Author: Tamara Mrázová
5 unusual sports you probably haven’t heard of yet
Sports are a big part of our lives. After the pandemic, many of us realized how precious our active time can be. It’s often about staying in shape, keeping fit, or living a healthy lifestyle. Sports are also a key part of every culture. In this article, you’ll discover some unusual sports you might not know about, but which are totally normal in other parts of the world. Quidditch Remember the wizarding saga Harry Potter? Quidditch is the unique sport many of us associate with this film series. In the movies, we see wizards flying around the Quidditch pitch on broomsticks, trying to score by getting a ball through the opponent’s hoop. What many might not know is that this sport has made its way into the real world. Unfortunately, without the flying broomsticks 🙂 In Slovakia, Quidditch started being played in 2015, and there is now even an international competitive version. It’s a mixed-gender contact sport where both men and women participate. Each team consists of seven players who, as you might have guessed, run around the field with a broom between their legs. These aren’t traditional wooden brooms but flexible plastic replicas. Bossaball How about taking a trip to Brazil? That’s where the sport of bossaball took off, a unique blend of several globally known sports. In bossaball, you’ll find elements of soccer, gymnastics, and volleyball, all set to modern music. Bossaball is played on an inflatable court with a trampoline in the middle. Each side of the net has a team of three or two players. One player spends the game bouncing on the trampoline and spiking the ball, while the other two players handle passes and set up shots for the bouncer. Chessboxing If you thought no sport could surprise you with its absurdity, let us introduce you to chessboxing. Yes, this sport is exactly what its name suggests. A combination of chess and boxing, two of the most opposite sports you can imagine. Wondering about the game strategy? Players face off in short rounds lasting three minutes each. A round of chess alternates with a round of boxing. Would you try such a sport? Which extreme of this sport do you prefer? Joggling It turns out that combining different sports is a popular trend around the world. A great example is “joggling,” which combines jogging and juggling. That’s right, jogglers run on a track while juggling. Maybe they found plain running a bit too boring. Cheese rolling In the UK, they dive right in—literally! The annual Cheese Rolling Festival has been a tradition for years and is an incredible spectacle. Dozens of people first climb up a steep hill. Then, they release a wheel of cheese from the top. That’s when the fun begins. All the participants start chasing the cheese headlong down the hill. Calling it running is a bit of a stretch, given how steep the hill is. There are plenty of falls, tumbles, and rolling around. It’s probably no surprise to readers that 95% of the participants in this sport are men. They’re always fueled by adrenaline and, as is customary in England, some good English beer flowing through their veins 🙂
Have you heared of Camino de Santiago de Compostela?
Thousands of kilometres of paths, traveled by millions of pilgrims, all with the same goal—Santiago de Compostela. It’s one of the most famous pilgrimages in the world, leading all the way to the northwestern tip of Spain. Do you know what the Camino is? Have you heard about it? What exactly is the Camino de Santiago? The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the tomb of Saint James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. This centuries-old pilgrimage path, stretching across Western Europe, attracts adventurers, spiritual seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike. This scenic route, known as “the Camino,” has a magnetic pull that draws pilgrims from all over the world. Pilgrims, known as “peregrinos” travel hundreds of kilometres each year, making their way to the city of Santiago in northern Spain. They carry backpacks with all their essentials. Beyond the physical challenge, the Camino represents a profound spiritual journey, offering participants a chance to connect with history, nature, and most importantly, themselves. There’s more than one There are several main pilgrimage routes that lead to Santiago. Camino Francés: The most popular route, approximately 780 kilometers long, starts in France and ends in Santiago de Compostela. Camino Portugués: This route starts in Portugal, usually from Lisbon or Porto, and is the second most popular route. Camino del Norte: A route that runs along the northern coast of Spain. Camino Primitivo: The oldest route, starting from Oviedo, and considered the most challenging due to its terrain. Via de la Plata (Silver Route): This route starts from Seville in southern Spain. How long does it take? The duration of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage depends on various factors, such as the specific route chosen, the physical condition of the pilgrim, their walking pace, and the number of days planned for rest and sightseeing. Pilgrims also need to consider the weather, which can often extend and complicate the journey. The duration of each route is very individual. On average, however, the Camino takes about a month. One of the longest routes, the Via de la Plata (Silver Route), can take up to two months to complete. Not every pilgrim can afford to spend two months a year on this pilgrimage, so shorter routes, which have developed from the five main routes, have become popular. For example, the Camino Inglés (English Way) takes about a week to complete, while the Camino Finisterre requires only 5 days. Facts you might not have known about the Camino La concha (The Scallop Shell): The scallop shell of Saint James is the symbol of the pilgrim’s journey. Pilgrims follow these painted shells along their path, ensuring they stay on the right route. Los albergues: These are modest hostels where pilgrims stay overnight. Their daily route typically leads from one albergue to another, where they can wash their clothes if needed and spend the night in simple beds. Pilgrims do not expect luxury. Stamps: At the end of each day, pilgrims can find a place in the local church to receive a stamp for their journey. These stamps are collected in a travel diary, which they purchase at the start of their pilgrimage. UNESCO: Some Camino de Santiago routes are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the French Way (Camino Francés) and the Northern Way (Camino del Norte). Compostela: This is the certificate that pilgrims receive after completing at least 100 kilometers on foot or 200 kilometers by bike to Santiago de Compostela. Crowds: In 2022, more than 400,000 pilgrims completed the journey. The Camino is gaining popularity each year, and it is estimated to attract even more tourists in the future. The journey is a unique personal experience for everyone, and pilgrims often speak of the spiritual or inner changes this path brings. Whether you embark on this journey alone or with loved ones, you will surely find what you are searching for. Or at least, discover how to achieve it. During the endless kilometers your feet will traverse, you’ll give your mind the perfect space for deep reflection. “HE WHO COMES TO THE CAMINO WITH A HEAVY HEART WILL LEAVE WITH A LIGHT SOUL.”
10 fascinating facts about human body
The human body and how it works is a fascinating web of systems that never fails to amaze scientists, doctors, and even those of us with just a little curiosity. From the incredibly complex brain to the constantly renewing skin, our bodies are full of wonders that we often take for granted. If you didn’t enjoy biology class in high school, don’t worry. Today, we’re sharing some of the coolest facts about our bodies that you might not know yet. 1.Brain Energy Consumption Our brain contains about 86 billion neurons, which is why it uses up to 20% of the body’s total energy. It’s no wonder they say everything starts in our head! 2.The Number of Bones Changes Throughout Our Lives Newborns have 270 bones at birth, many of which are made of cartilage. As we grow, some of these bones fuse together, so an adult has only 206 bones. 3.The Length of Our Blood Vessels If we connected all our blood vessels end to end, they would stretch for 97,000 kilometers. That’s about the same as traveling across Slovakia from east to west 195 times! 4.Unique Fingerprints Each one of us has unique fingerprints. No two sets are the same, not even in identical twins. Experts discovered this relatively recently, which is why fingerprints only started being used as a unique identification method by police in 1977. 5.The Strength of Our Tongue Would you believe it if someone told you that the human tongue is as strong as our thigh muscle? It’s true! Together, they make up the two strongest muscles in the body. 6.Bone Strength Not only muscles, but bones are incredibly strong and resilient too. A small bone, like one in the wrist, measuring around 5 centimetres, can bear up to 8 tons of weight. 7.Our Stomach is Acidic If you’ve ever wondered how our stomach processes the food we eat, it does so quite effectively. Stomach acid is so powerful that it can even dissolve metal. 8.We Have Incredible Capacity Most of us have experienced the tiring process of studying countless pages that we needed to memorize. If you ever feel like you can’t take in any more, remember this: the human memory can store about 2.5 petabytes of information, which is comparable to the capacity of the entire internet. 9.As Fast as a Sneeze Human sneezes can reach speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, and the droplets they disperse can travel up to 10 meters away from us. Masks and respirators during the pandemic really did a lot to protect us! 10.Our Calves Keep Us Upright If you thought our upright posture was thanks to our spine, you’d be mistaken. It’s actually quite incredible—our calf muscle is one of the strongest muscles in the body because it continuously works to keep us standing upright.
Best cottage cheese recipes you need to try
Do you eat cottage cheese? This dairy delicacy is a staple in the daily diet of many Slovaks. Many of us enjoy it simply with vegetables or bread. It might not occur to many, but this protein-rich mix is a perfect ingredient in the kitchen. We can incorporate it into our cooking, baking, and grilling, and serve it both sweet and savory. Let’s take a look at a few recipes that will enrich your menu not only in the summer. Herb Cottage Cheese Patties For these simple and delicious patties, you will need 300g of cottage cheese, 100g of finely chopped tomatoes, 50g of fresh spinach, Parmesan, and if you have any at home, fresh herbs that you can finely chop. Mix all these ingredients together in a bowl. You will get a mixture to which you then add 75g of semolina flour. Each cottage cheese has its specific consistency and different water content. Therefore, if the dough is too thick after this step, you can add a little milk. In the next step, heat olive oil in a pan and fry the patties over medium heat. The size of the patties is up to each and every one of the cooks. Fry until golden on each side and transfer to a plate. The patties are full of flavor, so they can be served on their own without any sides. However, you can also garnish them any way you like. Cottage cheese brownies After the savory patties, let’s move on to sweet, protein-packed brownies. For this recipe, you will need: Dry ingredients: 2 cups of semolina flour 1 teaspoon of baking powder 1/2 teaspoon of salt 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder 1/2 bar of baking chocolate Chocolate chips Wet ingredients: 1 package of cottage cheese 3 eggs 1 banana 1 tablespoon of honey A few drops of vanilla extract Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Melt half of the chocolate in a double boiler, stirring regularly. While the chocolate is melting, blend the cottage cheese, eggs, banana, honey, and a few drops of vanilla in a mixer until you have a liquid mixture. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing well. Once the mixture is ready, prepare your baking tray by greasing it and dusting it with flour. Pour the batter into the tray. If available, feel free to sprinkle with almond flakes and add small pieces of chocolate. Bake for approximately half an hour. Cottage cheese egg spread To ensure we don’t stick only to cooking and baking, let’s finish with a very simple recipe for an egg spread that we can enhance with cottage cheese. For its preparation, we will need 2-3 hard-boiled eggs, one package of cottage cheese, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and basil. The process is really simple, as all these ingredients just need to be finely chopped and mixed together in a bowl. If you want an even smoother consistency, you can blend the spread to eliminate any lumps. Serve with fresh bread and vegetables. Enjoy your meal!
The best recipes from carrot for summer
As summer arrives, we often crave lighter dishes on our plates. Many of us swap pastries and meat dishes for vegetable-based meals. In today’s article, the star of the show will be carrots, which many of us enjoy for their flavour. In addition to its beautiful vibrant colour, carrots are rich in vitamins B, C, D, and E. They contain pectin, which serves as nourishment for beneficial bacteria found in the colon, thereby supporting the maintenance of a healthy gut flora balance. Carrot soup Have you ever considered that besides the classic broccoli and spinach, which most of us have tried, carrots can also be the main vegetable in our soups? To prepare it, you’ll start with one onion, a clove of garlic, olive oil, and seasonings to taste. In a pot, sauté this mixture and add diced carrots, about half a kilogram. Once everything softens, blend it and add broth. It’s best if you keep a bit of broth after Sunday’s lunch and let it sit in the fridge for two days. After this step, all that’s left is to let everything simmer beautifully and taste it. A secret tip to give the soup a wonderful rich flavor is to add cumin right at the end. Serve it with toasted bread or sunflower seeds. Carrot jam Yes, you read that right, we can prepare carrots in a sweet way too. Besides the well-known carrot cake, we introduce carrot jam. For its preparation, you’ll need just one kilogram of carrots, lemon juice, and sugar according to your preference, typically between 500 to 800 grams. The process is really simple. First, prepare a sugar syrup with half a liter of water and sugar, melting it in a pot. Remember to stir the mixture regularly. Then, add the lemon juice. Finally, add finely grated carrots and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the jam is ready, divide it into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and turn them upside down. These final steps are similar to preparing any other fruit jam, but our star ingredient here is carrots! Carrot fries with agave Although there are many great carrot recipes out there, a lot of them can be quite complicated. It’s worth remembering that classic roasted carrots make a fantastic side dish for various meals. To make the best carrot fries, start by cutting carrots into matchstick shapes and boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Then, coat them in cornstarch and add coarse salt. Bake these prepared fries in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius. If you prefer to keep things simple, serve the fries as they are. For a taste adventure, try drizzling them with agave or rice syrup before serving.
Singer Alya: It’s not just about singing, you must be a complete product, a complex persona
The Slovak singer Angelika Kollmannová performs under her stage name Alya. She became passionate about music at an early age, finding her idols all around her. Her parents are well-known Slovak musicians, and she discovered her own singing talent as well. In an interview, she told us about her participation in the competition Superstar, interesting aspects of the Slovak music industry, and what it’s like to work in show business. She revealed how her journey began and where she hopes to go in the future. How did you get into singing? I always say that I didn’t even have a chance not to get into singing. (laughs) My parents met in a band, later separated, and still perform as a musical duo to this day. Music was always important in our home. We all play a musical instrument. Sometimes, when I’m falling asleep, I hear my dad getting into a jazz mood and playing. Sometimes he even does it in the morning instead of my morning alarm 🙂 I started playing the piano in first grade, but I never enjoyed the theory classes. To this day, I’m not exactly friends with sheet music. I can play what I need, but I wouldn’t call myself a virtuoso. Along with the piano, I took singing lessons. Suddenly, during my teenage years, music and singing became my place of comfort, where I could express everything I felt. My therapist helped me realize that music is actually a self-healing gift for me, one that heals my wounds. “I lost myself and was searching, but I always found myself in music.” What inspires you when it comes to music? Since I was little, I wanted to be the Slovak Hannah Montana, just without the blond wig 🙂 I liked the life she lived. I knew that I wasn’t born for the stereotypical life either. Almost anything can inspire me. I can even get excited about any word I hear on the radio. I write it down and then incorporate it into my lyrics. Certainly, my parents also motivate me, who even after their 50s can handle several hours of intense concerts without any problems. One day I would like to achieve what they have. But only when I grow up 🙂 How was your experience on Superstar? I always had it in my mind that if I wanted to succeed in pop music in Slovakia, I had to participate in Superstar. I was afraid that if I didn’t win, I would never accomplish anything in music. However, my confidence crumbled like a house of cards there. I wasn’t in the right mindset, and it didn’t help my mental state, and so, I left devastated, and for several months afterwards, I couldn’t even make music. I didn’t believe in myself. “Every experience is good for something, but in Superstar it was not easy for me at all.” What gave you the boost then? It was in Superstar that I met a great girl named Erika, who was performing under the production of Illuminate. At that time, they were holding a competition to find new singers. At first, I didn’t even want to apply because my failure in Superstar demotivated me. In the end, I finally gathered the courage and sent them a video of me singing at the last minute. The next day, I got a message from them saying that I made it to the TOP 3. That’s how I got into Illuminate and started creating with them. I was lucky to have my producer Max Mikloš. The whole team is incredible. Our cameraman, PR manager, and even our big boss 🙂 We have great relationships with other artists like Yaek and Tian Moon. We are like family. I was a surprise even to my parents. They knew I enjoyed music, but when I told them I was going to the studio to record my own songs, they were speechless. When they listened to my first song, it moved them to tears. What surprised you the most about the music industry? It’s not just about singing. You must be a complete product, a whole complex persona. Everything is hidden in your expression. I feel that nowadays people are more interested in scandals and dramas on social media than in genuine, artistic content. Therefore, if you try to present yourself only through your work, it is a bit more difficult to gain attention and break through. Despite this, I decided to take the slower but more conscientious path. Everything is very closely connected with social media and the mutual promotion that we exchange with other singers. “The music industry is ruthless. If you can’t adapt, they will choose foreign performer instead of you.” What bothers you the most about show business? The only thing that really bothers me is when some musicians act superior to others. This usually happens when someone achieves instant success in something. For example, when they record a new song that suddenly becomes very popular, or they suddenly gain a lot of new followers. That fame seems completely artificial and unjustified to me. We are all equal, and I don’t see any reason why we should treat each other differently. What can we look forward to in your upcoming work? This summer, I’m planning to perform concerts and entertain you with my music. In the fall, I’ve set a goal to release something big, some larger project. Although I already have material for my first EP, I’d like to create something fresh and start from scratch. I believe I can achieve this within this year. I’ll be delighted if you join me on this journey. Alya’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelikakollmannova/
The best zucchini recipes for summer
In the summer, our taste buds crave refreshing and light dishes that not only satisfy our stomachs but also keep us hydrated and full of energy. Zucchini, with its delicate flavor and high water content, is an ideal ingredient for summer recipes. This vegetable not only adds lightness to the meal but also enhances its nutritional value. It is rich in fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. In this article, we’ll explore some simple and refreshing recipes where zucchini stays under limelight. Zucchini spaghetti Did you know that zucchini can be a great substitute for traditional pasta? You’ll save hundreds of calories, and it’s super easy to make. Slice the zucchini into thin strips. If you have a spiralizer, you can use it to turn the zucchini into spaghetti-like noodles. Next, heat some olive oil with garlic in a pan and add the zucchini. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the zucchini softens and releases some of its water. Take the mass off the heat. Your “pasta” is now ready, and you can add any sauce you like. Some of the best combinations include blue cheese sauce, pesto, or a classic tomato sauce. Zucchini bread Craving a moist cake in a healthier version? This bread will definitely hit the spot. To prepare this bread, start by grating one large zucchini. However, be careful as grated zucchini releases a lot of water, which needs to be drained. In a bowl with the grated mass, add 250 g of whole wheat flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and, optionally, a few cloves of garlic. In another bowl, whisk together 4 eggs and 85 ml of oil. Next, combine both mixtures and stir in 115 ml of sour cream, seasoning with salt and spices to taste. Once poured into a baking dish, the bread can be decorated. Depending on preferences, you can add cherry tomatoes, olives, or rosemary to the top. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 40 to 50 minutes. Zucchini soup with parmesan cheese For this light and creamy soup, you’ll need 3 large zucchinis, sliced and sautéed in oil with onions and garlic. Pour in broth and simmer for 20 minutes. Then, blend the mixture to a smooth consistency and stir in whipping cream. Bring the soup back to a simmer and season to taste. Add Vegeta seasoning, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Serve in bowls, generously sprinkled with Parmesan cheese to enhance its flavor. If you haven’t been a fan of zucchini so far, we’re confident that with these tips, you’re ready to add it to your summer menu.
July, a plastic-free month
Plastic is a synthetic material that is used in many aspects of modern life. It is made of various organic polymers, including nylon, PVC, and polyethylene. Due to its cost-effectiveness, resilience, and adaptability, it is widely used in a variety of industries, including construction, packaging, automotive, and healthcare. Plastic has transformed several aspects of daily life, but it also represents serious health and environmental issues that require attention. The Rise of Plastic The history of plastic began in the early 1900s when Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland created Bakelite. As the first real synthetic plastic, it paved the way for a revolution in materials science. Plastic’s use in consumer goods and mass production saw a boom in production following World War II. Plastic is used in everything these days, from water bottles and grocery bags to cell phones and medical equipment. Plastic’s versatility is one of its main benefits. It can be produced in a variety of colours, moulded into almost any shape, and made as flexible or rigid as required. It is essential in many applications because of these qualities. For example, syringes, implants, and sterile packaging in the medical industry are all made of plastic. Environmental impact Plastic has a negative side despite all its advantages, mostly because of its environmental impact. Plastic remains a persistent pollutant despite being useful due to its durability. The following are some of the main issues that plastic brings to the environment: Non-biodegradability: The majority of plastics decompose into smaller particles known as microplastics rather than breaking down naturally. These have the ability to persist in the environment for centuries, building up in the soil, rivers, and seas Chemical Release: Harmful chemicals, such as endocrine disruptors, can be released during the production and degradation of plastics. Both ecosystems and human health may be negatively impacted by these substances. Resource Consumption: Fossil fuels are largely used in the energy-intensive and resource-dependent production of plastic. This aggravates climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Moving towards sustainability By addressing the environmental impacts, plastic may not be the same in the future. Already, there are some approaches that connect this material and sustainability: Recycling: Reducing the quantity of plastic waste can be achieved by increasing recycling rates and technology. More creative ways to recycle plastics are being developed; one such way is chemical recycling, which separates polymers into their monomers so they can be reused. Reduce and Reuse: One way to drastically reduce plastic waste is to encourage the use of reusable alternatives while minimizing the use of single-use plastics. Policy and incentive support, along with consumer behaviour, are key factors in this change. Policies and Laws: To control the production and waste of plastic, governments all over the world are putting laws into place. Bans on single-use plastics, incentives for using recycled materials, and enlarged producer responsibility plans are some of the measures being adopted. Biodegradable Plastics: Studies are being conducted to create plastics that decompose more quickly in the environment. Renewable resources are the source of biodegradable and compostable plastics. How can you reduce the use of plastics? Reducing the use of plastics in a household involves making conscious choices and adopting sustainable alternatives. Here are some practical steps to help minimize plastic use: Reusable bags and containers Use cloth or other reusable bags. Opt for mesh or fabric produce bags for fruits and vegetables. Replace plastic storage containers with glass, stainless steel, or silicone options. Avoid single-use plastics Use a reusable water bottle made of stainless steel or glass. Carry a reusable coffee cup for your to-go coffee. Use metal, bamboo, or silicone straws instead of plastic ones. Personal care products Switch to bamboo toothbrushes. Use shampoo bars and soap bars instead of bottled products. Choose a safety razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable razors. By implementing these changes, you can significantly reduce the footprint of your household and contribute to a healthier environment. Plastic has changed modern living with its unmatched convenience and inventiveness, but its effects on the environment cannot be overlooked. The difficulty lies in finding a balance between the advantages of plastic and its environmental impact as society grows more conscious of the need for sustainability. We can work toward a future where plastic continues to serve its essential functions without endangering the health of our planet by combining efforts in recycling, innovation, and policy. The article was written in collaboration with Lea Kovalská.