose or something that drives you forward and not give up. It doesn’t matter what others think. Be true to yourself, stand by your truth, and follow your passion. Some may leave you, but others will join you, and you’ll discover beautiful things in these people, in the world, and within yourself.
Avocado on our plates. 3 awesome recipes from it!
Avocado made its way to us all the way from Central and South America. A perfectly ripe avocado is known for its green color, creamy texture, and a wealth of nutrients that are good for you. It’s packed with minerals and vitamins like C, K, E, and B6. In today’s article, we’ll explore how we can incorporate avocado into our dishes. Guacamole isn’t the only tasty dish you can make with it. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savoury, you’re in the right place! Avocado soup This quick and amazing recipe is perfect for lovers of creamy soups. You’ll need one finely chopped onion, two cloves of garlic, heavy cream, two cups of homemade broth, lime juice, and, surprisingly, four avocados. Start by sautéing the garlic and onion in a pot with some oil, then add the broth and lime juice. Next, stir in the finely chopped avocado and season to taste. Before blending the mixture with an immersion blender, add the heavy cream and bring everything to a boil. For those who love a spicy kick, adding jalapeños is the perfect touch. You can also top the soup with seeds or toasted croutons when serving. Avocado ice cream Need to cool down? On these hot summer days, this treat will hit the spot. To make it, you’ll need two ripe avocados, a bit of dried ginger (but don’t overdo it), heavy cream—ideally with a high fat content—and an equal amount of milk, whichever type you prefer. The last ingredients are sweetened condensed milk and a pinch of salt. The preparation couldn’t be simpler. Blend everything together, pour the mixture into a container, and let it chill in the freezer for at least 3 hours. You can even leave it in the freezer overnight for an extra refreshing treat. Avocado caprese salad We’ll finish off our recipes with a light salad that has an intriguing flavor, thanks to a combination of ingredients you might not expect to taste so good together. For this salad, you’ll need arugula, spinach, mozzarella, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, nuts—preferably pine nuts or walnuts—avocado, and the surprise ingredient: strawberries, which will add a unique twist to the flavor. For an extra touch, finely chop some mint and sprinkle it on top. Enjoy! 🙂
Famous Slovak actor Tomáš Sitkey: When the camera’s on, I’m in my element, doing what I was born for.
His dream job was acting, and that dream has become a reality. Actor Tomáš Sitkey, known from Slovak TV series, truly loves his work with all his heart. Recently, many have come to know him through Slovak series like Dunaj and Mama na prenájom, but these are just a few of the many projects Tomáš is involved in. In addition to acting, Tomáš started a business in financial services at a young age and has now become famous on social media as an influencer. He focuses on quality over quantity in his videos and strives to be original. His goal is to evoke emotions in his audience, usually joy and laughter, as his content tends to have a humorous tone. Tomáš, how did you get into acting? The first time I thought, “I could be an actor,” was when the talented actress Peťka Vajdová approached me and offered to help me prepare for the entrance exams to VŠMU (the Academy of Performing Arts). Her brother was my classmate in high school, and she had seen me perform in several skits at our graduation party. She thought I had talent. However, I didn’t get into VŠMU, and I was so disappointed that I convinced myself I had no potential. After that disappointment, I put acting aside for ten years. However, the desire to pursue it only grew stronger over time. I felt a strong need to act, so I started making funny videos on Instagram and TikTok to ease the pressure and find a way to express myself. Surprisingly, these videos quickly caught on. Even though I didn’t make a lot of them, they got decent views and positive feedback, and my fan base started to grow. The more it grew, the more I began to believe in my potential as an actor. When actors began reaching out to encourage me to take acting seriously, it didn’t take long for me to decide to go for it. Despite huge doubts and sometimes feeling paralyzed by fear, I decided to open the door to acting again after those 10 years. I went to a casting for a TV network’s actor database, and things took off from there. Which of the aspects of your job do you not enjoy? I really don’t like it when important information isn’t communicated clearly and things aren’t said outright. It’s an unfair approach, and actors sometimes face these kinds of issues. In the world of influencers, I also dislike having to manage the speed and length of videos just to maintain viewership. Sometimes, this compromises quality and creativity. I am proud that I’ve overcome my fears and I am doing what I’ve always dreamed of. Do you like creating content on social media? Even though I’m not very active in social media creation yet, I really enjoy it. I’m quite a creative person, and it’s great to have control over my own content. However, sometimes my videos get blocked due to today’s sensitive society and sometimes arbitrary social media policies. It’s a bit limiting, but I have to play with what I have the best I can. Anyway, since I love humour and it seems like a lot of people find me funny, it’s another way for me to express myself in acting, make people laugh, and spread good energy. Which social media platform do you like the best? I like Instagram the most, but I try to limit my content consumption and stick to a few selected profiles. The impact of social media on young people who are constantly glued to their screens can be really negative. They often struggle with personal interactions, have a confused view of reality, and by constantly consuming so much content, they overstimulate their dopamine receptors, which can make it hard for them to enjoy simple things and lead to anxiety. So, I’d say—everything in moderation! But, of course, keep following me! (laughs) Who is your biggest motivation and inspiration? I draw inspiration from a lot of people—family, friends, both famous and infamous personalities. But when I think about it, often my sources of inspiration aren’t people at all. As for role models, I don’t really have a specific one. I don’t want to live my life based on someone else’s example. However, if I had to mention specific people I admire and would like to be like in some aspects, it would generally be my father, as well as Lasica, Satinský, and Jim Carrey in the acting world. You entered the business sphere at the age of 18. What would you recommend to young people who want to start their own business? They should go for it despite their fear. Fear and doubt aren’t something you can just turn off with a switch. Either you gather the courage and move forward with the fear, or you don’t try at all. The feeling of not knowing how it could have turned out if you had tried is often worse than the fear itself. It’s not like you can wait until you’re no longer afraid before giving it a shot. A lot of young people today have anxiety about not knowing what they want to do with their lives. Because they’re constantly glued to Instagram, they often subconsciously compare themselves to all those people living their dreams, being successful, wealthy, happy, balanced, and amazing. But that’s just a huge illusion and far from reality. Everyone has doubts, struggles, and problems, even those who seem to have perfect lives on Instagram. That’s why I want to emphasise that it’s completely okay and normal not to know what you want to do with your life. It’s something to accept as a natural part of the process—don’t beat yourself up about it, don’t compare yourself to others. Try to listen to your inner self, soul, feelings, or intuition, whatever you want to call it, and experiment with what you feel might be ‘it’ for you.