Category Archives: in english

in english

The Planetary Society

One of the passions of my youth was space.  I still own a telescope that is occasionally used, and recently renewed my membership in the Planetary Society.  Founded by Carl Sagan, it is an organisation that tries to impulse space knowledge and exploration, with members in 125 countries around the world.

They are the guys behind different projects such as Seti at home, Red Rover, Red Rover and S.O.S. Save our Science. With them my name, together with that of the other members of the society at the time, landed on Mars with the Mars Pathfinder, and they have continued their activities for over 25 years.

As troubled as our world is, and as unrealistic as it may sound, I believe that the kickstart of a new age of exploration is what humanity needs.  Just by watching the news every day, I guess we're not that many who think that.

in english

Recommended book: The Undercover Economist

After reading Freakonomics some time ago, I had decided it was time to read another book on economics for the layman (yes, I've encountered economics courses during my studies, but was thinking about something that my wife, who has not often come across such issues, could also read).  Therefore, I picked up this book by Tim Harford, one of my favourite FT columnists.  His blog, linked above, is also a blast.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book myself, and I would definitely suggest anybody with a little bit of curiosity to pick it up.  The chapter on underdeveloped countries, in my opinion, should be read by pretty much everybody who cares about these issues, especially those of us who are from or live in one of those places.

in english

Sauna

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One of the best things about Finland is sauna. The word itself, as many a Finn will point out, is the only one in their language that has been adopted internationally (beats "bastu" in my book).  There is a certain etiquette to be followed while in sauna, and it is indeed an integral part of the culture, to the point where the most serious discussions and the closest relationships (no sean malpensados, canijos) will take place there.

The language also has certain words that have their origins in sauna.  For example, löyly means steam, but the kind of steam that comes from throwing water at the sauna stove.  Furthermore, in line with unfortunate recent events, verilöyly, composed of the words "sauna steam" and "blood", gives a very grisly picture to the listener and accordingly means massacre.  Saunakalja is used for beer drunk in sauna and they even have a saying that "Jos ei sauna, viina ja terva auta, niin tauti on kuolemaksi", or "If sauna, alcohol and tar don't help, then the disease is deadly".

Now you know: in order to understand Finnish culture one has to experience and feel sauna.

in english

Language differences

Shouldn't take you this far.  The gist of the story is that the distributor of a Mexican horror film in Spain wants to dub it to "Spanish from Spain", regardless of whether the plot takes place in Mexico.  You don't see Brits dubbing American movies or vice versa, do you?  Subtitles, maybe, but it shows how unprepared and unwilling Spaniards are to listening other usages of the same language, regardless of whether they have a much larger number of speakers than those in Spain.  Don't even get me started on their foreign language proficency (or lack thereof).

Absolutely ridiculous.

in english

Tabasco relief in Finland

The Mexican Embassy in Finland has published the following data of a bank account to which people living in Finland can donate funds earmarked for helping our brothers and sisters suffering the aftermath of the horrible floods in Tabasco.

Bank:                           Nordea

Account Holder:         Embassy of Mexico

Name of account:      Aid Tabasco/Ayuda Tabasco 2007

Account number:       182030-17582

I will publish the SWIFT & IBAN codes of the account as soon as I get them.  Many thanks to the embassy personnel that set this up in coordination with Tlatelolco over the weekend (the funds will be sent directly to Mexico City.

Update: The Mexican Embassy in Belgium also has an account, and in that case they have the information needed for overseas deposits.  All deposits to the accounts provided by Mexican embassies will be consolidated in Mexico, so it doesn't really matter where you donate, but that you do if so you wish.  Your contribution is really appreciated.


Bank: Banco Bilbao Vizcaya BBVA

Account number:  642-0021207-62

Account name:  AYUDA TABASCO 2007

Address: Franklin Roosevelt 94. 1050 Brussels.

Branch: Main branch, Brussels, Belgium.

IBAN:  BE51 6420 0212 0762

BIC: BBVABEBB

in english

Verosirkus

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One of the few things I really don't agree with regarding the way things work in Finland is the whole tax circus every year. Not only do I find it extremely sad that a whole country can be built at the same time on the principles of equality and jealousy of your neighbour, but I find it appalling that this information is public without my permission.

Furthermore, since this info is available in the net, it's an enormous security risk, it's a disaster waiting to happen.
How long before we see a Finn (or a Finnish resident) being held for ransom or worse on a trip abroad with his captors perfectly aware of his/her total ability to pay?

It is a breach of my privacy, my rights and it is reckless. When will they understand?