Sounds like SUSHI!

I first heard about this issue couple of years go. Somehow, as a fan of sushi as well, I kinda blinded myself from it, but no more. To get the message loud and clear, The Hives will help me. Here it goes:

Well is it true what they say about it
They say it's new but I have to doubt it...

It's no secret that these days sushi is the new McDonald's. The delicacy that used to be a privilage of few –a special treat, or better yet, a part of a certain culture– has now become vacuum-packed, -30% off -product in the supermarket shelf. Don't get me wrong here, it is great that through globalization, we have the chance to experience new cultures. Only problem is, that it comes with a cost.

I got some people saying this way
I got some people saying that way
I got some people saying there's no way
Ain't it tough?

I recently read an article by Christiane Amanpour (http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/around-the-world-abc-news/world-hunger-sushi-cause-tuna-extinction-223930976.html#more-id), which put some facts on the table: today we consume so much fish that if we're not careful we may soon run out. Amanpour points out that, "the greatest fear is that wild caught fish will be completely replaced by farm raised harvested fish, which has already begun with low end sushi".  Sooo, when sushi becomes an everyday food choice, there is the possibility, that it will severely impact the ecological balance of the oceans in our world, which then can lead to a collapse of all fish species.

You've seen the idiot walk
See the idiot talk
But you never learned nothing and nothing isn't over
See the robot walk
See the robot talk

To be clear, it's not just about sushi. According to Monetary Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch (http://www.montereybayaquarium.org), there is a limit to the fish in the sea, despite the fact that the oceans are enormous. Yes, humans have been fishing the oceans for centuries. However, during the past five decades, thanks to technologies and global mass production, we've been fishing more efficiently than ever before. Scientists estimate that we have removed as much as 90 percent of the large predatory fish such as shark, swordfish and cod. 90 percent!!

See the idiot walk
See the idiot talk
See the idiot chalk up his name on the blackboard.

In 2003, the Pew Oceans Commision gave a warning, that the world's oceans are in a state of "silent collapse".

If we review the winning combination
Body at work and a mind on vacation
Who had the brain where it started to sink in
It was you

The thing is, that no matter how anxious this all makes you and me feel, we cannot live in denial. The oceans do a great deal of things that don't even cross our minds on a regular basis. For example, they do not only supply us with food, they help regulate our climate, and supply livelyhood for millions of people. So,  if we continue with the same path, the causes might be, nicely put: quite fucked up.

Here's a link to infromation that might help to see that actually the sea isn't full of fish after all.

http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/issues/default.aspx?c=ln 

Kitchenjunkie

This topic is quite random, but I simply cannot hold it any longer:

It think I might have developed an addiction. I mean, almost every day I have this feeling I need to roll my sleeves, get out the spoons and knives and start steaming. The feeling I get out from it is so liberating, so fulfilling, so...calming.

Let me explain. It is kind of a mindset where you liberate yourself and go with the flow but at the same time you know exactly what you are doing – and the result is immediate. You cut, stir, boil...and then inhail...mmmm what a sensation, a sweet mixture of pure pleasure! Suddenly you see all the colours and you realise what a masterpiece you have created. Surely you all know what I'm saying, right?

I think it all began during the summer, very cunningly, when I started to watch Nigella. I literally could not stop watching her, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amm9Go-lxdY&feature=rellist&playnext=1&list=PL2839E946DEF4705B ....Sweet Jesus!

Since then, this addiction has only gotten worse. Partly, I blame my new house, because the place to do my magic is huuuuuge, at least compared to my old house. It kind of haunts me every day saying: "Come, come...I know you want to."

One night I spent one and a half hours just reading and looking for different recepies. The other night I watched youtube with my housemate, and he showed me how this specialist squeesed all the different menus (that are normally enjoyed separately) together as one tasty cocktail. All I wanted to do was to get back to my pans and pots again...Yes, I'm talking about cooking!

This is getting quite ridiculous actually, because lately I have had the urge to cook even if have thousand other things to do. It is just such a pleasure. For example, last week, instead of preparing a presentation, I prepared lentil curry. On a Friday night I think I actually enjoyed my friends' birthday party the most before going there – I was drinking wine and baking a mudcake in my kitchen.

As a matter of fact, at this very moment I should be researching, and what am I doing: after cooking for hour and a half, I am writing about cooking.

Am I loosing it, or am I just getting old?

Jerks of Finland?

Yesterday, I saw Ruby Sparks. It is the new film of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (same duuuds that directed Little Miss Sunshine). Without giving any spoilers, I just want to state that it was an apt illustration of shyness, ackwardness and selfishness.

(It was also a story about love, as the trailer demonstrates http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1839492/. But, I'll write about that another time...)

Anyways, to the topic. Ruby Sparks, or more accurately its protagonist Calvin, got me thinking about socially ackward and self-centered people. I come from Finland, which is quite broadly known for being a cold place. It has been said that Finnish people are not the most outgoing but that when you get to know them, they are friendly and compliant. Might be true in many cases, but what I've experienced also quite often is that somehow the closeness of (un)familiar faces makes Finns really akward and even rude. And yes, I generalize, but it must come from somewhere, right?

Let me demonstrate:

During my summer holidays, quite weird incident occured in a bank queue. An old lady behind me was waiting for her turn, and since she was in a wheelchair, she couldn't move properly herself. Well, what happened is that after a while I heard a banal voice behind me saying: "Uhm...someone should move this lady.." I turned and saw not one but three men aged around 45 just standing there awkwardly doing nothing. What was even more absurd, was the fact that when another lady and myself went to help this woman, one of the men started to complain that "in these situations there should be some care-taker to do these things" as if the old lady wouldn't exist or hear anything.

Another example is (quite commonly recognized fact), that Finnish men do not show their emotions unless they are drunk. So, if a jerk in a bar approaches you from behind, grabs your ass and suggests to "go fuck at his place" (or in his van, as one gentleman proposed in a jazz-festival years ago) don't be surprised. Weirdly enough (and this is where it differs from other countries I know) sober in daylight the same guy would not dare to look at you in the eye, let alone suggest something more physical.

At this point, I must say that girls can be jackasses as well (otherwise, I'll get a bunch of angry Finnish guys after me, which I don't want. Our relationship is cold enough as it is).

Anyways, these small episodes made me wonder, where this (Finnish) jerkness comes from.

First of all, I blame the location. It is quite dark, grey and cold most of the year up North. It must have an effect. Imagine yourself freezing all the time and not seeing daylight. It makes you want to just curl up between blankets and stay there until it gets better. Second of all, I blame the density. Finlad is bigger than United Kingdom but our whole population is less than half of the population of London. Not much neighbors around to socialize with I would say...hmmm...third of all. What was my point again?

Noup. Cannot make more excuses. So, if there is anyone, who can explain me this rude and weird behaviour, please do, because I can't.

Too fat to die.

An eye-opening thing happened to me couple of days ago. I discussed with a girl who used to model in a hardcore way. The stories she told about her work were worse than I could have ever imagined.

Our culture is getting more and more self-aware and outlook-orientated every day. The idealization of beauty affects our behaviour and life choises. And let's face it, whether we want it or not, the matter of (ideal)beauty concerns mostly females on a regular basis.

"When I was modelling, I couldn't drink red wine because of the calories" the girl told me as we were sipping our bloody yet delicious glasses.

Still not convinced? Well let's try it another way. How many modern woman can say with a straight face they have never been concerned about looks?

No wonder. Even a normal day is filled with images and messages that tell how women should be and act. In the supermarket all the products are labelled with calorie-tags. Bus stops, streets and shopping malls inform about new diets, sports, clothes, beauty products and so forth. With our friends we compare our asses, thighs and bellies. There is always someone who is prettier, thinner or has bigger boobs than you - or eats healthier and makes you feel bad about the pizza you just finished for lunch.

Yes, it has been said that when you get older, you realize how unimportant these things are. But what if a young girl, who grows up in this kind of world, has so distrubed self-image that she doesn't reach adulthood?

"I've been on a diet since I was 15 knowing that I was the fattest of all the other models" the ex-model told me. And just to inform, I am talking about a girl who was adviced to loose weight when the scale said 45 kilos. She stopped modelling when a longer job in Asia literally took all of her. "I came back home and collapsed. My mom took me to the hospital. At that time I weighed 41 kilos."

A friend of hers was not as fortunate - she modelled herself to death. And sadly, there are thousands of stories like this.

What is wrong with this picture?

Who has the right to say, that when you are completely anorexic, you are not thin enough for these or those clothes?

Who has the right to decide that an eight year old child has wrinkles, and thus needs botox? (Yes, im serious, check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EOgkA3p9zI&feature=relmfu ).

Who has the right to make growing kids focus on looking like adults instead of being the children they are?

Who has the right to influence on millions of young girls in a way that their view on food and their bodies is wrecked for the rest of their lives?

From Maastricht with love

It is autumn guys, which means that all the busy bees are getting back to their daily routines of school, work and so forth. I'm back as well, and since my location is in the heart of Europe by the lovely Maas, most of the blog entries will be in English at least until next summer. (Finland will nevertheless be connected. I am a Finn after all).

Back in business
Anyways, during the past months I've been quite uneasy about the happenings of the world: Syria, financial crisis, melting Arctic, rising unemployment, and so on and so on...

However, since my arrival to the sweet bubble of Maas-life, I remembered how it is to believe and pick up your butt again. It is actually quite amazing how much can happen in a city of 120 000 inhabitants. There are so many enthusiastic initiatives led by students and young people, that sometimes it is difficult to decide where to start. Here's a few of already existing ones, hopefully they inspire all to make a move - even a tiny one.

Pimp my plate
"You are what you eat" goes the saying. In Maastricht there are local food co-operatives such as Voko, Cafe Bandito, community garden Sphinx and the LBB (Landbouwbelang) eetcafe, that all supply food and knowledge about how to eat well and in a more sustainable and healthy manner. Not to mention the bliss of sharing delicious meals together with people.

At this point I must flag for Finland as well. I just found out about this amazing food-service (middag.fi) in Helsinki that plans, packs and delivers local and ecological food in the capital area. Imagine getting meals and recepies designed by proffessional chefs and nutritionists - delivered at your doorstep. No pointless shopping or extra food to throw away. Quite cool! I also want to recommend the Restaurant day initiative - first launched in May 2011 - which has spread from Helsinki to all over Europe and even Canada (http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/trail-of-the-unexpected-helsinkis-restaurant-day-8027447.html). Think about it: create your own pop-up restaurant, cafe or bar during one day, the menu and location is up to you. Good food with new faces. Sweet.

Psst all you around Maas, wouldn't it be thrilling to have this kind of day here as well?

Thumbs up
To actually make amends, the way is usually towards the top. Hence, activity on an organizational level is quite cruical. University-based enterprises such as Green Office, Oikos and Gecco, strive for social and economic sustainability projects here in Maastricht by empowering university students, staff members, companies and the city. For example, thanks to Gecco and Green Office, we have an e-reader market at our faculty to recycle the mandatory readings among students and prevent useless printing. Simple but effective.

To the grassroots
And last but definitely not least, from my point of view, most impressive busy bees are the completely voluntary-based squatted cultural centres here in Maastricht. With will of freedom and effort to do it in their own way, LBB, Mandril and Hotel Ossekop share, care and create events, cultural activities, exhibitions etc. with their own hands to offer an alternative for conventional living and mass entertainment.

Inspired yet? Listen to this and fall in love with Maastricht: http://www.myspace.com/seriousbeansproject/music/songs/maastricht-88024866


P.S If you want to know more about the initiatives, check them out on Facebook or on their web-pages:
Voko: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Voko-Maastricht/183065355063798
Bandito: https://www.facebook.com/bandito.espresso
Mandril: https://www.facebook.com/MCCMaastricht
LBB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Landbouwbelang/175548802489981
Green Office: http://greenofficemaastricht.nl/ 
Oikos: http://maastricht.oikos-international.org/ 
Gecco: https://www.facebook.com/GECCO.UCM/info 

Asiakaspalvelijani automaatti

Tuntuuko koskaan siltä, että mistään ei saa apua, koska kaiken saa tehdä itse?

Viime kuukausien aikana olen huomannut, että automatisointi ja sähköiseksi muuttuminen ei todellakaan aina helpota elämistä. Annan pari esimerkkiä:

Muuttoilmoitus/postissa asiointi
Vaihdat osoitetta, joka pitää luonnollisesti ilmoittaa maistraattiin. Maistraatilta uudet tietosi kulkeutuvat automaattisesti virastoihin, pankkeihin jne..Ensimmäisellä kerralla toimenpide luonnistuu näppärästi verkossa. Käy kuitenkin niin, että joudut muuttamaan uudestaan väliaikaisesti jonnekin muualle, kenties ulkomaille tai vaikkapa kesätyön perässä toiseen kaupunkiin. Ilmoitus on tehtävä uudestaan. Nyt homma ei toimikaan yhtä sujuvasti, koska postilla kestää käsitellä tietosi. Tärkeät paperisi seikkailevat ties missä. Saattaa käydä jopa niin, että vaikka olet informoinut useita tahoja uudesta osoitteestasi, posti kääntää kirjeet ja paketit vanhaan postiluukkuun.

Päätät soittaa asiakaspalveluun. "Voit vaihtaa osoitteesi sähköisesti pankkitunnuksilla", palvelusta vastataan. "No mutta kun ei onnistu. Ei katsos ole niitä pankkitunnuksia, kun eivät ole tulleet postin kautta perille", sinä tuskailet. "Voit myös käydä konttorissa ja täyttää paperisen lomakkeen", palvelija jatkaa. Selvä. Lähdet postiin, ja ajattelet, että siellä homma toimii, ja virkailija laittaa hommat reilaan yhdessä sinun kanssasi. Pääset luukulle ja asiakaspalvelija tunkee käteesi tukon paperia. "Tarkemmat ohjeet löytyvät netistä. Tuossa on myös puhelinnumero, johon voit soittaa, jos tulee vaikeuksia". Jes, kiitos, auttaa ihan hemmetisti.

Kelan/Verotoimiston kanssa asiointi
Katso yllä oleva ja lisää puhelimessa jonotukseen puoli tuntia lisää, minkä jälkeen langan toisessa päässä oleva neuvoo sinut nettisivuille.

Lentokentällä asiointi
Uusin ja ylivoimaisesti turhauttavin villitys on pakollinen itsepalvelu-lähtöselvitys lentokentällä.
Jonotin maanantaina yhden ylimääräisen laukkuni kanssa 20 minuuttia matkatavaroiden luovutukseen. Elämäänsä kyllästynyt virkailija ilmoittaa minulle, että "Tämä on baggage drop, lähtöselvitys tapahtuu itsepalveluautomaatissa". Ahaa, minun pitää siis mennä automaatille, selvittää papereideni joukosta, mikä varausnumero sopii automaattiin, ja klikkailla itse laukkusysteemit ja matkatavaroiden selvitys välilentojen sokkeloissa oikeaan määränpäähän, tulostaa laukkulärpäke, tarrata se kiinni pakaasiin, jonottaa sen jälkeen uudestaan ja luottaa siihen, että olen onnistunut tekemään kaiken oikein?" "Kyllä, tässä tiskillä vastaanotetaan vain tavarat."

Jaa, no olisihan minun pitänyt tietenkin hoksata ennen lentoa katsoa yhtiön nettisivuille, joista selviää, että Blue 1 on syyskuusta alkaen itsepalvelun varassa: http://www.blue1.com/fi/fi/Matkustusinfo/Ennen-matkaa/Lahtoselvitys/.

Jos nämä toimenpiteet saavat nuorenkin ihmisen turhautumaan, voi vain kuvitella, miltä pihtiputaan tädistä tuntuu. On varmaan todella mukavaa näpytellä jotakin automatisoitua nappulaa tai tablettia kotona, kun ei yhtäkkiä muistakaan, mitä lääkkeitä piti ottaa. Tai ottaa selvää milloin eri värejä vaihteleva masiina tarkoittaa, että on aika peseytyä ja käydä vessassa.

Tee-se-itse-politiikka on ihan kätevä ratkaisu moneen asiaan. Ikävää on se, että kun kaikki on netin ja automaattien varassa, tapahtuu kämmäyksiä ja vahinkoja, joihin ainoa apu löytyy verkosta tai vempaimesta, jota ei alun perinkään osannut käyttää.

Kutsukaa mummoksi, mutta minusta ainakin olisi mukava keskustella itselleni tärkeistä asioista ihan oikean henkilön kanssa. Olen kyllä valmis maksamaan siitä, että joku auttaa silloin, kun ei itse osaa tehdä jotakin yhtä sujuvasti kuin asiaan erikoistunut ammattilainen.

Asiakaspalvelijat takaisin kiitos!

Jäätävää toimintaa

Ihmisluonto on ristiriitainen.

On oltava kuten muutkin ja silti erilainen.
Taloja, etelänmatkoja ja mammonaa.
Elämyksiä, hemmottelua ja muotia.

Mut hei, ei unohdeta rakkautta, vapautta, onnea.
Elämässä pitää olla myös seksiä, glooriaa ja menestystä uralla.

Entäs ympärillä oleva maailma, kuka huolehtisi sen onnesta?
Talouskriisejä, rikoksia ja sotia.
Nälkää, sairauksia ja ihmisiä ilman kotia.

Jäätiköt sulaa ja vuodet kuumenee.
Mut eiks oo kivaa, kun on lämmin
ja lokakuussakin tarkenee!

Haloo, kuuluuko?

Maailma muuttuu, tää ei oo vitsi.

Hommat ei mee putkeen,

ja on aika selvää miksi.

Jotain on tehtävä, vaikka ei olis aikaa.

Tarvitaan päätöksiä ja tekoja, ei mitään taikaa.

Oo nyt jo hiljaa, mul on perhe, työ ja asuntolainaa.

Tää on kuultu ennenkin. Ihan sama, hohhoijaa...

Alkaako ahdistaa?

Totuus on, että valtakunta romahtaa,

ja se vetää meidät mukaan. 

Niin vaan käy, jos ei sitä

estä kukaan.