Vol 21 Issue 12

INSIDER 14.11.2018 | VOL. 21 | ISSUE 12

STUDENT MAGAZINE OF XAMK

PHILOSOPHY OF GIFT-GIVING

RECIPE PROFILE

MY LITTLE HANOI CONER MYSTERIOUS PRAGUE PERKS OF BEING A PET OWNER

EDITORIAL STAFF

Polina Vishnya Kouvola Current Affairs

Marija Marash Kouvola Current Affairs

Alisa Kivirian Exchange View Affairs

Leif Heflin Kouvola Current Affairs

Van-Trang Le Kouvola Current Affairs

Elizabeth Akinlabi Kouvola Current Affairs

Minh-Trang Le Kouvola Current Affairs

Long Nguyen Layout Editor

Trung Dao Layout Editor/ Kouvolan Current Affairs

Nikita Munenko Kouvola Current Affairs

Hugh Clack Editor in Chief

INSIDER STUDENT MAGAZINE South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences Paraatikenttä 7 45100 Kouvola Editor in Chief: Hugh Clack INSIDER ISSN 1457-1587  /INSIDERSTUDENTMAGAZINE 2

PHONE +358 44 702 8758 WEBSITE insider.xamk.fi EMAIL insider@xamk.fi

EDITORIAL

Moro!

So, this will be thre last issue of Insider before Christmas and as usual, features some pretty interesting stories and articles from our editorial staff members. Long is off-duty this week so I'll be taking his place.

An oven baked recipe from Marija will satisfy your hunger during these chilly brezzy nights of December, perfect for the upcoming Christmas. There's one of the new faces in XAMK, introduced by Elizabeth, as usual.

Some interesting thoughts from Minh-Trang Le as a cat owner and from Leif on buying gifts will probbly pique your interest.

It has begun snowing for awhile now and nothing is better in this cold weather than good food. Check out what Van-Trang Le has to say for those who wanna find some hot dish. Be warned though, it is not in Kouvola.

Polina with her enriched experience back from Czech will also share some of stories.

That's it before Christmas.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Trung Dao 3

RECIPE

Today’s recipe is very easy and very tasty. Every time that I am in a rush I go buy these three ingredients and start cooking, in our case we are students and we always look for fast and cheap ways to cook.

What you need: • 500 gr of potatoes • 2 big chicken legs or in case you want more you can use a whole chicken or even more potatoes depending for how many people you are cooking for.

• ½ of an onion • And what matters the most spices!!!

Preparation: Put the chicken in a big pot filled with water, some salt/pepper and leave to boil up to 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile cut the potatoes in squares, not very small because during the baking they will shrink. While the onion you can cut it as small as possible.

In a baking pen you put the potatoes, onions, pepper, chilli, salt, garlic and whatever you want (spices).

You mix it all together so the spices mix as well and taste like one. Take the pot with the boiling water and the chicken. Put the chicken on top of the potatoes and the onion. Be careful, do mot through the water! Use it and put some of it in the baking pot, because it makes the potatoes softer and tastier because of the chicken juice.

All of these together you put in the oven which is 250 degrees. Check the chicken once in a while until the top of it becomes crunchy and crispy. Usually it takes up to 25-30 minutes.

There you have it a cheap, fast, but delicious meal!

Text and photo: Marija Marash

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PROFILE Where are you from?

My name is Lidia Benkovskaia. I am from St Petersburg in Russia What do you study? I study International Business at Xamk.

What are your hobbies?

I play the piano, table tennis, singing and travelling as well.

How many countries have you been to?

16 countries.

For example, Lithuania, Latvia, Italy, Spain, France, Bulgaria, etc.

Why did you come to Xamk for study?

It was a long story but my friend study in another Finnish university so I became interested in studying here. I talked with him then he convinced me to come here. Also, I decided to study here when I had a trip with my father in Spain. I visit our university last summer and decided that I want to study here and try my best to be part of it.

Lidia Benkovskaia

What do you miss about Russia?

I think some of my friends, my choir team and some memories.

What do you like about Finnish People?

As for Finnish people, I could say that they are quiet, sociable. They are always ready to help. Of course, this is just the beginning of knowing them. But I hope that I will know them better.

What do you like now about Finland since you have been here for study?

As for Finland, I know a lot about this country before but how I really start to look at this country from another point view. I started more and more to learn culture, traditions, people of this country. I feel myself comfortable here as you know I live in megapolis since childhood. I want a little bit to relax from busy traffic. I like my classmates and our University Xamk. It makes me freer and happier because there are lot of people to talk with.

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen like you who would love to study at Xamk?

First and foremost, I advise all future Xamk students to enjoy their student life. Enjoy as much as possible.

Studying here is fun, communicate with people from all over here, gaining knowledge for a future profession. You have the chance to develop more skills and be able to apply them. Learn languages and participate in various events. For me our university is a small world and classmates (courses) is a small family which I really love. As Russian people say ‘School is a second home. For me� Xamk is the second home in which I want to come more and more. I love this university. Don’t be afraid to fight for your dream, it may seem difficult to achieve them and finally do not be afraid to take risk. Love what you do and do what you love.

Text: Elizabeth Akinlabi Photo: Tania Benkovskaia

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PHILOSOPHY OF GIFT GIVING

When giving a gift it is important to step into the shoes of the recipient. What are his interests? What are her hobbies? But most importantly what are your inside jokes? When picking or creating the right gift it is important to recall memories to show that you pay attention and listen to this person. People love attention.

Personality and thought behind a gift will give trays full of brownie points with him or her and ensure that he or she will remember it for a long time. Focusing on one aspect of your time together can help you decide on the perfect stocking stuffer.

The past Represented by “like” – The past solidifies with each day. Less of the entire atmosphere of the memory will be recalled each time it is accessed – like a phone battery which will only hold a certain amount of charges. With highly nostalgic moments, only the good parts will remain, and if you choose this gift option then the memory will outlast any others. Something that represents when you two first met, or something you think of when you say the phrase “remember that time when…” Specifics cannot be recommended because this is such a subjective gift – it will require the most effort but will pay off with the most handsome results.

The present The present is fleeting and impossible to catch, but it offers the most stimulation in the brain because it can be felt by all senses at once. This force is represented by “lust” – momentary pleasure. Something consumable like chocolate, flowers, bath bombs for her, or for him: some reindeer meat, shaving gear, or beer.

The future “Love” – a word representing the future. When you truly believe in someone’s future and you want to show this to them, get them a future-based gift. Imagine their dream – “in five years I want to be doing this…” Maybe she wants to be a journalist – get her a journal and pen; Maybe he wants to open a coffee shop – get him a trinket which would add atmosphere to the shop. If she wants to travel to a certain country, get her a phrase book for the language of the destination country. If he wants to be a music producer, get him the weirdest looking CD at the flea market.

It is hard to say which category would be the best because it is dependent upon your situation. Naturally, the ultimate gift would be a combination of the three. This would make it timeless. If you want an extra challenge, try to unify the gifts with a common theme – for example: color, size, or utility. Just remember to get something that they would want, not something that you would want them to have.

Hyvää Joulua!

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Text and photo: Grayson Heflin

PERKS OF BEING A PET OWNER

Coming back home means I will get to see my cat again. After over a year without any contact with her, of course she would still ignore me like usual. Nonetheless, owning a pet is still a precious experience that I personally think everyone should try at least once.

So, what perks can one have when getting a pet? First of all, a company, no doubt. No matter what kind of pets you have, whether it is a fluffy ball of happiness or a colorful but silent chameleon, the vibes that your pet can bring to you is unmatchable. Of course, most of the conversations you would have with your pets are one-sided (except if it is a parrot or a husky), but you still feel like they understand everything you say. A dog enthusiastically waving his tail when you get back home can make your day, even if you have had a bad one. That is one of the reasons why service dog is a thing. I have read many stories about pets saving humans from a fire or a burglar, which emphasizes my point even more: pets can keep us companied, but they can also be the heroes in our lives.

What else can owning a pet bring us? This is purely personal, but I do believe that having a pet can make a person more sympathetic. After all, taking care of a pet is almost like taking care of a human. I know many people who consider their pets their family members. Children who grew up in a household with pets are often very loving and caring in their adult years. That being said, I do not imply that people who have never owned a pet are heartless and cold. Some of my friends would die to have pets but their parents/their allergies do not allow them to.

Whether you are a snake-lover, a spider-lover or just a simple cat-lover, having a pet can brighten up the whole atmosphere of the house, make it more homey and cozy. However, make sure to get a pet ONLY when you are capable of taking care of it. Pets are living creatures, not a decoration or a toy.

Providing them with proper care no matter what age they are, is the utmost necessity.

Oh and one more thing: adopt, don’t shop!

Text and photo: Minh-Trang Le

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MY HANOI CONER IN HELSINKI

As a food lover growing up mostly in northern Vietnam, I require a lot of standards and demands when it comes to Phở. Before you may try to confront me that there are several Viet restaurants in Helsinki, as far as I know and tried, most are offering southern Phở in their menu. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with geographic difference, the signature sweetness in southern food is just not really what I ask for Phở. Until I found this little diner, may I call for the cozy and small area. It was the name of the diner that has fooled me nearly 2 years and made me passed the place every time visiting Helsinki: “Asian fast food and grill” plus a huge menu outside featuring all kinds of burgers and kebabs. First, I do not go all the way from Kouvola to have fast food again and second, Asian does not have burgers! So is was a No for me. Until one day my friends and I saw another menu from another side of the diner which was quite small in the size: Phở keitto 10 euro. “Hmm maybe I should try this?”

So we did, and immediately that diner became my most favorite Viet food corner in Helsinki right the moment I step inside. Though cannot recreate 100% the Viet food vendors’ look, the place definitely gave us the very authentic vibe. Less than 20 m2 with tables and chairs put neatly next to each other, it is hard to get your own table without sharing with some strangers. But how true that is when we want to eat Phở in Hanoi where the population is double comparing to the whole Finland. Another thing I noticed is that the diner offered each table a small tray with all basic Viet condiments: pickled garlic in vinegar, fish sauce, chili sauce… which is so Vietnamese as we have a habit of seasoning our food 8

after being served to our personal taste. I ordered a bowl of Phở with beef and did not expect it to be that good since many Phở ingredients are not available in Finland. It came to my surprise how a Phở in 8000km away could resemble the one I usually had near my home back in Hanoi. The savory broth was rich in taste with strong flavours from the spice. Beef was braised in the right way to have a tender and chewy texture, very similar to the authentic one. All in all, it was a really content meal for me in such a long time. I believe 10 euro is not expensive at all for such good food sometimes and the portion offered was very American :) The location of the diner is Simonkatu 1-3, right in Kamppi shopping center where you can easily access by public transports. Now you know where you and your hungry stomach should pay a visit next time when you are going to Helsinki!

The humble and humorous owner of the place

"Look at that portion"

Text and photo: Van-Trang Le

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MYSTERIOUS PRAGUE

The secret of Prague Castle

I took a trip to Prague on my own second time. I believe that solo traveling helps to discover the place deeper and feel the atmosphere clearly without any distractions. From free maps that I picked up in the hostel I found a free walking tour. By the way, if you get a chance to travel around Europe, always look for one, they are usually nicely organized, you can meet new people during the tour and get to know much more about the history of the city then on your own.

We have walked through the main city attraction and gathered on the Jan Palach square in front of the Czech Opera and next to the building of Faculty of arts, Charles University. It is the most famous and respected University in Czech Republic, also wide known in Europe for its high level of education.

Our guide drew our attention to the Prague Castle which towered on the other side of the river in all its grace and majesty. He took a pause, looked around at everyone and asked: “Do you know which famous music band had a hand in arranging the castle?”

Here is the story… The Rolling stones was the first band from the “west” who played in Prague in 1990 since the fall of the Iron Curtain. After the concert Mick Jagger and the President Vaclav Havel gathered together sharing drinks and chatting. Then Jager commented that they have such a beautiful castle but sadly it can be barely seen during the night. Vaclav replied that he has more important things to think of then the lightning of the castle. So, The Rolling stones spent $32,000 to set up the lights, which were first time switched on 6th of August in 1995. The castle lightened up against the night sky with those lights still at the present time.

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As listened to the end of the story, I was overwhelmed with emotions and felt goose bumps on my skin. Prague castle is also known for its “Golden lane”, a narrow street of tiny charming houses painted in bright colours. Nowadays those places are converted for exhibitions and full of tourists sneaking around. The street originally had houses on both lines, but one side was demolished in 19th century. Name of the street comes from goldsmiths that lived there in 17th century. But in the last years of the 16th century, alchemists under Emperor Rudolph III lived here, and reportedly tried to turn metal into gold. A famous author Franz Kafka lived in house number 22, which used to belong to his sister. He lived there from 1916 to 1917. It was a good move: Kafka wrote short stories for "A Country Doctor," and was inspired to write his book “The Castle” during his Golden Lane stay.

STUDIO 123 Kymenlaaksonkatu 1 45700 Kuusankoski 044 375 3686 www.studio123.fi 14.12.2018 - 20.12.2018 STUDIO 1 KOLMEN TENORIN JOULUKONSERTTI (S) | 12€ | 1h29mins Thurs 17:00 OPERA DE PARIS: TANSSIN JUHLAA/ PÄHKINÄNSÄRKIJÄ (S) | 123€ | 3h05mins Mon 12:00, Tues 18:00 TAIKAPUUTARHAN PIKKUÖTÖKÄT (7) | 10€ | 1h28mins Fri - Mon 17:00 BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (S) | 12€ | 2h15mins Fri - Mon, Weds - Thurs: 18:50 VIIRU JA PESONEN – VIIRU MUUTTAA (S) | 10€ | 1h22mins Sat - Sun 15:15

STUDIO 2 THE GRINCH (DUB) (7) | 11€ | 1h26mins Fru, Sun, Tues, Thurs 17:30 OMA MAA (7) | 11€ |1h49mins Sat - Sun 15:00 SWINGERS (12) | 11€ | 1h26mins Sat, Mon, Weds 17:30 IHMEOTUKSET: GRINDELWALDIN RIKOKSET (12) | 12€ | 2h14mins Every Evening 19:20

Also, Hitler has stayed at Prague Castle on March 15 in 1939 when Nazi have conquered Czech Republic and the Czech President Emil Hacha had a heart attack during the negations. During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia in World War II, Prague castle became the headquarters of Reinhard Heydrich. There is an old legend saying that a usurper who placed the crown on his head is doomed to die within a year. Less than a year after assuming power, on May 27, 1942, Heydrich was ambushed during Operation Anthropoid. The 2016 film Anthropoid is based on this incredible story. Klaus, firstborn son of Reinhard Heydrich, died a year later in a traffic accident also in a line with the legend.

Hope you enjoyed reading those stories about the world well-known Medieval Castle. Keep being inspired with incredible history and unforgettable travelling adventures!

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

STUDIO 3 OLAVI VIRTA (12) | 12€ | 2h05mins Sat - Sun 14:50 KURSK (16) | 11€ | 1h57mins Fri, Sun, Tues, Thurs 17:15 COLETTE (12) | 11€ | 1h51mins Sat, Mon, Weds 17:15 SPIDER-MAN: KOHTI HÄMÄHÄKKIVERSUMIA (12) | 11€ | 1h57mins Every evening 19:30 Students/armed services, pensioners 1€ discount on all full priced tickets of 10€ or more

Text and photo: Polina Vishnya

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