HAPPY NEW YEAR!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiGJ3139358

Controversial contact lenses

Mimo ostrzeżeń okulistów rośnie popularność soczewek kontaktowych, które upodabniają ich użytkownika do bohatera japońskich kreskówek. Noszenie takich ozdobnych soczewek może
doprowadzić do poważnych schorzeń, a nawet do ślepoty.
Ale co tam, zwolenników nie brakuje...

Circle lenses, a type of colored contacts imported from Asia that make the wearer look as though they have enlarged eyes, are set to be one of the New Year’s biggest beauty trends, having first risen to popularity four years ago.

However, doctors have warned that the cosmetic lenses, which cover up the whites of the eyes in order to make the irises appear larger, can cause serious infection and even blindness. 

In 2010, F.D.A. spokeswoman Karen Riley told the Bew York Times that consumers 'risk significant eye injuries — even blindness' when they buy lenses without a valid prescription or assistance from an eyecare professional. But it seems that the health risks involved with wearing the quirky contact lenses haven't stopped them from making a return to popularity

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2891478/Controversial-contact-lenses-enlarged-anime-eyes-set-one-2015-s-biggest-beauty-trends.html#ixzz3NSl1KSiA

Do popularyzacji soczewek przyczyniła się także Lady Gaga

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4Gwc6XBgQ4

Death of the hairdryer?

Wyobrażacie sobie życie bez SUSZARKI DO WŁOSÓW?! Mogą ją zastapić specjalne, przyjazne środowisku rękawiczki.

Designers have come up with an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional hairdryer - a pair of revolutionary gloves made from hi-tech microfibres.

The 'Hair Drying Gloves' look just like ordinary gloves and their makers claim they dry wet hair twice as fast as the traditional bathroom towel. 

The microfibres in the gloves are apparently specifically designed to absorb the water and leave hair completely dry; they even work without removing styling products such as hair gel and hairspray

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2891093/Eco-friendly-gloves-hi-tech-microfibres-dry-hair-unveiled-makers-claim-twice-effective-towel.html#ixzz3NO4cY7fs

The most popular words of 2014

Na liście najpopularniejszych słów w roku 2014 znalazły się:

The heart emoji - the symbol for love is one of almost 1,000 in use

Hashtag - the reformed pound sign (#) which often gets topics trending on Twitter

Vape - referring to vaporising, the practice of using an electronic or e-cigarette

Blood Moon - the blood red appearance of the moon caused when it enters the earth's shadow and captures the sun's red rays 

Opracowano również listę najpopularniejszych zwrotów.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2889949/Heart-emoji-widely-used-character-social-media-blogs-global-news-outlets-2014.html#ixzz3NIZm6QpY

Polecam ciekawy artykuł na temat EMOJI  Slangoskop: emoji, czyli o powrocie do pisma obrazkowego
 http://hatalska.com/2013/10/09/slangoskop-emoji-czyli-o-powrocie-do-pisma-obrazkowego/

Nigel Kennedy

Dziś urodziny obchodzi Nigel Kennedy, angielski wirtuoz skrzypiec, blisko związany z Krakowem.
http://culture.pl/pl/tworca/nigel-kennedy
For over twenty-five years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading violin virtuosos and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced. His virtuoso technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire. He is the best selling classical violinist of all time.
(..........)
He has one son, is married to Polish lawyer, Agnieszka, and they divide their time between homes in the UK and Poland.
Read more:http://www.nigel-kennedy.net/biography

Nigel Kennedy - Kazimierz,"East meets East" album, 2003

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIPsCqhw_7I&list=RDhIPsCqhw_7I

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Merry Christmas!

   "From home to home,

 and heart to heart, 

from one place to another. 

The warmth and joy of Christmas,

 brings us closer to each other." 

                                                                         Emily Matthews                                   

Blue village.

Mała hiszpańska wioska stała się nagle celem wizyt tysięcy turystów. A wszystko to za sprawą Smurfów.

A tiny Spanish village that became famous after it was painted blue for a promotion is set to become home to the world's first Smurf theme park.

The traditional Andalucian village was once white-washed, but locals agreed to the unusual colour change in 2011 when approached by Sony about the release of The Smurfs in 3D movie.

The PR stunt involved painting all the houses in a Spanish village blue and made the village such an unexpected tourist destination that villagers voted to keep the unusual house colour.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2883372/Spanish-village-painted-blue-PR-stunt-host-world-s-Smurf-theme-park.html#ixzz3MfAedWnf

Smurfs Theme Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr2dxbVZpSI

First days of winter.

Wczoraj był pierwszy dzień zimy, o ile ktoś z Was to zauważył. Na razie możemy oglądać śnieg na obrazkach i słuchać zimowych piosenek.

"Winter Song"

The Wind is freezin all around

Dirty snow keeps falling down

I'm still here and you are gone

The city is cold and winter has come

Ooh gone ooh gone all winter long

Ooh gone ooh gone all winter long

I'm running down the icey streets

Trying to catch the last?(....)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AJP-Zd42Ls

10 stunning photos from Christmas markets around Europe

Zobaczcie fotografie najpopularniejszych targów bożonarodzeniowych z całej Europy. Jest tam też piękna fotka naszego Krakowa.
Christmas markets are THE places to visit during the holidays. They are magical, whimsical and really, really bright, and they resemble a fairytale scenery! Plus, you can find pretty much everything you want: snacks, drinks, hand-made products, traditional food, gifts, and the list goes on.
We have gathered the most impressive photos from Christmas markets around Europe and we present them to you. If you’re somewhere close, do not hesitate to pay a visit!
http://funifi.com/blog/10-stunning-photos-from-christmas-markets-around-europe/?NewFeed

Strange is this world.

20 grudnia 1968 roku album Czesława Niemena "Dziwny jest ten świat"  otrzymał status złotej płyty.http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dziwny_jest_ten_%C5%9Bwiat_(utw%C3%B3r_muzyczny)

Oh, strange is this world

Well, still it seems

There's so far so much evil

And strange it is that since long ago

Man despises man.

Oh, strange this world

Of human affairs

Sometimes I'm ashamed to be in it

Oh, so often a man can kill

With a bad word or still a knife.

But most people are of good will

I - thanks to them - believe

That this world should never, never die

And now, the time has come

The final time for hatred, for hatred

To destroy itself. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fanYpLNRvWw

Dla zainteresowanych zamieszczam poniżej link do angielskojęzycznej wersji przeboju. Uprzedzam,że słuchanie  utworu w calkowicie zmienionej aranżacji może się okazać ponad siły słuchacza. Tak było w moim przypadku.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpKnjDlGTDA

Five things you didn't know about Christmas trees.

Ciekawy artykuł na stronie BBC.
Here are some the secrets of Christmas trees and their tough, tenacious lives.

• Christmas trees can turn to glass.
• Christmas trees are home to tarantulas.
• Christmas trees are as tall as trees can get.
• Christmas trees create their own ecosystem
• Christmas trees may struggle with future climates

Read more: http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141220-five-christmas-tree-secrets

The best Christmas window display.

Najpiękniejsze wystawy świąteczne w Londynie.

Christmas shopping in central London in mid December is not for the faint-hearted. 

Wind, rain, angry customers, queues and general confusion are just a few of the issues that shoppers have to deal with when trying to find the perfect present in one of the capital's department stores. 

But the biggest retailers do have their perks - one of the main ones being the beautiful window displays they build every year.

From Selfridges and Harvey Nichols to Harrods and Fenwick, the outside of every building is decorated with festive themes in a competition to create the biggest wow factor.  

This year, Father Christmas, multiple penguins, the ballet and even the iconic London black taxi have all featured in the festive scenes.

The golden goose at Selfridges took so long to create that the designer managed to work her way through ten audio books while building it....

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2877494/The-best-Christmas-shop-windows-London-s-department-stores-compete-capital-s-greatest-festive-display.html#ixzz3MGojFwTK

Top 15 Castles Around the World

Zobaczcie fotografie 15 najpiekniejszych zamków świata.
Castles are monuments of some older times of which we often think as- beautiful times.  They remind us of fairy tales, princes and princesses who dance endlessly to the soft sounds of classical tunes… It seems like memories of other people are written into the walls of old castles and we cannot stop wondering- how was the life for them in that castle? What were their daily routines? Were they really that noble or is it just what we were taught to think? Whatever the case is, castles will always be fascinating.

• Castle Howard in Yorkshire
•  Castle Hohenschwangau in Germany
•   Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
•  Château de Chambord in France
• . Osaka Castle in Japan
•   Kilkenny Castle in Ireland
•  Schloss Moritzburg in Germany
•   Castillo de Coca in Spain
• Kronborg Castle in Denmark
•  . Edinburgh Castle in Scotland
• Château de Versailles in France
•  Prague Castle in Czech Republic
• Bodiam Castlein United Kingdom
• Chateau de Chillon in Switzerland
• . Catherine Palace in Russia

http://www.4alltravelers.com/top-15-castles-around-the-world/?utm_campaign=TRV-P196-T14-wintercastle-topcastles&utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dailymail-row

I heard a bird sing.

"I heard a bird sing

In the dark of December

A magical thing

And sweet to remember.

'We are nearer to Spring

Than we were in September,'

I heard a bird sing

In the dark of December."

-   Oliver Herford, I Heard a Bird Sing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW13fT8lav4

Oliver Herford (1863–1935) was a British born American writer, artist and illustrator who has been called "The American Oscar Wilde".

Pawlikowski's 'Ida' triumphs at European Film Awards.

• Pawel Pawlikowski's 'Ida' won four gongs at the 27th European Film Awards in Riga on Saturday night, included the much-coveted prize for best European film.

Read more:http://www.thenews.pl/1/11/Artykul/190540,Pawlikowskis-Ida-triumphs-at-European-Film-Awards

• We are so used to constant movement and compulsive cutting in American movies that the stillness of the great new Polish film “Ida” comes as something of a shock.

Read more:http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/ida-a-film-masterpiece

• Pawel Pawlikowski’s Polish drama Ida took the Best European Film prize at the European Film Awards tonight in Riga, Latvia. The movie also won for Best Director, Cinematographer and Screenwriter, as well as being the People’s Choice honoree; missing out only in the Best Actress category..

Read more: http://deadline.com/2014/12/european-film-awards-2014-winners-full-list-1201323275/

• Pawel Pawlikowski's Ida, a stark black-and-white drama following a novitiate nun in 1960s Poland, has won best film at at the European Film Awards (EFA), Europe's top cinema honor....

Read more:http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/polish-ida-wins-big-at-757469

IDA - movie trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXhCaVqB0x0

How to wrap a present in just 12 seconds.

Jak zapakować prezent świateczny w 12 sekund. Radzę zapoznać się z instrukcja, bo wkrótce moze się przydać.

You've been doing it wrong! Video reveals how to wrap Christmas gifts in just 12 SECONDS

• Footage posted online by Todd Tripp and has already had three million hits
• Shows fast and simple technique for wrapping festive gifts in Japan
• Was filmed in Takashimaya Department Store in Tokyo

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2871624/Video-reveals-wrap-Christmas-gifts-just-12-SECONDS.html#ixzz3LnlwoCyK

Psychedelic mushroom in the Queen's garden !

 Co za odkrycie!
W królewskich ogrodach Pałacu Buckingham znaleziono muchomory, które brytyjskie media określają mianem
"psychedelic mushrooms which can cause vivid hallucinations". Żeby było śmieszniej rzecznik Pałacu Buckingham zapewnia, że grzyby nie są podawane Jej Wysokości.
U nas muchomorów dostatek i nikt o nich w gazetach nie pisze.

TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh was surprised to find psychedelic mushrooms which cause vivid hallucinations growing in the garden at Buckingham Palace.

The presenter found the red and white spotted toadstool called Amanita muscaria while filming an ITV gardening show called The Queen's Garden and said: 'I won't be eating any of that.'

He was touring the private 40-acre site with ecology expert Professor Mick Crawley and asked him whether the fungi is edible.

Professor Crawley replied saying: 'That depends what you mean. It's eaten in some cultures for its hallucinogenic effects. But it also makes people who eat it very sick. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2871043/Now-S-Royal-trip-Alan-Titchmarsh-finds-psychedelic-mushroom-Queen-s-garden.html#ixzz3Lh1e5fix

Brytyjczycy to wielki naród ale o grzybach mogliby się od nas uczyć.

Christmas without the calories!

Każdy chciałby mieć ciastko i je zjeść. Obżerać się smakołykami w czasie świąt, ale nie utyć. To wcale nie takie nierealne jakby się mogło wydawać.
Christmas without the calories! Chef creates world's healthiest festive lunch with less fat than a bag of nuts (but do you really want to start with butternut squash?)

• Gupareet Bains has created the 'Guilt-Free Gala' three-course lunch
• Meal is a traditional Christmas dinner but has less fat than a bag of nuts 
• The nutritionist has swapped traditional ingredients for superfoods 
• The whole meal only contains 930 calories, one third of a normal dinner
• Starter is a butternut squash and pear soup followed by traditional turkey
• Dessert is a rich fruit pudding with marscapone cheese and chia seeds

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2869748/Christmas-without-calories-Chef-creates-world-s-healthiest-festive-lunch-fat-bag-nuts-replacing-traditional-ingredients-superfoods.html#ixzz3LcD8yb7U

Almost winter.

“Nothing burns like the cold.” 

George R. R. Martin - A Game of Thrones

Have your dessert first!

Zaskakująca wiadomość. Chcecie schudnąć? Zaczynajcie więc posiłek od.... deseru.

Trying to slim? Have your dessert first! Eating sugar-rich food at start of a meal found to help keep appetites in check 

• Researchers believe eating sugary foods could keep appetites in check
• Brain protein glucokinase keeps track of how much glucose is eaten
• It then tells the body to find more sugary food if levels are too low
• Discovery could lead to new diet drugs and simple tips for losing weight

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2866309/Eating-sugary-food-start-meal-helps-appetites-check.html#ixzz3LQlJidoo

Już to widzę: kawałek tortu czekoladowego, rosół z makaronem, ziemniaki, kapusta zasmażana i kotlet schabowy panierowany!

Craziest Christmas trees.

Co zamiast trdycyjnej choinki? Zobaczcie propozycje.

Craziest Xmas trees ever! Quirky alternatives to your usual festive fir

• Nobody said Christmas trees had to damage the environment
• From a cardboard creation to a technicolour dream
• Here are some quirky alternatives to your festive fir

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2864675/Craziest-Xmas-trees-Quirky-alternatives-usual-festive-fir.html#ixzz3LKWNiIxM

HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS TREE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbuILG3rTVo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az4kVBgpBvc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS_79bed-iI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eM0Xb3oVfw

Castles in the air.

My budujemy zamki z piasku a Anglicy w powietrzu, w niebiosach lub w Hiszpanii.
Idiom BUILD THE CASTLE IN THE AIR lub BUILD THE CASTLE IN THE SKY / BUILD THE CASTLE IN SPAIN wyraża wizję lub marzenie niemożliwe do spełnienia.
Dlaczego akurat w Hiszpanii? Bo powiedzenie powstało w średniowieczu w czasach kiedy Hiszpania została podbita przez Maurów.

"Castles In The Air"

And if she asks you why you can tell her that I told you

That I'm tired of Castles in the Air

I've got a dream I want the world to share an' castle walls

Just leave me to despair........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTqi7iEZEWA

"Castles In The Sky"

Do you ever question your life?
Do you ever wonder why?
Do you ever see in your dreams..
all the castles in the sky.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reok5PGJmiI 

"My castle in Spain."

In all my dreams 

I dream of my castle in Spain...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5-d6keeWOM

100 years of beauty in 1 minute

Jak zmieniały się styl i moda na przestrzeni stulecia. To wszystko prezentuje film, który trwa zaledwie minutę.
Time lapse of a model getting her hair and makeup done to match every decade from 1910 to 2010. 
100 Years of Beauty in 1 Minute
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOyVvpXRX6w

From the Downton-esque bobs of the 1920s to Kim Kardashian-inspired curls today: Fascinating time-lapse video reveals the past century of hairstyles in 60 seconds

• Video documents changing hairstyles from 1910 to today
• Shows hair inspired by Madonna, Farrah Fawcett and Kim Kardashian
• Reveals styles from 20s bob, Hollwood curls in the 40s and the 60s beehive

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2858780/Stunning-time-lapse-video-reveals-past-century-hairstyles-60-seconds.html#ixzz3L8attNEA

Make your meals healthier.

Oto 8 prostych rad jak sprawić aby nasze posiłki były zdrowsze. Może coś w tym jest..

1. Use avocado instead of mayo

2. Use olive oil instead of vegetable oils

3. Use spices instead of salt.

4. Add less sugar.

5. Add more vegetables to your stews, casseroles and soups.

6. Use water instead of broth.

7. Use whole grains instead of refined grains.

8. Use low-fat cheese.

Read more: http://womanitely.com/easy-tips-making-meals-healthier/

Saving nearly-frozen toddler would be 'absolute miracle'

O losie małego Adasia, który o mało nie zamarzł szukając w nocy drogi do domu, informują również  media anglojęzyczne.
 Doctors in southern Poland are working to save a 2-year-old boy who was found unconscious after spending a frigid night outdoors, wearing only socks and a pajama top.
Janusz Skalski, a doctor at the children's hospital in Krakow, said Tuesday that the boy's body temperature was 12 degrees Celsius and his heart was beating once every few dozen seconds when he was brought in on Sunday.
Skalski said the child's temperature has been raised to 36 degrees Celsius -- nearly normal -- and a regular heartbeat has been restored, but the child's condition remains to be seen. He is still attached to a respirator, but his kidneys, liver, intestines and lungs are working properly.

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/saving-nearly-frozen-toddler-would-be-absolute-miracle-1.2128427#ixzz3KrGMiySs

http://www.inquisitr.com/1650709/toddler-found-nearly-frozen-after-spending-night-outside-in-frigid-temperatures/

Christmas window displays.

Sklepy kuszą świątecznymi wystawami. Niektóre są naprawdę piekne i pomysłowe. Zobaczcie na zdjęciach w The Guardian. Redakcja zachęca nadsyłania fotografii.
The high street can be a beautiful thing, especially during the festive season, so let’s celebrate yours. Have you spotted a snowy forest scene in your local book shop? Or maybe there's a full-sized Father Christmas with reindeers in a garden centre near you.
If there's an independent shop with a particularly eye-catching Christmas-themed window display, why not take a photo and share it with us.
Read more:
https://witness.theguardian.com/assignment/5477046ce4b05735abcbf588?INTCMP=mic_231930

Britain now has almost as many Poles as KRAKOW...

W Wielkiej Brytanii mieszka już tylu Polaków, co w Krakowie pisze dzisiejsze Daily Mail.

Britain is now home to 1.3 million eastern Europeans, an international study has revealed.

More than a quarter of the five million foreigners living in the UK are from the 10 eastern bloc countries which joined the EU in 2004 – sparking the biggest immigration surge in British history.

Poles are the biggest group of foreigners in the country – with some 679,000 having set up home in Britain, according to the respected Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

It means there are almost as many Poles in the UK as there are in the country's second city of Krakow - home to 750,000 people.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2856046/Britain-home-1-3m-eastern-Europeans-Poles-KRAKOW.html#ixzz3Kg3KixTJ