An Inconvenient Truth

I just watched Al Gore's climate change documentary which came out in the year 2006 : 'An Inconvenient Truth'. I'd been meaning to watch it for a while but what sparked my memory was watching a lecture by John Hardy on TED (check out previous post) about a Green School in Bali (Watch the lecture here).

The Green School is designed to teach children about the importance of the environment through interacting with the environment when learning. The children have essential classes such as math, reading, writing etc. but they also have Green classes and Creative Arts classes. The school's motto is: "Empowering global citizens and green innovators who are inspired to take responsibility for the sustainability of the world" and this is extremely important for the future of our planet. Al Gore's documentary is quite eye opening, not only for all those global warming sceptics out there - but even for those of us who are aware of the risks of increased CO2 emissions! After watching this documentary (and the talk by John Hardy) I seriously have decided to put fighting for environmental sustainability and fighting against climate change amongst my top priorities.

Recommended for everyone.

Climate Crisis website

Campaign Against Climate Change website

London Island Ice Tea

Check out my friends' recently opened blog: London Island Ice Tea!

They are "Living, loving and ranting in the beautiful hangover called London".

Ranging from topics on politics, the arts and current affairs their blog is entertaining, inspiring and makes you think about visas, protests and "Things".

Some recent articles include discussions on:

- The student protest of 10/11/10

- The process of visa applications

- Christian Marclay's "The Clock" at White Cube

Missing Rose - Kayıp Gül

Recently I picked this book up on my way back from Turkey - "Kayıp Gül" or "Missing Rose" by Serdar Özkan. I finished the entire book on one 3 and half hour plane ride. It has been translated into 39 different languages and is available in over 50 countries. Described in the book and on
the website (Available

here) as :

“Compulsory reading for all who are thrilled by The Alchemist, The Little Prince and Jonathan Livingston Seagull.”

Air Beletrina - SLOVENIA

it is a book that was close to my heart. Set in San Francisco and in Istanbul it is a novel about the spiritual and personal journey of a young woman in her 20s. Yes, many see the Alchemist as cheesy, but it it is loved for the very reason that it does make us feel uplifted and inspires us to do more with our life and try to discover what we really want to do in this short but sweet life. This book does the same thing - it makes us question our motivations and our decisions. It allows us to truly remember that 'better late than never'. I would recommend this book to anyone of all ages who enjoy a bit of fantasy and are open to new ideas!

One chapter got me thinking about the observation that the protagonist makes (don't worry this is not a spoiler!) - If you entered a cafe and ordered two of your favourite cookie but they only had one so they put another cookie next to it on a plate - would you eat your favourite one first or second?

I decided I would eat mine second, but might take a bite from it first! (Delayed gratification versus instant? or wanting to seize the day versus being too full to eat the second?) If you have any thoughts or comments feel free to leave them! I'd be interested to know.

Epic Lentil Soup

How to make awesome and SIMPLE lentil soup (Turkish style)

- I know this from my mother and it can be played around with a bit.

INGREDIENTS:

1 large onion

2 cups of red lentil

1 potato

1 carrot

1 1/2 or 2 litres of water

2 tablespoons of oil or butter

1 tablespoon of tomato puree or 1/2 a can of tomatoes

1 tablespoon of flour

2 vegetable stock cubes (or chicken stock goes really well)

Chilies, salt, pepper and cumin to season (to taste)

STEPS:

1. Chop the onions and brown in a pan with the oil. Once softened add the flour and mix well.

2. Chop the carrots and potato and add them to the pan, continue to mix.

3. Soak the lentils in water and get rid of the starch (white water) then also add to the pan.

4. Add the water, stock cubes and tomato puree/or canned tomatoes.

5. Let water boil and simmer for around 20 minutes or so (or until all the ingredients are mushy)

6. Add seasoning and voila!

Serve hot with a wedge of lemon and crusted bread and it will get you through the winter days!

Enjoy!

Demolition 2010

I expect to see everyone there!

The increasing fees are ridiculous,

The cuts are jeopardising the future generation! Where is our voice?

This is only a start but that's only where we can start - so come loud and proud as students, ex-students, future students! Protect our education system!

Go to this website to subscribe, and to find more information: Demolition-2010

Spread the word people! And bring your loudest voices on the day to tell the government: NO!

Dirty Dancing

Yesterday I went to the matinee showing of Dirty Dancing in the West End. My mum and I were walking towards Covent Garden (she was visiting from Turkey), came across the theatre and I said "Mum, I'd love to go to Dirty Dancing someday". So she dragged me inside, bought me tickets and luckily enough we were in the Stalls about fifth row from the front. Good times.

If you want to have a feel good day, watch some amazing dancing and just generally feel like dirty dancing yourself I would definitely recommend going to see this production. It has the best reviews in the papers and it really does stand up to them! Set in 1960s America a story unfolds about a young girl "Baby who goes on a family holiday with her family and finds out a lot more than she expects to from her two week holiday. Sexy dance moves and a man with a beautiful body (Johnny Wright), this production will not disappoint. Would like to thank the entire cast and crew for an amazing show!

100 Questions to Know Someone Better - Adviceopedia

100 Questions to Know Someone Better - Adviceopedia