Today I learned that..

you shouldn't plan to travel on the 24th of December...

...especially when you expect to be at home for Christmas Eve. Something will most likely go wrong. Allow at least one day.

Today I learned that..

Trivial Pursuit was invented by the Canadians

Well obviously it couldn't have been the people of the United States, that game is NOT successful there.

Today I learned that..

The south pole was discovered exactly 99 years ago

Today I learned that..

you can open a beer bottle with a napkin

Oh you want the explanation?

Source

Today I learned that..

The most dangerous species are Snakes

And by that I mean, the ones that kill most people in a year. Sharks are only 8th most dangerous. Pffft. And weirdly enough Elephants come 4th... Better watch out next time you're in the savannah.

Source

Today I learned that..

Putting off to tomorrow is a dangerous activity

because mostly, you'll end up never doing it. Or, if you have willpower you will do it, but so much later that your load will be so much bigger. Just do things in due time and your life is made simple.

source: experience. I've put off posting for a month... but it's all good now. :]

Today I learned that..

When you say you don't drink, people will offer you drinks

constantly! And if you're a girl, bartenders will give you ridiculous discounts on drinks too.

Today I learned that..

It’s harder to fall asleep when you’re warm than when you’re cold.

And that's exactly why I prefer the cold than the heat. You can always add layers and be cosy when it's cold, whereas there's a stage where you can't take anything else off your body when it's warm. Plus, if you die of cold, at least your body is well preserved!

Today I learned that...

The expression "Love birds" comes from the name of a type of bird, Love Birds.

They are called this way because they seem to always be kissing and carressing each others beaks. It's actually quite cute.

Today I learned that..

There's a Facebook group for this blog

You should become a fan! Please?

Source: Facebook Group

Today I learned that..

Sometimes you have to cut to the core of someone to discover their true nature

other times it's just written all over their foreheads. But don't let appearances judge you. Just because someone dressed in a way or other doesn't mean that that person acts/is the way the clothes makes people think they are. Don't judge a book by its cover.

Today I learned that..

Freedom is bad for your happiness.

It has something to do with synthetic happiness vs natural happiness

Source: http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_asks_why_are_we_happy.html

Today I learned that..

DVD is short for Digital Versatile Disk

Versatile? really?

Today I learned that..

you can tell someone is drunk when they talk 5cm away from your face.

It's like they think you can't hear. Correction, THEY are the ones that can't hear properly.

Today I learned that..

You really shouldn't ask a question, if you're not ready to hear the answer.

especially when the person you're asking it to is me..

Today I learned that..

An alligator has a bigger mouth than a crocodile

Today I learned that..

Scopophilia is "pleasure through looking".

ie, getting aroused just by looking at things. And it is the opposite of voyeurism, because here you look openly and not secretively.

Today I learned that..

Of the 100 largest economies, 49 are countries and 51 are companies.

I don't know about you but this gets me thinking about how crazy this is!

Today I learned that..

The Fastest roller coaster is Formula Rossa

It is located at the Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi. It goes at a speed of 240Km/h

Today I learned that..

There's a precise reason behind saying "God bless you" after someone sneezes.

The first one is: In 590 there was an outbreak of the bubonic plague and sneezing was considered a symptom. People thus "blessed you" because you would probably die.

Another one is: It is said that your heart stops when you sneeze, and thus "bless you" is meant to ensure the return of life or to encourage your heart to continue beating

Today I learned that..

Don't take responsibility for other people's actions

Even if you think they're your best friend. it's not your duty so don't.

Today I learned that..

Proverbs should be taken for granted more.

They all carry a very valuable lesson that one must embrace.

Referring to my post about being busy, the proverb "a rolling stone gathers no moss" is appropriate. If you are moving, you don't let bad habits/things take you over.

Today I learned that..

It's important to find people you can have serious conversations with.

The fun and the humorous are what keeps you going maybe, but the serious are what make you grow, evolve and mature.

Today I learned that..

Procrastination is stronger than you.

don't try to fight it. If it happens, live with it and hope it goes away soon.

Today I learned that..

To get from Japan to China you have to jetski across the pacific ocean.

Go on google maps, get directions betwen Japan and China. Point 43. True fact.

Today I learned that...

Revenge is sometimes much worse than the avenged action.

It can come in any size, shape or form, and it is bound to teach you a thing or two about what you did. Let's not forget, "Revenge is a dish best served cold", the colder it is, the worse it is for the person who is going to have to endure it!

Today I learned that...

a common word like fire is a difficult thing to describe

try it, and i don't mean pointing at a flame and saying "that's fire". No, actually explaining, why it's warm, why it burns, how it all happens... Philosophical moment of the day.

Today I learned that...

you are either an activist or an inactivist.

(from the documentary "The cove"). I choose to be active, I am thus an activist. So should you.

Today I learned that..

After the Bikini, the monokini, now the Burkini

The bikini is half the swimsuit, the monokini is half the bikini, and the Burkini goes the other way.. it's twice the swimsuit! And it's a super invention to allow muslim girls to swim (especially at school)

Source

Today I learned that...

Jesus was actually a cat, and that day he walked on water was a cold winter day.

This is how it happened:

Today I learned that..

doing many hours of sport consecutively after a long period of not doing sports is a really bad idea.

Unless you're a masochist and enjoy deep and intense muscle pain.. of course.

Today I learned that...

sneezing involves contracting your abs.

It's a good thing to sneeze a lot if you want to work your way towards a nice six pack.

It's not a good thing when you have abdominal pain from too much exercise too fast (see last post).

Today I learned that..

Animals do, but humans do not have eyeshine

as nice as it sounds, our retina does not have a tissue that reflects visible light and makes the eyes "shine"

Today I learned that..

The tongue of a buckle is the pin that goes in the hole

It was called that because it resembles the tongue of an animal, not quite sure which one though!

Source

Today I learned that..

It's been exactly 115 years since the X-Ray was discovered

allowing us to see what roams in our bodies that shouldn't be there.

Today I learned that..

Britain colonized a fourth of the globe

making it the biggest colonizer with the British Empire

Today I learned that..

To lose weight you need to reduce your calorie intake

If you usually need 2500, take about 1800, if you usually need 2000, take about 1500. It doesn't matter what kind of food you eat, as long as you don't eat over or under that new calorie intake. Fruit and Veg are still recommended but do not deprive yourself of eating anything, you need a bit of everything anyway. You could even lose weight by taking in only 1500/1800 cals of junk food a day as did Mark Haub, but it's not advisable. Eat, but eat about a third less calories. That's the big secret.

Source: Mark Haub's Diet

Today I learned that..

Toy Story was the first full-length computer-generated animated film

And as many of you know it was released in 1995 (I was 5!) by Pixar Studios and Walt Disney Studios.

Source: Barbara Klinger, Contemporary American Cinema

Today I learned that..

Mozart composed the tune to Twinkle Twinkle

Well, when he composed it, it was called Ah! Vous Dirai-Je, Maman and he made 12 variations of it. Then the nursery rhyme Twinkle Twinkle (little star) and Baa Baa Black Sheep took the tune and mixed it with a poem.

Listen to the variations.

Today I learned that..

pop-up garages are the new thing

WANT. it's the most convenient thing ever.

Source

Today I learned that..

Capybaras are the biggest rodents

The size of a fat german Shepard.

Today I learned that..

Blue Waffle is a vaginal infection

It looks gross and almost surreal so I won't post a picture. google it. the name is literal (since a waffle is slang for vagina)

Today I learned that..

Halloween is a good excuse for men to dress in drag

without being called a queen..

Today I learned that..

the weather in Scotland is as predictable as the one in Iceland

Blue, cloudless day, 10mn shower with a dark grey sky, blue cloudless.

Today I learned that..

Riding for the first time hurts

whether it's your very first time, or the first time after a little while, your inner thighs will hurt so much, you'll walk like you've had bad sex for two days afterwards. And crossing your legs isn't going to be easy either. But, on the plus side, it's a great workout.

Today I learned that..

There are dolphins in St Andrews!

you have to spot them as they don't prance and jump around but they are there.

Today I learned that..

When renting a car, you need a credit card in the driver's name

otherwise they won't let you rent a car. And it needs to be the actual card, not a copy of it. For what reason? who knows?! Stupid laws..

Today I learned that..

you are born with 300 bones

but when you have reached adulthood you have only 206 left. That's because most bones join together to form one.

Today I learned that..

In an encounter with a shark, hit it on the nose

Apparently it's supposed to make him go away... but I wouldn't bet my life on it and try it.

Today I learned that..

Spain encourages the Siesta

And they fear it's disappearing due to the fast pace of modern life. So to try and re-promote napping they had a napping contest in a shopping mall in Madrid. Why? because napping makes one rest and when one is well rested, they work better.

Source

Today I learned that..

You don't play Trivial Pursuit Genus unless you're a genius.

Or unless you change the rules to 1) you get a pie if you answer any question correctly for a field for which you do not already own a pie and 2) if you make the other players give you clues to get the answer and 3) if the other players do not know the answer to the question, after seeing, and you don't know it, have another question read out to you. Otherwise the game will never end...

Today I learned that..

Only in Scotland would you have an ice cream and candy parlor selling tobacco

And even better than that, being the only place in the whole town where you can fill up your lighter, when the town includes a wine and tobacconist, a DIY store, supermarkets..

Gotta Love St Andrews!

Today I learned that..

Unless one has paid to attend an event, saying one will attend should be considered as a non-attendance

because in this last case one does not lose anything by not attending - well, maybe a fun event, but no time or no money.

Today I learned that..

Ladybirds have yellow blood

And lobsters have blue blood, they are part of the bourgeoisie.

Today I learned that..

the optimal time to learn a second language is between 6 months and 4 years old.

Too late for all of you reading my blog, but maybe not for siblings, cousins or children.

Today I learned that..

Mixing milk and water for the shisha makes a nicer feeling in your throat.

Today I learned that..

Operation Wallacea have rediscovered 4 "extinct" species

Today I learned that..

A low-calorie intake diet is the STUPIDEST thing one could do.

Here's why:

If you don't take enough calories your body goes into "starvation mode" and becomes super efficient in using the calories you did take. But since it needs more calories, it takes them from your lean tissue and muscles. This obviously results in a loss of muscle, which is generally not the result you want. This loss lowers the metabolic rate, which slows down weight loss. This is GREAT in case you're in a situation where food is actually limited, it means your body will use everything more efficiently and keep you alive for longer. But you're not losing weight. So eat, dammit, and do some exercise.

Today I learned that..

you lose weight more easily if you have a good night's sleep

Ie. ±7 hours. Otherwise you upset your metabolism.

Today I learned that..

The king of Saudi Arabia is actually the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques

That's the translation of his title in arabic, خادم الحرمين الشريفي. The two mosques being in Mecca and Medina.

Today I learned that..

Australia is a prison

Today I learned that..

Tesla is cooler than Edison

Today I learned that..

Icelandic girls are easy

Source: Icelandic men

Today I learned that..

7 * 13 = 28

Today I learned that..

You can be able to read but not write and write but not read in your own language

The two are not linked in any way. We all learned that with the case of Engel.

Today I learned that..

Used condoms make japanese hairbands

USED, not expired, used. that's disgusting. Ew, Japan, EW.

Today I learned that..

Flying is the safest means of transportation

and by flying i mean a plane, not trying to fly on your own.

Today I learned that..

Eating beans regularly makes you build up immunity to it

or more like against getting gas all the time.

Today I learned that..

Poker is cool to play when fake money is involved

Because people can get overexcited about winning real money and keep on playing, and then lose everything. Thus the problem of gambling addiction.

Today I learned that..

Good memories can bring bad ones up

And vice versa, thank god.

Today I learned that..

There is such a thing as seated DJ's

Mainly they are older people or people who play slower songs. OR BOTH

Today I learned that..

You don't know what a guitar will sound like until it is completely finished

Today I learned that..

Neanderthals had a bigger brain than the modern day man

Today I learned that..

Marilyn Monroe had one heel shorter than the other

So it would make her behind sway and make her look all the more sexy. What people do to look good...

Today I learned that..

some people wear their dog's fur.

And i encourage this. You just collect your pet's hair from the brush and send it to be made into balls that you can later knit with and make a nice fur sweater. No animals harmed, just recycling.

This should be advertised more! DOWN WITH FUR, UP WITH COLLECT HAIR.

Today I learned that..

When everything is close, things will seem far

And vice versa. So when every shop is 5 minutes away, one that is 6mn away is very far. But if everything is 50mn away and something is 45mn away it will seem so close. And this doesn't make sense, but we're humans, we don't make much sense.

Today I learned that..

Men should have no more than 3-4 units of alcohol and women 2-3, daily.

And how is this fair to women? Well, I don't care much, I don't drink.

Today I learned that..

I'm not too fussed about family

except my immediate one like my sisters, mother and grandmothers, but other than that I don't mind not seeing the rest of the family. Unlike most families.

Today I learned that..

You should trust your instincts

I know for example when something (that has something to do with me) is going to end badly because I start shaking like a leaf. And when I don't know whether I'm going to get something or not, if I don't shake, or don't stress about it, I'm gonna get it! And I generally do.

Today I learned that..

Having a driver's license is a declaration of independence from your parents.

And driving is fun on top of everything!

Today I learned that..

Hair is what can change the appearance of a face.

It's impressive how people can look older or younger just by changing their haircut. So take good care of your hair, because if you look pretty now, it's probably thanks to your hair.

Today I learned that..

Sometimes change is needed to appreciate the usual, the traditional

Like a change in haircut can make you realize that you actually really liked your previous one. Or a change in President or King which would make you say "the last one was actually better when you think about it". So don't fear change, maybe it'll make you enjoy what you had/will have again more.

Today I learned that..

King Abdullah II keeps his royal cars in the museum

Everyone can enjoy their splendor when they are in, and when he requests any one of them, they just remove it from the Royal Automobile Museum and put it back at later date. It's like a very nice garage.

Today I learned that..

German health plan covers a week at the Dead Sea for people with psoriasis.

And that is really nice of the Germans, because a week at a Dead Sea spa is VERY expensive. But then again, it heals the patients better than anything else they would have to pay for in Germany.

Today I learned that..

Not having money gets you free stuff

at least when you say you don't. And you're in Petra. Then you may get free donkey or mule rides. Especially good when you're exhausted and can't walk anymore.

Today I learned that..

Jordanians are respectful of unavailable ladies.

If you say you've got a boyfriend, a fiancé or a husband, they will sympathize with you but leave you alone. If you are single, they will try to change that status. A diplomatic lie for your safety and comfort never hurt anybody.

Today I learned that..

Everything is a tourist trap in touristic Jordan

I buy a felafel sandwich for a dinar and a half, the guys in the street buy it for 25 piasters. So make friends with the locals and get them to buy it for you.

Today I learned that..

Bedouins eat with their hands

no, not with a piece of bread that functions as a spoon or other, with their bare hands. They dig into the rice dish and make little ball of rice with a chicken piece and throw it in their mouthes as it is considered disrespectful (and disgusting) to touch your mouth with the hand that is going back in for more. Also you only use your right hand, the left one is tucked away.

Today I learned that..

Arab divers need two things for a good dive: pepsi and cigarettes

According to my instructor, Pepsi is very good for buoyancy and cigarettes control your breathing. Right, what else, junkies?

Today I learned that..

In Jordan people drink Pepsi as much as they smoke cigarettes.

And if you've been following this blog, you'd know that the Middle East is smokers' paradise.

Today I learned that..

Hair is very important in the Middle East

Having a perfect haircut that is. So going to the "salon" is a weekly activity for women. While you're there, get a mani-pedi.

Today I learned that..

The Happy birthday song in arabic doesn't say Happy Birthday

It's "Sanna Hilwa ya Gamil" which basically mean "have a sweet year, beautiful!" I can't help but finding that cute.

Today I learned that..

During the holiday of Eid the most important thing is wearing new clothes and visiting everyone you love/family

Such family values these islamic people!

Today I learned that..

The Dead Sea is amazing for healing skin problems

But if you have a cut, it's going to rinse and wash and disinfect it with a downside. It's going to feel like you're putting your hand in fire and for some reason, not taking it out.

Today I learned that..

For Arabs, I don't have foreign blood

Which basically means I don't look like a tourist, I am one of them. One of the upsides of having Armenian origins and thus oriental features. So nice to feel welcome.

Today I learned that..

The Black Iris is Jordan's national flower

But you can't see that many around anymore.

Today I learned that..

Narguilé has a laxative effect

On me anyway.

Today I learned that..

Petrol costs 10pence/litre in Saudi Arabia

Now you know how much it is ACTUALLY worth.

Today I learned that..

The 500€ bill is the highest value bill

Today I learned That..

There are alternatives to nursery schools

Today I learned that...

Iftar is like christmas dinner

Except every night for a whole month. Those Muslims know how to have a good time!

Today I learned that...

Ramadan is about compassion

You fast from dawn to dusk without eating or even drinking anything. It lasts a month so you feel for the poor, live their lives for a couple of hours a day. Everyday, for iftar, you reward yourself with a big meal. And after the holy month of ramadan is over, you celebrate for 3 days.

Today I learned that..

A cat transforms his anxiety into affection

Like when he's taken for a car drive, which may not be his most favourite activity, he will want to be petted and stroked in order to calm his anxiety and/or stress. In this case, do give them attention, it will make your ride more fun too. Also this only works if you let them loose, if not, they want affection but they are stuck in a cage so all they do is meow.

Today I learned that..

The newest punctuation is: the interrobang, ‽

it's a question mark and an exclamation mark at the same time! It is also called a quesclamation mark. It helps mark surprise and question in texts. A sentence ending with this new punctuation means you're asking something in an exciting manner.

Source

Today I learned that..

The cheated always gets mad at the cheatee.

The girlfriend will get mad at and hate the girl/guy with whom her boyfriend/girlfriend cheated on her with. Why? Because she feels like her partner has done no wrong and it's all the cheatee's (person who was cheated with) fault. She or he forced her partner to cheat (so she thinks). This is also valid if the girlfriend is a boyfriend, of course.

The catch: A is a man, B is a woman.

Exhibit 1: If A loved B really much, no matter how much a person flirts with him, he will stay faithful to B.

Exhibit 2: If A doesn't love B that much, he will fall into temptation or worse he will flirt with another person and cheat on B.

The person A cheats on B with, is irrelevant. It could be C, D, E or Z. That person doesn't matter because he or she was in no way responsible for anything. This person most likely does not know B and is not the one cheating on her. A is. Thus A is the one and only one B should get mad at. If A really loved B, he wouldn't have cheated. Since he did, B should question A's love and faithfulness instead of wasting her time blaming C, D, E or Z.

I hope that this will help you in your future disastrous situations, although I do not wish them upon you.

Today I learned that..

When cats want attention they will do stupid things

...Like vomit everywhere, pee on your pillow right in front of you, break things,... So in order to avoid all that, just give your cat love and attention every day. And both you and your cat will live a happy peaceful life.

Today I learned that..

Fruits and things have feelings and a life of their own.

And Terry Border photographed this incredible unknown fact about life. He is amazing. Kudos and much appreciation, Terry!

Source

Grandpa visits the grandchildren.

Today I learned that..

There is no El Dorado

There was though. There was a man near Bogota who would cover himself with gold powder yearly and then went to the center of the lake Guatavita. Whilst he was praying, people would throw gold objects and precious stones into the lake. When the Conquistadors came they found the lake, drained it and found the jewels. However, they were disappointed because their discovery didn't live up to their expectations -they wanted MORE stuff. So they made a story up of a land faraway in the Andes called El Dorado which overflew with precious stones and metals.

El Dorado was found. There is no such thing anymore as it was obviously pillaged by the Spaniards.

Today I learned that..

Guys with girlfriends can't be friends with girls.

It just doesn't work out. Either because the girlfriend is jealous of the girl, or because the guy is too scared to tell his girlfriend that he is allowed to have girl friends. After all, a great man once said "women are men with boobs" hence making us super men and superior to you. You can have boy friends, you can have girl friends. So let's be friends?

Also, I seem to be girlfriend's worst nightmare. I don't get it. I've never stolen a guy nor ever wanted to. That's pathetic I don't even want a boyfriend. Silly boys... Well I guess there's nothing to do about it.

SINGLE BOYS: let's be friends.

Today I learned that..

Cats don't like to dirty their mustaches

which is why their food bowls are shallower than those of small dogs. And which is also why you may find the center of the bowl being empty but not the sides when you have given your cat a bowl that is not shallow enough. There IS a reason for specialized cat and dog bowls.

Today I learned that..

People do this to each other:

Today I learned that...

Imagination really has no limits

but realization and execution do. But remember: Reality is for people who lack imagination. Knock yourselves out. Write, compose, film, design...

René Magritte

Today I learned that..

Masturbation in Indonesia is followed by decapitation

it's a crime apparently. I don't get it, it prevents birth and STD's, there are only positive aspects about masturbation! I can't find an explanation online so maybe it's an urban myth...

Today I learned that..

Skin problems are caused by psychological and situational problems.

And as long as you don't look for the cause of your skin problems, and solve it, it may not heal.

Source: Ton Corps dit: "Aime-toi!"- Lise Bourbeau. It's sometimes scary how acurate and right the definitions in this book are. Available in French, English, German, Spanish, .... 18 languages total, it's THAT good.

Today I learned that..

Relationships aren't easier for gay couples.

It's apparently an urban myth that gay couples have it easier because well men know how men work and women know how women work. It doesn't work that way because not all men and women work the same way. It's called a stereotype for a reason: it should be taken lightly but not believed.

Today I learned that..

Turritopsis nutricula is immortal.

and is the only immortal real living being. (Because no, Edward is not real.) It's a kind of jellyfish capable of reverting back to its polyp stage when it feels old, thus not (ever) dying. I guess that population is growing...

Source

Today I learned that..

Drugs have gone to a whole new level, digital.

iDosing. Say anything to you? it's a digital auditive drug which you can only listen to through earplugs, best lying down and in the dark. It involves having binaural beats -sounds of two different wavelengths playing at the same time- which gets your brain a bit confused. It's supposed to have the effects of Marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, and also orgasm. Now, whether or not it works... I've heard both stories.

Try it! Gates of Hades

Today I learned that..

Breaking the stupid laws doesn't feel wrong

It actually feel right, because in your opinion it's the right and correct thing to do! so, as long as you don't get caught breaking them, go for it! Stupid laws include most speed limitations, not being able to drink on the streets, tagging ugly things, and many more...

Just beautiful

Today I learned that..

The system is deranged

It works for all the wrong reasons which makes life so unfair in matters that could easily be resolved or avoided if people weren't so obsessed with power and money.

Today I learned that..

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

I think that says it all, people. Try, just try things..

Today I learned that..

He who tries to break up the fight always ends up with a knife in his chest.

So: don't get in BETWEEN fighting people. you can advise them not to individually, but if/when they fight, stay out of it. Whether it's verbal or not.

I learned this half a year ago, but I thought you all should know.

Source: experience!!

Today I learned that..

During Ramadan, one can't drink water during the day

now that's just cruel. I can understand laying off food for a couple of hours but plain ole' water? come on! Well, kudos to those who can, I couldn't. Water is my drug.

Today I learned that..

Mars is (one day) going to be livable.

YES! after ruining and destroying one planet, earthlings are now going to mess up another one. What a wonderful species we are... But yeah, that's for 2600 ±

Source

Today I learned that..

After the foldable bike, the bendable one

advertised as easier to "park" around a lamppost. I'm not sure if it's that much easier though.. looks awesome though!

Today I learned that..

Working stress-free is more productive

you do things right, and you do them well, so you don't have to do them over again.

Today I learned that..

Smoking makes your boobs sag

because it damages the levels of collagen and elastin which are the things that keep your breasts "up".

Source

or

?

Today I learned that..

Presentation is key

in order to sell, impress, be elected, ... A good presentation attracts the eye and gets people interested in what you're selling or who you are.

Spices, anyone?

Today I learned that..

Whale dung is eco-friendly

Their dung releases iron which allows for more phytoplankton which are carbon dioxide absorbing creatures. LET THEM SH*T!

Source

Today I learned that..

Mayans were gifted in scientific subjects

Mathematics, architecture, astronomy,.. By the way, they say that on december 21st 2012 it will be the change of an era. This, for them, meant that there would be catastrophes such as famine, wars, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc, but not the end of the world. On top of this, if you pay attention to the news, all of these things that they predict for the change of the era are already happening today, so no need to panic, it's going to be the same, maybe just a little worse. NOT THE END OF THE EARTH.

Today I learned that..

Aztecs were all about sacrificing people to honour their gods

We can't even count how many aztecs died during these sacrifices -which consisted of cutting under the diaphragm with a sharp "knife" and pulling out the heart- but the numbers are in the 100 000...

Some people actually VOLUNTEERED in order to provide their family with whatever it was they needed..

Today I learned that..

Doing a repetitive task needs focusing.

because even though it's the same thing over and over again, if you don't think you start doing it wrong over and over again.

Today I learned that..

One task at a time means you will be done faster.

If you need to cut a photo then put it in an envelope then seal the envelope, 100 times, it is faster to do each of these tasks separately then to do them all "together".

Today I learned that..

In geek language, A is 65, B is 66,..., a is 97, b is 98,..

71 101 101 107!!

Today I learned that..

7h of sleep is ideal

Not more not less. But I'm not sure I can believe that, I feel it varies between 7 and 9. Imagine, not all kids can go to bed at midnight and wake up at 7..

Today I learned that..

Hitchhiking in continental Europe is a nono.

This isn't Iceland anymore. Nobody picks you up, and the people who look like they're going to pick you up, also look like they're going to rape and kill you as well. I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but you don't want to risk reading a bad book. you know what I mean...

Today I learned that..

After Nouvelle Cuisine, Dishwasher Cuisine.

It is used to heat up ingredients (mainly meat or fish) at a lower temperature than 65°C, which is considered too hot. What's next? Hoover cuisine?

Today I learned that..

Octopuses are psychic

Or at least Paul the Octopus is! Seven correct predictions about Germany's soccer team. Way to go Paul!

German victory.

Today I learned that..

Rotting grass gives out heat.

So if you collect it, it can be used as a form of heating system...

Today I learned that..

Jealousy is best friends with infidelity.

If your man or your girl is jealous of people of your opposite sex, WATCH OUT. They probably have or will cheat on you. If you yourself are the jealous type, I think you know what I'm talking about. So why is that? Well you're jealous of all the men your girlfriend hangs out with because you're scared she's going to cheat on you with one of them because you know it can happen because: a) in a similar situation you've cheated on her b) if a situation like that occurred, you would cheat on her. And vice versa. Take my advice: don't be jealous.

Today I learned that..

In Turkmenistan you will find the Gate to Hell.

Which is actually a hole of about 70m in diameter that was "created" in 1971 when geologists drilled into the ground to reach an underground cavern filled with gas but the ground collapsed. Natural gases were escaping into the air. To avoid poisonous discharges, the geologists decided to set fire to it and hoped it would the fire would go out in a few days. Today, that hole is still burning...

Pretty, isn't it?

Today I learned that..

You get drunk faster drinking through a straw.

Why: When creating a vacuum while sucking on the straw, the boiling point of alcohol drops (in normal circumstances 79 degrees Centigrade) and alcohol vapours are created in the straw. These vapours are inhaled in the lungs, and via that way the alcohol gets into the blood much faster than the alcohol that ends up in the stomach by drinking it the normal way.

Today I learned that..

If Facebook were a country it would be the 3rd biggest one.

After China and India, with 500 000 000 members. Good job, Mark Zuckerberg.

Today I learned that..

People get engaged as fast and easy as hookers get laid.

Think, people, THINK. Marriage is starting to become a joke. And soon it's going to become something that people shouldn't do, like adultery. people are going to say "oh man, A and B got married, can you believe them? what's gotten into them, I thought they were good people". Think about that..

Today I learned that..

Belgian chocolate is the best because of its ingredients.

The European Union allows the use of up to 5% of vegetable fats other than cocoa butter for the preparation. This added ingredient is regarded as tantamount to a loss of quality. Belgian chocolate manufacturers continue to use 100% cocoa butter. Thus making it the best chocolate.

Source: Chocolate museum, Brussels, Belgium.

Today I learned that..

Silica is nature's miracle ointment.

looks like white mud, leaves your skin baby soft. Find some at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Today I learned that..

A full naked body wash is mandatory before going into a swimming pool in Iceland.

They really care about the cleanliness of their pools. They don't use any chemicals to clean them, so to avoid them getting dirty, YOU get cleaned beforehand. Smart!

Today I learned that..

Hot rivers exist.

Nice, bathable rivers... in Iceland. Particularly in the Reykjadalur valley. The river passes atop geothermal spots which turns the cold water into 30°C+ water. Very NICE.

Today I learned that..

Coca cola light (Diet coke) is more fattening than normal coke.

Because the aspartame in the drink makes your brain think it's getting sugar when it actually isn't getting any. So to make up for this, it makes you crave sugary things like candy, cookies, etc.. which makes you gain more weight than if you just had normal coke which has sugars in them.

Today I learned that..

People doing the round trip of Iceland go counter-clockwise.

so if you're hitchhiking do it counter-clockwise because otherwise you're going to be waiting for 2 hours to get a ride.

Today I learned that..

Vatnajökull is the biggest glacier in the world..

..If you don't count the poles, of course.

Today I learned that..

Iceland is no country for poor people.

Tourists, that is. For the locals it might not be expensive, but for the tourists, a 7€ sandwich might not be the cheapest option. Especially if you are a student trekking.

Today I learned that..

The oldest european parliament was the Alþing in Iceland.

It was founded in 930 in Þingvellir. They would gather around rocks. Very sophisticated people.

Today I learned that..

Iceland is the safest country in the world

you can leave your backpack on a bench whilst you hike and when you come back it'll still be there.

Today I learned that..

Partying Icelandic Style means Drop dead.

The Icelanders don't really drink during the week, so Friday and Saturday nights they drink and party until they fall to the ground and have to be brought back home. It's rough.

Today I learned that..

If you don't get picked up as a hitch hiker, it's because they don't want to take you.

There are no other excuses. Me and my sister were picked up by a car filled with 4 people. I had to sit on her lap. They wanted to take us, they took us.

Today I Learned That..

Whales don't like bad weather either.

If it has been raining for a few days, it's best not to go whale watching. you won't see any whales and you will have spent a lot of money for nothing. If going whale watching in Husavik, call before making your way up there to avoid disappointment !

Today I Learned That..

Iceland may be cheaper for foreigners than it used to be, but it's not cheap.

With a sandwich at a current rate of 7€ (so previously 14€) this country can still not be considered "cheap". Don't be fooled. Bring your own food or go to Bonus!

Today I Learned That..

In Iceland, national air travel costs practically as much as bus travel.

but takes 10 times less time!

Today I Learned That..

Positive thinking will get you far

and I mean far both in the literal as the figurative sense

Today I learned that..

you want to pee when you hear the sound of water

because we have been drilled to pee upon hearing water when are parents were potty training us... DAMN those parents!

Today I Learned That..

After days of heat, rain is welcomed like the messiah.

FOR A REASON. well, I hate the heat...

Today I Learned That..

You can tell who's Dutch at an event by looking at who's wearing orange

It's almost as if that is the only colour available for their t-shirts!

Today I learned That..

At least 8 fields of weed were needed to provide for the festivalgoers at Werchter

And it seems like it suddenly becomes legal.. i mean you can smell it from a mile away and there are policemen around but all seems well...

Today I Learned That..

at a festival, people will locate people from the same camping as them and then start the flirting

I guess it's one way of selecting potential bed/tent partners.. :D

Today I learned that..

You can say two things, one more important than the other, people will remember the least important one.

and I don't know why. Any explanations welcome.

Today I learned that..

Antwerp is the funnest city in Belgium

People love going out, it's small yet has everything you need and want, it's multicultural, it's not packed with tourists, it's creative, it's active.

I didn't really learn that today, I've known it all along, I'm just reminded of this every time I go there..

Today I Learned That..

Frying oil can be recycled into biodiesel

They do it at McDonalds! apparently..

Today I learned that..

Breastfeeding makes your breast bleed

but only the very first time you do it, unless you've prepared yourself by rubbing it with some crazy hair brush. Ouch! But it's worth it for your kids

Source: my mother

Today I learned that..

During the gay pride, the heterosexuals are nowhere to be seen

but the day after, it's the other way around again..

Today I learned that..

we rely on cellphones

We are nearly incapable of having successful rendez-vous without them.

Today I learned that..

The ban on commercial whaling stands for an extra 10 years!

I can't believe they actually considered withdrawing it. Humans are the worst race. I'm ashamed of being human sometimes..

Today I Learned That..

5 kg of hair can absorb 12L of Liquid

So cut your hair off and donate it to clean up the spill caused by the idiots at BP in the Gulf of Mexico.

Today I learned That..

Sunscreen has a best before date

which is not written on the actual sunscreen tube.

Source: my burns after applying cream 3 times.

Today I learned That..

Summer does not always equal Hot.

and that's global warming again.

Today I learned That..

The Dordogne is the the French Scotland

Castles everywhere, simple people but very proud, huge production of one type of alcohol (Wine vs Whisky), hilly, ..

Today I learned That..

Facebook is a drug.

stay as far away from it as you can for as long as you can.

Today I learned That..

French reality TV is awful but pathetically hilarious

ie. 5 Frenchies. A show about 5 guys competing against each other. the winner: the guy who has French kissed the most girls during the entire show duration (4 days ±) the prize: pride?

Today I learned That..

Global Warming means CRAZY temperatures

not just warmth. also 8°C in mid June in the south of France..

Today I learned That..

sometimes it's nicer weather in the North than in the South

And i'm not talking hemispheres here.

Today I learned That..

People are scared of kittens too

how can you they look like cute cuddly stuffed toys?!

Today I learned That..

A cat's attitude is determined in the first 2 months of its life

So if you cuddle him a lot and carry him, he will like that for his whole life.

Today I Learned That..

Some transparent doors become opaque when the gas inside them is charged

the effect is very cool. Especially when this is the door to your toilet cubicle in a restaurant!!
Freaky at first when you see the door is transparent.

Today I Learned That..

Family reunions can be very boring

especially if there are only people from 2 generations older than you.

Today I Learned That..

I will always sleep during a car ride

unless I have to read the map, or DRIVE!

Today I learned that..

There are all sorts of beer flavors imaginable

and you can find most of them in Delirium Bar, Brussels, Belgium.

Today I learned that..

Lady Garden is a nice way to say "vagina"

Doesn't it sound so lovely? How's your lady garden today?

Today I learned that..

In French Cod has two names (Morue, Cabillaud) so people think they're two different fish.

Because people felt bad for eating Cod (one of the sort) because it is threatened, so they just called the fish another name and voila! people were eating it again. CRAZY.

Source: Waiter @ Et qui va ramener le chien? , Brussels.

Today I learned that..

Some men(boys) don't have dignity

Like a male family member of an ex boyfriend of mine asking me flat out if I want to be his fuck buddy (I've never actually even met this person). And not stopping to try after 3 months of me saying "NO". Boys, for many girls, but not for me NO means yes. When I say NO, I probably mean "no, and fuck off" but because I can be decent most of the time I will stick to just no. LEARN IT.

Source: XS (and that's also the size of his dignity, standards, penis,...)

Today I learned that..

I am secretly evil

I love having these awful, evil thoughts about situations that would be very funny if, for example, you saw it in a movie, but quite tragic if it happened to you. But, BUT!!!! I wouldn't actually ever do any of them. (lies, most but not all. some are not as bad) }:]

Today I learned that..

Japan is an orgy country

They set the new world record for biggest orgy: 500 participants in one place at the same time. DAMN, Japan!

source: Facts about sex

Today I learned that..

The sun and heat give me intense headaches

Quite annoying nowadays with the global warming... Well Aspirin brands will make a fortune out of me (if I decide to take them)

Today I learned that..

Aviatrix is the female aviator

it sounds kinky!

Today I learned that..

I have at least one dedicated follower for this "blog".

THANK YOU.

Source: FBA.

Today I learned that..

I've had the best exam session ever!

It's more a realization than something I learned but okay. I've had so much fun during my revision week AND my exam week. Went to the beach, to the restaurant, partying with your tutor.. having some tasty mango. and much, much more.

As a matter of fact, I think I've had the best semester so far!

I FREAKING LOVE ST. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY!

Today I learned that..

A house will never be cleaner than when you checkout of a property you’ve rented.

Or at least it should normally be (clean).

Today I learned that..

There are dolphins in Scotland.

Which proves they're not only swimming around in hot, tropical waters! But Planet Earth probably taught me that a while ago.

Source: Dornoch Firth

Today I learned that..

Scotland is like the Dordogne, sprinkled with castles.

Beautiful ones on top of that!

Source: Blair Castle, Dunrobin Castle, Castle of Mey, ...

Today I learned that..

The west coast of the Scottish Highlands is nothing like the east coast.

The west is more barren and hilly whereas the East has more trees, nicer weather (uhm?)..

Today I learned that..

Scotland is practically still an untouched land.

You don’t need to travel half way across the world to see barren landscapes and beautiful scenery.

Today I learned that..

It’s always nice weather when you leave a place.

I don't have an explanation...

Today I learned that..

Saying your goodbyes is always the hardest.

Especially when you’re not going to see them for a long time. My advice is: do it progressively over 3-4 days.