"Think reality TV is mindless entertainment? What about the news?"

  A writer Oliver Burkeman is answering a question that concerns the issue of mindless entertainment which can be for example watching TV or surprisingly listening to news podcasts. He mentions an essay by Sirena Berman who claims that our mind needs a distraction which might be different for everyone. What matters is the way this activity is influencing our life. Some people will actually find intellectual activity as meaningless as watching a 7-season series at one day, because in both cases the brain is trying to relax from the all day mode of focusing, thinking and processing information. 

  I actually had thought about this topic a few times before, but I've never considered intellectual activities as meaningless as playing silly games. I think it also depends on how much attention we pay to certain activities, If we don't focus on something and do it just to have it done then I guess it's a waste of time (if it doesn't give us any entertainment or joy, of course). 

link:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/nov/24/reality-tv-binge-news-addicted-change-life-oliver-burkeman#comments

Ambitious Project of UAE

  The United Arab Emirates want to develop its high-tech and science sectors as the times of oil domination are coming to an end. Because of that, they plan on growing food on Mars, more specifically: Phoenix Dactylifera also known as a date palm which can survive hard dry conditions without much water and nutrients in the soil. Rashid Al Zaabi, senior strategic planner at the UAE Space Agency says "There are similarities between Mars and the desert" and that the date palm was chosen for its symbolic links with the region. Now, the country not only will send a probe in 2020 on a Mars with a partnership of Japan but also do its best to make agriculture intentions come true. 

  It looks like UAE can either count on their only source of money which is oil or invest in extraterrestrial projects like this one. Their situation though is rather bad in this case. As soon as the oil finishes Emirates will have to come up with a new source of income which won't be easy in a desert. Globalisation is currently at its highest level but the truth is their country attracts either the tourists for a few days trip or oil traders. The idea of planting trees on Mars might become one of the greatest achievements in the history but is it even possible? I think they actually risk A LOT of money, energy and time. However, I wish them all the best. 

link:
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-41984742

Combining shopping time with artistic experience

  Famed manufacturer of luxury goods: Hèrmes of Paris opened an exhibition in Grand Palais museum on 8th of November. Leïla Menchari is the creator of eight window displays which show high-end products against incredible backgrounds. Her works of art are not for sale and the whole exhibition is free. Each window presents a different story, environment or culture. Also, a very original perspective that is encouraging us to think out of the box. As we delight in the imaginary world of arts, our mind is no longer focused on the price of the product but certainly on its look and the way it makes us feel, which might be crucial especially when it comes to Hèrmes's price point. 

 For me, it's a wonderful combination! I actually do enjoy shopping (unlike my mum, sister or even friends) and of course, I love art. In addition, these masterpieces can't be purchased what makes them even more special, I think. However, lower quality products from brands for example owned by Inditex, shouldn't participate in this idea. Art is a high-level sphere where polyester and stolen ideas from authentic designers don't belong. It's only my opinion but we shall not forget that the Hèrmes exhibition is free and we don't have to spend thousands of euros to see it. 

Here are some pictures: 

And the link:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/10/style/hermes-windows-grand-palais-leila-menchari.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fdesign&action=click&contentCollection=design&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=6&pgtype=sectionfront

60 years of change

Technological development has changed our lives in many ways. Probably one of the most crucial and noticeable aspect that is different now than 60 years ago is communication. Professor of classics at Cambridge University Mary Beard says back in the day when there were no mobile phones, people had to put a lot of effort to for example arrange a meeting. Nowadays with smartphones we can easily keep in touch with anyone at anytime which makes life more convenient. However, by connecting with one another throughout text messages, email etc. we lose ability to make efficient conversations, we tend to lie, what's more, sometimes we can't really notice the actual intentions behind someones' text. 
I honestly think it's horrible, I can't stand watching people who are habitually on their phones. The worst thing about it is that they stop talking with others face to face. The great example: 90% of my friends. Many times school breaks are just 10 min of silence, because no one starts a conversation, and when actually someone does, one or two people are listening...in a group of 6. It's not even the main problem! The "quality'' of these conversations is non existing, meaningless, pointless. Why? Because all we normally do is send memes, shortcuts of words, gifs and funny videos. I understand that not everybody want to talk about world hunger or topics like that, but funny photos? Is that everything an educated person is able to say? I also believe smartphones are the reason why people are more shy and afraid to say what they really feel or think. When they're behind the phone or computer screen nobody looks into their eyes, nobody is judging them. In addition I want to mention that this problem of "discommunication" is getting bigger and bigger which is at least for me is a heartbreaking piece of news. 

I'm sorry if it's a bit chaotic or too long. This topic is something that bothers me a lot and I just can't fit my thoughts in this short post. 

link: 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05by7dw