The guys at Good Food (Romanian edition) had a great idea to send invitations for the premiere of Kung Fu Panda and I hear the event was a great success (I couldn’t made it since I was attending e-Academy). Continue reading ‘“Kung Fu Panda” the movie – invitation from Good Food’
Archive for the 'Lifestyle' Category
A small ethnical group in Romania (0.2%) is Turkish (mostly Muslim). In honor of the celebration of the month of Ramadan by Romania’s Muslim community, US Ambassador Nicholas Taubman donated the “Ambassador’s Collection” of books to the library of the Kemal Ataturk Turkish-language National College in Medgidia. The donation included a wide range of books appropriate for ages 5-17 on American History, US culture and values, including reference books, historical fiction, biographies and books on art and literature. English-learning books and English-Romanian dictionaries were also included. Kemal Ataturk National College is an accredited Romanian school, offering instruction in Romanian, Turkish and English, with approximately 220 students from grades 1-12 attending the school. Continue reading ‘Ramadan in Romania – Iftar’
I have a friend working in diplomacy somewhere in the Middle East and we were talking a few days ago about about the arab lifestyle… at some point I asked him about wines and alcohol and I was surprised to find out that there are some families controlling the limited legal sales while there is a huge black market for all kind of smuggled merchandise. He told me that Islam prohibits the drinking and even the handling of alcoholic beverages.
I was a little surprised to hear this and I wanted to find out more. Here is what I found on Wikipedia: Continue reading ‘Middle Eastern lifestyle’
Beginning with the 1st of October, students all over Romania begin their new university year.
Last night I went to feel the student life in Regie (the biggest student campus in Bucharest) and Grozavesti – for tonight I have planned to check out the subway stations in the area and also check out their Internet access (as we speak only few students managed to get connected).
On the other hand Pepsi Max, Avon and Winterfresh already started their campaigns in the campus. The funny thing (since all the available advertising spaces in Regie are reserved for all the year) is that Winterfresh managed to place a large banner on one of the student tower next to Club Maxx.
My guess us that in the next months we’ll see more campaigns targeting students 
By far, this is one of the most interesting type of restaurants in Italy (on the east coast). Also called “trabocco”, these places are also a fishing machines from another times, preserving the old Italian fishermen tradition.
The construction is very simple and very technical – although they don’t look very safe they manage to survive the waves and the angry sea but the most important thing is that on a “trabocco” you can enjoy a fresh seafood menu, hear the lazy waves and compare the long bottles of cerasuolo.
Here is the photo report from my last visit to Abruzzo, Italy. Working for Vinul.ro is sometimes a profound experience as I have the chance to meet extraordinary people, wines and cultures from all over the world.
The Italian lifestyle has its own charm and I hope you’ll enjoy the photo “collage” below.
While doing my daily digest and reading Sorin’s blog I found this disturbing article published on The Onion:
WASHINGTON, DC—The Environmental Protection Agency issued a bulletin Tuesday warning the bodies of American citizens, with their large concentrations of artificial, synthetic, and often toxic substances, have been reclassified as industrial waste.
“The average human body is now only 35 percent organic,” EPA chief Ralph Johnson said. “Due to changes brought about by modern detergents, silicone implants, and processed cheese food product, it is no longer safe to allow human tissue to come into contact with our nation’s topsoil.”
Johnson said the EPA is seeking funding to construct a massive, federally managed human-body containment facility in the Mojave Desert to safely and viably store human remains.
The Russian edition of Forbes magazine has published its list of the most popular and richest celebrities of Russia, actors, musicians, models and sportsmen:
This week-end I’ll spend my time tasting the Italian wines in Abruzzo. This is an educational trip for me and I’m happy to say that I’ll be able to experience this part of the Italian lifestyle. I’m preparing for a great cultural experience in Abruzzo (Cezar told me that I’ll have plenty to see over there) and I promise to write more about this when I’ll come back.
In the mean time, you should check this videoblog where Geo talks about the country branding and the Romanian wines…
Via Ferrari Romania:
THE 1962 LE MANS-WINNING, PHIL HILL/OLIVER GENDEBIEN
I VINCITORI DI LE MANS NEL 1962: PHIL HILL/OLIVIER GENDEBIEN
Specifications:
390 bhp 3,967 cc single overhead camshaft V-12 engine with six two-barrel Weber 42 DCN carburetors, 5-speed manual transmission, coil spring and wishbone independent front and rear suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase 2,420mm (95.3″)The first car in a series is good. But the last car is best. It is inevitably refined, improved and developed. Its weaknesses have been addressed and its strengths have been enhanced.
Technical sophistication is important, particularly if it represents a unique and successful configuration. A real, documented and important history makes it better, more so if it includes a roster of the best drivers. But most important of all is success. Commercial success is good, but success in competition is better and the overall winner of the 24 Heures du Mans is the best of all.
The expression of all these attributes is the 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM, chassis number 0808, offered here. The only 4-litre Testa Rossa built, it also is the last Testa Rossa and the last front-engined sports racing car built by Ferrari. Driven by the incomparable endurance racing pairing of Phil Hill and Olivier Gendebien, it is the last front-engined car to capture the overall victory at Le Mans, and the Hill/Gendebien team’s epic third Le Mans win. It is, in so many important and meaningful ways, unique.
The Ferrari Testa Rossa is the most famous series of sports-racing cars ever built. This is the ultimate Ferrari Testa Rossa. Its provenance is impeccably documented. It is incomparably and absolutely unique. Frequently driven by its current owner, it is “on the button” and ready to demonstrate its prowess on the track or in the most demanding, satisfying and exciting open road events.
LOT: 221
Estimate: €6.000.000-€7.500.000
Chassis No. 0808
AUCTION RESULTS: Lot was Sold at a price of €6.875.000
Ionut Bratu was there for a short visit today and has some nice photos on his blog.
Tomorrow, after voting, you should check out the RACE!
Jean-Marie (LE PEN), Ségolène (ROYAL) et le petit Nicolas (SARKOZY) sont aux portes du Paradis.
Et Dieu les interroge :
- Que croyez-vous ?
- Je crois, dit Jean-Marie, que la France sera sauvée !
- Bien, dit le Tout-Puissant, assieds-toi à Ma Droite, Jean-Marie ! Et toi, Ségolène, que crois-tu ?
- Moi, je crois tout ce que Vous voulez, du moment que Vous votez pour moi !
- Viens, Ségolène, assieds-toi à Ma Gauche !
- Et toi, Mon petit Nicolas, que crois-tu ?
- Excusez-moi, mais je crois que vous êtes assis à ma place
“Mergi la vot pe 19 mai!” (“Go on and vote on the 19th of May”) – this is our latest campaign and it starts today at CRSC – its main goal is to consolidate the romanian democracy and to be a civil exercise.
A sad news for all the romanian music lovers – Gil Dobrica went to heaven leaving us all his great songs and fine memories.
First time I met him when I was a student and I wanted to have Gil singing at our party. He really rocked the stage and I could see he was a natural talent. Last time we met, I invited him to sing at a festival and he was happy to see the people asking for his songs and having a good time.
Gil, rest in peace!
The full story here…
Catalin writes about his visit at PROWEIN in Düsseldorf (over 3.000 companies from 43 countries and over 32.000 professionals).
Cezar was also there but he was disappointed of certain aspects (he wrote an article in Prezent when he came back in Romania).
Mike Steinberger asks “who’s to blame for expensive wine?” and points to the new asian market embracing oenophilia – see “Bordeaux Meets Beijing”.
China is not the only country targeted by the wine producers. After Romania joined the E.U., more and more wine producers seem to be interested in promoting their brands on Vinul.ro – after Chile, this week we received requests from Hungary and Australia.
…would probably be a great name for a PR agency .
The movie below is very emotional – the story is quite clear and although I’m not Korean I can keep up with it:
Notice the great product placement for the NIKON cameras and the BMW bikes.
The BMW motorcycles first appeared in Korea in 1999, and their popularity exploded throughout the nation… they create feelings
To find my way back in this life…
I’m a Ferrari fan.
The first race of the F1 season is always influencing my spirit.
A great year is ahead 
Zoso was first to write it here on sunday and I confirm: we signed the contract with Anathema and they’ll be in the main square in Sibiu this summer at the ARTmania festival.
I know that there were tons of rumors and talks around the subject and this means that Anathema has a strong fan community in Romania.
Razboiul din Irak si razboiul de acasa(The war in Irak and the war back home) – this is the next book I want to read.
The book written by Dorina Gutu is the result of a research carried on at the Stanford University during the 2004 presidential campaign and focused on the new media vehicles and alternative informational resources (such as comedy shows, blogs and movies).
I’ve noticed that the Internet is already preparing for the next US elections: Digg launched the 2008 Elections section and YouTube has the same plans.
LATER EDIT: also to blog about this book is Sorin Tudor.
The official launch - Today at 18.00, Carturesti Bookshop (no. 13 Pictor Arthur Verona Street).
Announced to be there: Judith A. Moon (Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy in Romania), Sever Voinescu (publicist, Dilema veche), Felix Tataru (Managing Director, GMP) and Alina Bargaoanu (SNSPA).
“Acasa” is a traditional Romanian restaurant on Skillman Avenue. Peter MEEHAN was there and wrote a nice review in The NewYork Times.
Address: 48-06 Skillman Avenue (48th Street), Sunnyside, Queens; (718) 651-1364.
HOURS Noon to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; to midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This evening I had the chance to taste wines from Chile. MISIONES DE RENGO is imported in Romania by Vino Vero and I had the chance to meet some of the stakeholders. Of course, his Excellency, Carlos Guillermo Parker Almonacid (the Ambassador in Romania) had an interesting speech as Sergiu Nedelea (the local Sommelier) presented the premium wines. My favorite was a Sauvignon Blanc with floral and fruit flavor (quite special for a Sauvignon) – the smell turned my evening into a genuine celebration of good taste.
I enjoyed the event together with Vlad Tocae as I discovered that he is also a wine lover and we had a very interesting conversation about the online. The results you’ll see in a few years
As usual, the last to leave were me and Cezar (as the event was under Vinul.ro umbrella).
I’m happy to announce the new Ferrari Fan Club blog. We hope that this will be one of our major blogs on Ferrari and the F1 community as the 2007 season is about to begin. The page will have over 10 permanent contributors, all passionate and very fast – one of the leaders we have is Ionut Bratu and he will change gears during this season.
The online Ferrari fan club community is quite limited at this time but I’m happy to say that we have among us two Ferrari owners.
In the end, I just want to say that my goal is to have Magda and Corina blogging on the red cars. If not, I’ll be forced to reconsider our partnership and contract with ARBOmedia
Sportswomen have sprinted out of the shadow of their male counterparts to inspire with their own triumphs. Early pioneers fought sexist attitudes and lack of support to pave the way for today’s female sporting champions.
Who do you think is the greatest?
Click here and vote for Nadia Comaneci!
The exhibition Self-Timer, to be shown at MNAC (National Museum of Contemporary Art), Bucharest, organized by ARTMANIA Foundation in collaboration with FRAME (Finnish Fund for Art Exchange), Kunsthalle Fridericianum, Kassel, the Embassy of Finland in Romania and MNAC, provides a first, comprehensive insight into the photographic and filmic work of five young artists from Finland. Their works focus not so much on great political and social themes. The artists capture their times in personal, everyday events, portraying the reality of their lives and their relations with the external world, or they formulate subjective emotions and personal issues in fictional narration reflecting societal reality. In photography and film they rely on the force of visual staging and a highly aesthetic visual language where appearances can prove deceptive.
Yes, I was at the Palace of Parliament this evening and enjoyed the exhibition. Congratulations to Codruta Vulcu for setting this awsome site in Bucharest.
Zghihara, Novac, Cramposia, Babeasca Gri, Babeasca Neagra, Babeasca Rose, Busuioaca de Bohotin, Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Neagra and Feteasca Regala. Francusa. Galbena de Odobesti. Grasa de Cotnari. Negru de Dragasani, Sarba and Tamaioasa Romaneasca – Catalin writes here about the Romanian wines and their ancestral secrets…
Gramo (Gheorghe Stefanov) is a university philosophy professor and was spotted posting a few pics representing personal photo-memoirs – in the nude artistic pictures he appears together with his wife.
As a philosophy teacher, he posted the pictures on the Internet in order to start a public debate about Eastern-European hypocrisy and fake Victorian morals.
As we speak Gramo’s family is seriously harassed by the ex-communist scandal tabloids in Bucharest and their life is turning upside down as the main TV stations broadcasted without persmission personal photos of the couple. The scandal reached the University of Bucharest where Gramo is being investigated (the staff is still dominated by the old ex-communist professors).
Today, Gramo will be attending the university senate hearings and he risks being fired because of his personal blog. I decided to post this message and say “I support Gramo” and I also invite all my readers and friends to write about this and be there for the two Gramos!
For the english users – the story is available here.
NOTE: you can post the logo above on your page. Manafu already did it as Gramo is member of the Netoo Group.
LATER EDIT:
Some of the blogs that wrote about Gramo: Paul, Eduard, Netoo,Victor, Iulian, Ionut, Zoso, No Doubt, Nihasa, Apollinaire, Laurentiu, Sub Sol, Liviu, Alex…
As I was reading George Popescu I discovered a movie produced by Michael Wesch – a member in a working group of Kansas State University students and scientists dedicated to “exploring and extending the possibilities of digital ethnography”.
You can read the Digital Ethnography Blog here…
Later edit: Bradut Ulmanu also wrote about it.
Cezar, Vali and Catalin together with Cristian Boerean started a new blog about cooking and wines. Enjoy reading and please submit us your photos with your creations
[via Cezar Ioan]
This is quite an interesting article published on CNN.com about an entrepeneur, a small business and his special guests:
There is only one count in this remote Transylvanian village of 512 souls nestled in the wilds of the Carpathian Mountains — and it isn’t Count Dracula.
Meet Count Tibor Kalnoky, a dashing 40-year-old entrepreneur and son of Transylvania descended from a noble family which settled in these misty lands in the 13th century and lived there until communism forced the family to flee.
Kalnoky, a former veterinarian who grew up in France and Germany, moved back to the ancestral home after communism ended in 1989. In the last few years he has created one of Romania’s most successful tourist ventures out of his ancestral hunting manor — and has counted Britain’s Prince Charles among his guests.
[...]
The famous no-show at the manor is Omar Hayssam, a Syrian businessman who was charged with setting up the kidnapping of three Romanian journalists in Iraq in 2005 and was recently accused of plotting to kidnap the youngest daughter of President Traian Basescu.He is believed to have fled Romania this year from a Black Sea port on a ship full of sheep.
Romanian Intelligence Service came looking for the vanished businessmen and questioned the startled staff. Kalnoky said workers had to sign an affidavit saying they had not seen the Syrian on the lam.
The creator of the water commented that “Bling H2O is to bottled water what Rolls Royce is to automobiles; a premium product with premium packaging that merits a premium price. Bling is a stand-alone beverage as well as the perfect compliment to your favorite cocktail.”
Manufacturer: Bling Beverages, LLC;
New Product Trend: Upscale, exclusive packaging design for bottled water;
Packaging Description: Bling H20 is the first ever bottled water that is decorated with genuine Swarovski crystals. The runway model-like thin, tall, frosted glass bottles give the beverage a luxurious appeal. The product successfully demonstrates etched glass, screen print and crystal application;
Glass Container Supplier: Saint-Gobain Containers and Vitro Packaging;
Prices range: from $24.00 to $40.00 (depending on the bottle) but it can reach over $90 in a respected club;
Website: Bling H2O, http://www.blingh2o.com
Next big business to come: premium luxury ice for the Eskimos
