Friday, February 29, 2008

Happy birthday, “leaplings”!

Do you remember what kind of day it is today? You do? Sure, it is the 29th of February, the date, which occurs once in four years due to the existence of leap years. Especially those who are born this day, have been looking forward to celebrate their real birthday for three years!!! Now you have a chance to do your best, get presents, warm words and plenty of positive emotions, because it is only your day, and you have the right to enjoy it in full!

And what about a leap year in general? According to Wikipedia, February 29 is a date that occurs only every four years, in years evenly divisible by 4, such as 1988, 1996, 2008 or 2016 (with the exception of century years not divisible by 400, such as 1900) for the Gregorian calendar, which is most widely used in the world today. These are called leap years, and February 29 is the 60th day of the Gregorian calendar in such a year, with 306 days remaining until the end of that year. February 29 is also known as bissextile day or Leap Day.

Although the modern calendar counts a year as 365 days, a complete revolution around the sun takes approximately 365 days and 6 hours. Every four years, an extra twenty-four hours have accumulated, so one extra day is added to that calendar to keep the count coordinated with the sun's apparent position.

The leap day was introduced as part of the Julian reform. The day following the Terminalia (23 February) was doubled, forming the so-called "bis sextum". The first day of the bis sextum (February 24) came to be regarded as the intercalated or "bissextile" day. February 29 came to be regarded as the leap day when the Roman system of numbering days was replaced by sequential numbering in the late Middle Ages. It’s worth mentioning that in the European Union, February 29 officially became the leap day only in 2000.

People were always interested in different traditions and superstitions connected with the leap year and the leap day. There is a tradition that women may make a proposal of marriage to men only in leap years, further restricted in some cases to only February 29. There is a tradition that in 1288 the Scottish parliament under Queen Margaret legislated that any woman could propose in Leap Year; few parliament records of that time exist, and none concern February 29. Another component of this tradition was that if the man rejects the proposal, he should soften the blow by providing a kiss, one pound currency, and a pair of gloves (some later sources say a silk gown). There were similar notions in France and Switzerland.

A person who was born on February 29 may be called a "leapling". In non-leap years they may celebrate their birthday on 28 February or 1 March. There are not so many people born on the 29th of February. They say there are about 4 million of leaplings in the world. Among those people are Gioacchino Rossini (Italian composer), Pepper Martin (baseball player), Dinah Shore (American singer), Jaguar (Brazilian cartoonist) and many other people. Whether the date of birth influenced their life or not is difficult to say. Even if it does, let’s hope, in a positive way. Happy birthday, leaplings!!!!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Sarah Palin – not just “another” women in the world politics

As a majority of men, I adore women and though we very often fail to understand each other, I’m inclined to think, that we cannot be apart. We need each other as two opposite things which are constantly attracted to each other. Some women are fond of feminism and think they need more rights. But do they? Those times when women’s main duty was to take care of their home, sank into oblivion. Now they, together and very often much better than men, manage the world economy and take an active part in the world politics. Margaret Thatcher, Angela Merkel, Yulia Tymoshenko… These women have done a lot to be part of the world history (and the subject of my article).

Today I’d like to mention another women in politics, who is also does her job in a good way. Even men-politicians cannot but admit this. I mean Sarah Palin, Alaska Governor. She is the youngest governor in Alaskan history (42 years old upon taking office), as well as the first woman to hold the office in Alaska. In addition to being Alaska's youngest governor, Palin is also the first who was born after Alaska achieved statehood. She is also the first Alaska governor not to be inaugurated in Juneau, instead choosing to hold her inauguration ceremony in Fairbanks.

She took office on Dec. 4, 2006. Since taking office, her top priorities have been resource development, education and workforce development, public health and safety, and transportation and infrastructure development. Under her leadership, Alaska invested $1 billion in the state’s education fund and implemented the Senior Benefits Program that provides support for low-income older Alaskans. She created Alaska’s Petroleum Systems Integrity Office to provide oversight and maintenance of oil and gas equipment, facilities and infrastructure, and the Climate Change Subcabinet to prepare a climate change strategy for Alaska.







She is married to Todd Palin, a lifelong Alaskan, a production operator on the North Slope and a four-time champion of the Iron Dog, the world's longest snowmachine race.Todd and Sarah have four children – Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper.

Palin is a lifetime member of the NRA and enjoys hunting, fishing, Alaska history, and all that Alaska's great outdoors has to offer.

Will you still claim that women do not have enough rights or cannot do their job in a proper way? I can hardly believe that! I admire those women who managed not only to combine career and family (a lot of women say so), but also to achieve recognition and respect in such a “male” thing as politics. But I also think that men play their role here too. Sarah is sure to feel the support of her husband and her children and that helps her to remove mountains!!!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Yulia Tymoshenko – a dark horse in the politics of Ukraine


Yulia Tymoshenko is known as one of the most powerful politicians in Ukraine. Though I don’t quite like to write about politics, I believe, Yulia is one of those who people who are often discussed not only in their own country, but also abroad. The prime minister of Ukraine, a key person in the Orange revolution, an active fighter for the rights of Ukrainians, an iron lady in the history of Ukraine… She has both, supporters and opponents, but among all those politicians who pretend to be working in Ukrainian Parliament, she seems to be the only one, who really tries to do something for the sake of her voters and other citizens of Ukraine.

Nowadays, it is still rather difficult to give a detailed and exact portrait of Yulia Tymoshenko. She entered the politics in the mid-1990s and since that time managed to become a multi-billionaire, worked as prime minister, was sacked and afterwards still got what she wanted. She tries to look like a peasant girl with a plait against the back of her head. But Tymoshenko's peasant look is somewhat misleading. She is in fact a very wealthy woman, who gained her fortune in highly debated circumstances before entering politics. She made the transition from a member of Ukraine's disliked new moneyed elite to a skilled marshal of the anger of the public square three years ago, when she mounted an energetic, if ultimately unsuccessful, campaign to topple the increasingly loathed president, Leonid Kuchma. Her original entry into politics came earlier; but her Hromada party was seen then as only one of a rash of factions cynically created by the new tycoons to advance their business interests.


Now Yulia continues fighting for the rights of Ukrainian people. Her government is said to be the most democratic in comparison with ex-prime minister Victor Yanukovych. The political situation in Ukraine is still uncertain due to different reasons and it still remains unknown whether Yulia Tymoshenko and her government will be able to fulfill all their pre-election promises. At least many Ukrainians believe in this fair-haired woman. And if she really wants to change the situation for the better, she has the age!

Friday, February 15, 2008

Shooting at Illinois University: regularity or tragic exception?

What’s going on, guys? Are we losing our mind? Is it the end of the world coming? How can a person enter a lecture hall and start shooting trying to kill as many people as possible? Is it ok in the 21st century?

I still cannot calm down. The world seems to have gone mad!!! Shooting at school and at the university have become regular practice! You cannot be sure, that you may see your child after he/she has gone to study! It’s terrible.

You know what event I mean. Sure thing, this terrible shooting at Northern Illinois University. The killer was unofficially named Steve Kazmierczak, age 27. One of the possible reasons of the shooting is some failure in relations. The killer is said to have been rejected and wanted to revenge. But what all those 162 students who were to be present at the lecture have to do with Kazmierczak’s problems??? Especially those, who died: Catalina Garcia, 20; Ryanne Mace, 19; Julianna Gehant, 32? Is it another way of solving the problems and getting rid of depression?

Some people died, others were injured and still suffer not only physically, but also mentally.
Witnesses said the gunman kicked open a door near the stage in Cole Hall just 10 minutes before the end of the lecture and started shooting with the shotgun without saying a word.

Dispensing with the shotgun, the gunman - who was wearing a black ski cap and black trenchcoat - pulled out a pistol and walked down the aisles firing it into the crowd of terrified students. He aimed at the heads of the students.

Writing this, I still cannot come to myself. It’s really hard to believe in these and many other recent not less tragic events. Trying to find an answer to my own numerous questions, I analysed this and some recent similar murders, in which many innocent people died. And I’m really scared because of this uncontrolled level of aggression. It’s psychologists’ work to identify the reasons and possible salvation of this problem. But from my point of view as an ordinary citizen, if we do nothing with this, we are really risking our life and limb. We may be afraid of getting out of the house…

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Kathryn Faughey found dead in her office

New York City psychologist Kathryn Faughey was found dead in her office. She had been hacked to death by a meat cleaver according to police detectives. Another therapist was seriously injured and probably heard the screaming of the woman and rushed to help, but he was "slashed numerous times in the face and neck," according to the Daily News.

The police believe that the suspect is a white middle-aged male with blond/light hair who possibly fled through the basement. Moreover, he was Kathryn Faughey’s patient.

Faughey, a licensed psychologist, a 56 year-old woman, practiced cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing thoughts that cause feelings or behaviors.

It was really terrible to be attacked in such a severe way. There were two weapons found on the scene: a meat cleaver and a 9-inch knife, both of which were bent from the attacks. A doorman said that he witnessed the suspect go into the building, but didn't see him leave. He also added that the man looked like a real psycho.

Dr. Shinbach is at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell in serious but stable condition. Let’s only hope that the police will be able to find this man and he will get his just deserts!

Monday, February 11, 2008

Cher is over sixty and doesn’t care!

I'd better do what I can do while I can do it
Cher


There are some people who seem to have no age. They are always full of life, active and never stop at what they already have. Cher is one of them. She is not afraid of her age and is perfectly sure that this cannot prevent her from being the best. And that’s true!

Cher’s life wasn’t an easy one. She, as well as all of us, had problems with her family, with her private life and career. Even now Cher admits, that “Gay men understand that I understand what it's like to be an outsider. To singers, I wasn't a singer. To actors, I wasn't an actor. I know what it's like to fight for your place. Besides, gay men are very choosy, and they have great taste.”

Cher is not only a chart topping singer, television star, academy award winner, a disco diva, rock'n'roller and a fashion icon, she is also interested in politics and from tike to time discusses political issues with her close pal Lou Dobbs. She has worked for Jimmy Carter, Al Gore and John Kerry. Though she's committed to Hillary Clinton, Cher isn't beholden to Democrats.

Despite all her liberalism, Cher was shocked when she found out her daughter was a gay. At first she didn’t know what to do and it took quite a loot of efforts to take things for granted. Now Cher and Chastity are very close, and mother admits she has learned to love her daughter for what she is.

Cher still has lots of plans for the future, she is sure she'll reclaim an entertainment niche in a culture awash in trash TV and tabloids. But her shrine of shiny awards hasn't entirely erased her misfit issues. "In my business, you're only as good as what you do today," she says. "But I think people like me. People feel friendly toward me, maybe because I've been around most of their lives. And their parents' lives."

Such people as Cher never give up, till they can and want to work. For people who really like her and are her fans, she will always remain the icon of style, industriousness and optimism, despite all problems and misunderstanding. Our life is so short, why should we waste it on trifles…

Friday, February 8, 2008

Brazilian bombshell Izabel Goulart

“I believe that one of the saddest things in the world today is that some people don't have enough food to nourish themselves. It's the 21st century and that's really not acceptable, so if I could do something that would change that I would be really happy.”- Izabel Goulart

The saying says everything for its author, doesn’t it? But when you look at the photos of this young beautiful Brazilian model, you cannot expect anything else. She is a real sex symbol of Brasilia and gains more and more recognition day by day.

It didn’t take much time to discover her beauty and her talent. Notwithstanding some problems with the clothes during her first runway show, Izabel managed to achieve quite a lot during several years. By 2005, Izabel’s success on the catwalk prompted a move to the Big Apple, where she was instantly signed to a multiyear contract by Victoria’s Secret and put on the catwalk with Gisèle Bündchen, Marisa Miller, Adriana Lima, Petra Nemcova, and Alessandra Ambrosio. Izabel made her debut for the company later that year by modeling a bikini made out of candy at the 2005 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The girl was afraid that some of her outfit might fall, bur everything was OK and it was a real success!

But the girl didn’t want to stop at what she already had: in addition to being a Victoria’s Secret Angel, she was also recently named to Esquire magazine's annual list of 100 things, people, ideas, and trends that readers need to know. Perhaps that’s because she’s spent the past few years sashaying down the runway for top designers like Bill Blass, Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren, and appearing in ads for big-name brands like Diesel, Forum, Yohji Yamamoto, and Zoomp. Izabel increased her portfolio in 2007 when she made her acting debut in an episode of Entourage.
But apart of her work as one of the most popular models, she enjoys playing bowling, tennis, shooting hoops and cooking. Her favorite designers are Betsey Johnson and Marc Jacobs. Even without make up this girl looks her best and may be proud of herself! She really became of the sexiest girls of the 21st century.
But why should we talk, if we can look instead…











Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Rebecca De Mornay – Milady of the 21st century?


Is it an easy task to remain popular and live in the public eye? Perhaps, not always. Celebrities have no chances to relax and to live for themselves. But, perhaps, they are used to this constant attention and do not find it embarrassing any more… We’d better ask them about it.

When only a person makes a step in a wrong direction, this misbehavior is noticed and described in details at once. All celebrities have gone through this, notwithstanding their age, moral principles and convictions. Remember, last year it was Rebecca De Mornay, who was arrested for drunk-driving in November 2007. It was rather widely discussed and analyzed at that time.

In general, Rebecca has gained her popularity having taken part in several films, including “Risky Business”, “One from the Heart”, “And God Created Woman” and some others. She has always been dreaming of gaining recognition and only she herself can say whether she is satisfied with what she has or not. She divorced her husband Patrick O’Neal in 2002; she has two daughters and is really obsessed with her main role of a mother.

Some critics claim that Rebecca didn’t manage to show all her potential in those films she had starred in (they didn’t become rather popular, even taking into account her partners Tom Cruise and Antonio Banderas). They also say that, perhaps, she will get more popularity and recognition as a writer… At the same time nobody underestimates her talent and sexy appearance.

Monday, February 4, 2008

From rags to Riches: Daniela Cott


Do you believe in magic? Have you ever seen miracles in your life? I’ve already convinced myself, that our life with all its cruelty, injustice and meanness can sometimes make good and unexpected surprises. The same happened to a young 15-year-old girl Daniela Cott. Several months ago she gathered rests from garbage in order to feed her family and earn 5 Euros a day. May be she appeared in the right place at the right time. And this meeting (I can hardly call it coincidence) changed the life of the girl forever.


A scouter was impressed by her beautiful green eyes and almost anorexic beauty. This man was really a messenger of destiny. In several days Daniela called him, as he asked her to do that, and soon she became part of Haru Models modeling agency.


Her first work as a model was a photo session for a clothing brand and she earned 125 Euros in clothes and 75 Euros in cash. She used part of that money for inviting her family to dine out in a buffet restaurant. The girl is really very excited and doesn’t know whether to cry or to laugh.


Daniela is said to have nice model future, and even her bulimic past is unlikely to play an important role now. She has to learn a lot, she has to realize what has happened to her, and as soon as the first shock will be over, she will know what is what and who is who. Good luck! As they say, God sees everything, and you cannot say that our life is a mess! As it turns out, not always…

Friday, February 1, 2008

Could a bodyguard Anna Loginova protect her own life?

Our life is so unpredictable! You never know where you lose, and where you win… Luck was not with Anna that evening. Though everything began in a usual way, she simply went to buy a kitten and was never to come back…

Anna Loginova, a 29-year old female, was a Russian model who started a bodyguard agency with females, some trained by the ex-KGB, to protect Moscow’s newly rich businessmen. But, unfortunately, she was killed, while trying to stop a young man from stealing her silver Porche Cayenne on Sunday night.

According to the evidence, the man pulled the door open, grabbed the woman and dragged her out of the car. Afterwards, he quickly got into her Porsche Cayenne and shut the door. Everything happened in an instant. However, the young woman did not intend to give up without a fight. She got up onto her feet and gripped the handle on the door of her car. The woman did not let it go even when the car tore away. The hijacker dragged the Porsche owner several meters before she released her hands. The woman hit her head on the asphalt road and died of a serious cranial injury.

Anna Loginova was known as the most glamorous bodyguard. She took part in advertising campaigns for BMW, Chanel and other world-known brands. Collaborating with BMW, Loginova took a course of extreme driving…

Anna by all her actions and behavior tried to prove that a woman is not a representative of a fair sex – a woman can also be strong, powerful and… know what to do with a gun. Unfortunately, this knowledge didn’t help her to protect herself…