SmartLynx Inflight Magazine. Autumn 2018

Autumn 2018

The Real Story behind ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE La Serenissima VENICE KIA Sportage FACELIFT

Inflight magazine

Zygimantas Surintas CEO, SmartLynx Airlines Dear Passenger!

We are glad to welcome you on board SmartLynx aircraft!

During the Fall season we tend to look for what was left in the Summer. Whether it is the bright sun, hot wind or just leisure time spent on the beach – all could be enjoyed even during Autumn, only chose the right destination. And we are sure that by reading this, you are now heading towards the vacation of your lifetime!

Yet the Summer season was not just holidays, as SmartLynx Airlines continues to work hard in order to provide the best of the aviation industry. And we are glad to have had many new experiences during the Summer 2018, such as welcoming the talented cadets from BAA Training SmartLynx Airlines Cadet program – after the visit the cadets were excited to join the SmartLynx team after the programme is finished.

If you want to know more about how SmartLynx Airlines have expanded the staff by including some very talented interns, turn to the SmartLynx pages and find out how they helped us to continue the successful operations of our Company.

Autumn 2018 |

And never to forget about the comfort and safety of our passengers which is of the highest value for SmartLynx Airlines. Therefore, do not hesitate to use the benefits during your flights, such as the Sky Shop menu where numerous additions have been implemented. Also, dine in style by choosing your meal in specially designed meal sets of many food choices – we guarantee you will find what you desire the most while heading to your vacation.

And for the safety of our passengers – it still is and will be our priority, therefore we ensure that our technical team is top notch. All the necessary and additional tests are regularly carried out to improve and assure the aircraft conditions.

Your task is simple – just sit back, relax, have some read and order some snacks, all the while dreaming of a vacation that will become a reality just a flight away. We at SmartLynx Airlines wish you the best of time both on and off board!

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CONTENTS Autumn 2018

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48

Pizza Business

Charming and Serene

How Latvia got introduced to the world of pizza

The Beautiful City of Venice

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PLUS + DON’T MISS ALL THIS

AI

Internet of Things What are the “things”?

Behind the curtain of Artificial Intelligence

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60

Test Drive

On Screen

KIA Sportage updated

EDITORIAL

Editor in Chief: Māra Miķelsone Copy Editor: Mathilda Smith Reporters: Liene Eglīte, Gustavs Reinholds, Roberts Vikmanis Anastasija Stepakova

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Inflight magazine

Follow the Movie Guide of Fall 2018

DESIGN

Designer: Vladimirs Andrejevs, Kris�ne Kozaka Photographers: Aleksejs Sosnovskis

ADVERTISING

For queries regarding advertising please contact: SmartLynx Airlines, inflight.sales@smartlynx.aero, +371 25627858, +371 67115137.

08 WHAT’S ON 20 SMART PERSONA 30 SMART CITY 34 SMART FASHION 46 SMART HEALTH 56 SMART LITERATURE 64 SMART GAMES 66 SMART MEN 68 SMART TRAVEL 70 SMART CELEBRATION 76 SMART KIDS 80 SMART MUSIC 82 SMART ART 84 SMART TV 86 SMARTLYNX PAGES PUBLICATION

SmartLynx Magazine is published in cooperation with SIA “Lighthouse Media”, Rīga, 60 Dārzciema street, LV-1073, E-mail: info@lhm.lv Cover photo from Depositphotos.com

SmartLynx magazine does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the information, product or service advertised within the magazine and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of authors.

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| Autumn 2018

What’s on smart info

FOCUS: BALTICS

Andris Nelsonsa and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra.

OctOber 13 - 14, riGa, latVia One of the world’s most renowned collectives – the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra – will bring two diverse programmes, the art director of which is none other than the Latvian genius composer Andris Nelsons. On October 13 we will hear the world-recognized soprano Kris�ne Opolais, whereas the next day’s programme will offer an incredible performance by the excellent Swedish trumpet player Hokan Hardenberg.

Beepositive

OctOber 12 – 14, VilniuS, lithuania Held every year in the cold season of fall, this international light festival includes more than 50 creative light installations to feast your eyes at. It will also manage to accommodate creative workshops, cultural programmes, various experiments on all things light and many other exciting activities. All of this is done with a pure goal – to make every visitor feel as a participant, not just a guest.

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| Autumn 2018

What’s on smart info

White Nights

September 9, riGa, latVia This is the one night where all of the most diverse performances will fill the streets of Riga – art, music, dance, circus and even gastronomy. The combination of these seemingly unrelated things will spark a common light into the place we live in. Not only the place we know, but also other venues that might be hidden from public eyes daily and have opened up their doors for this one night only.

Vilniaus Fejerija

September 22, VilniuS, lithuania Celebrating the 10th anniversary, this firework festival will open a magical spectacle of lights. The sky will be full of versatile colours, making the night bright as ever. And the most incredible thing of all will be the thoroughly-developed presentation of fireworks, as it will be artistically combined with music.

Autumn 2018 |

Tallinn Marathon

September 9 – 10, tallinn, eStOnia Athletic visitors of Estonia will be happy to hear that the annual Tallinn Marathon will make its way into the city yet again. Offering a vast choice of distances, according to participants’ capabilities, each route will provide a scenic view on the beautiful city of Tallinn. The marathon is attended by representatives of more than 50 countries, making up for almost 20 thousand runners.

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What’s on smart info

FOCUS: WORLD Dimensions Festival

auGuSt 29 –September 2, Stinjan, crOatia Sounds of electronic and techno will be heard loud and far during the Dimensions Festival. Other than the top artists performing their best pieces, the location of the festival will also mesmerize its guests. It is held in an abandoned fort of the Istrian Coast, overlooking the Bay of Pula. This is a place where modern trends collide with historical treasures.

Iceland Airwaves Pitchfork Festival

nOVember 1 – 3, pariS, France This music event will appeal to indie genre lovers, providing the listeners with not only famous performers, but also some new and fresh-sounding bands. Pitchfork embodies the philosophy of indie which logically makes the festival as one of the most creative ones. If you do not believe it, try visiting some of the amazing art exhibitions and vintage markets this groovy festival provides.

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nOVember 7 – 10, reyKjaViK, iceland Where else to experience some of the best musical performances than in the magical land of Iceland? Held in various locations around the city of Reykjavik, hundreds of performers will lay down their sounds for massive audiences.

Here you will have the opportunity to experience both old and new sounds, broadening the horizons of music world. Almost ten thousand people are expected to attend the festival this year, so brace yourselves for one of the coolest music events in the world. | Autumn 2018

What’s on smart info

Boccaccesca Food and Wine Festival

October 5 – 7, Certaldo in Tuscany, Italy Delicious food and wine may be enjoyed in the medieval town of Certaldo Alto, celebrating the traditional Tuscan wines.

The event will also take care of not-soexperts in the wine world, as many of the best sommeliers will help the visitors to find the best wine for them. And to top it all off, numerous stalls of local products will be put up, offering such treats as Tuscan bread with raisins, Ribolleta soup and various meat dishes. All of this will be prepared by the best cooks, meanwhile also accommodating an authentic Italian chef competition.

Poperinge Beer Festival

October 27 – 28, Poperinge, Belgium It’s not just Germany that knows all things beer.

Belgium has been quite a significant source of many popular breweries for a long time now.

And the celebration of Belgian beer is bound to happen each year, located in Poperinge – the Belgian city of hops. The total of 25 brewers with more than 100 types of beer will await the visitors. And not only the Maeke Blyde event hall will house a whole beer village for the sake of the festival, but also quite a unique national museum of hops will hold its doors open for the visitors of Poperinge.

Autumn 2018 |

Golden Mask in Estonia

Oktoberfest

Rose of Saffron Festival

Eurochocolate Festival

October 9 - 17, Tallin/ Viljandi/ Narva/ Sillamäe, Estonia One of the most outstanding theatre festivals in Estonia presents a diverse cultural programme that unites both Estonian and Russian-speaking audiences.

This year marks the 14th anniversary of the festival where nothing but the best will be performed by the most renowned Russian artists. Other than the performances, the festival will also provide several programmes, workshops, meetings and discussions to strengthen the cultural tie between Estonia and Russia.

October 26 – 28, Consuegra, Spain Each year Consuegra celebrates its most valuable treasure – saffron plantations. This crop stands out with its various-coloured flowers in the tones of blue and lilac, yet still maintaining a hint of yellow. Since 1963 a whole ritual has taken place for the folks of Consuegra – Saffron is harvested, threads are dried and packaged and the whole process finished up with a grand celebration. Just as in many other nations, the festival marks the end of the work in field, usually awaited during fall season.

September 22 – October 7, Munich, Germany The massive celebration of beer we now call Oktoberfest is the largest and most famous of such kind. And Munich is the place the event can trace its roots, therefore this is the largest and most attended venue for the Oktoberfest.

It started out as a celebration of royal wedding in 1810 when the Bavarian Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese – the party lasted for whole five days and thus Oktoberfest begun.

Currently it has evolved in a much different direction, accommodating more than 6 million people and offering an unbelievable variety of beers. Remember to pre-reserve a place in the tent of your choosing and experience the unique beer phenomena.

October 19 - 28, Perugia, Italy Food and beverages seem to hit their peak during fall season, as yet another festival of such kind awaits its visitors.

The Eurochocolate Festival is one of such, devoted to all things chocolate. Other than this, the festival will be complemented with some musical vibes, performances by street artists and magnificent chocolate displays.

Visitors will also be encouraged to take part in various entertaining activities, such as food tasting and workshops led by the best chocolatiers.

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Venice smart destination

LA

SERENISSIMA

Venice is a city that brings out the exquisite not only in its outer form, but with what it hides within – secret streets and squares, hidden local wine bars, secluded buildings of mesmerizing Gothic architecture and so much more to tell and show. By unravelling truly Venetian treasures, we present you the most serene city proudly carrying the official title of La Serenissima!

Words by Māra Miķelsone

Photos from Depositphotos & publicity photos

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| Autumn 2018

Venice smart destination

Autumn 2018 |

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Venice smart destination

CA N N A

C SAN O R TA C

E

O RS DO

SA N

MAR CO

Basilica di San Marco

Romance would be one of the best words describing the spirit of the city, as it has been featured in numerous stories of books, movies and art works. And to tell the truth, all of these portrayals actually come true when visiting Venice – palaces made of marbles and frescoes brightly reflecting on water, narrow streets of Italian atmosphere and scenic squares that could be visited again and again for their unique and mesmerizing design.

But besides the charm it exuberates, Venice is also major seaport in the northern Adriatic Sea – even during the Medieval times the city served as the main seaport, linking Europe to Asia. The main port is now situated in the Western parish of Mendigola 14

O

SAN POLO

DU RO

Venice on the Surface

REGI

which serves as the main dock for cruise liners, which also explains why some of the former palaces are now occupied by the offices of these shipping lines.

Port Marghera is also a major point for commercial shipping, located next to the urban suburb of Mestre.

Although physically being an isolated sea city, Venice also is still closely linked with the whole mainland of Northern Italy. After all, the city is the capital of Province of Venezia, as well as the Region of Veneto.

It also accommodates major urban and industrial areas of Mestre and Marghera, and the Marco Polo International Airport which was built in 1960 in Tessera located northwest of the city.

Palazzo Ducale

The city of Venice has been divided into six districts that are mainly referred to Sestieris. Each of them hold their own unique environment, also serving particular purposes for the wellbeing of the city and its people.

Cannaregio is the most populated district which originally was just a land of swamps and reeds. The district houses the Jewish Ghetto which was developed by Jewish settlements in the region dating back to the 4th century. Cannaregio also offers such sites as the Santa Maria dei Miracoli church of Renaissance architecture, as well as the Baroque Santa Maria di Nazareth which is also referred to as the “church of the barefoot”.

| Autumn 2018

Venice smart destination

CAST ELLO

The Old Library

Castello is the largest district of the city, titled after a Medieval time castle that used to lie in the area. The very heart of the district is considered to be the Arsenal complex, occupying even as much as a sixth of the whole city. Whereas the massive medieval church of Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo is where influential Venetians are buried.

Dorsoduro is considered as the most comfortable city area for the stable and less swampy land. The main museum in the area is the Gallerie dell’Accademia which host a massive collection of Venetian art works by such artists as Titian, Giorgione, Tintoretto, Carpaccio and Bellini, and the heart of it all – the famous Vitruvian Man drawing by Leonardo da Vinci. Contemporary art is kept in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection within Autumn 2018 |

The Campanile

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Dogana da Mar-Palazzo Grasso complex.

Also be sure to visit Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute – church that magnificently overviews the lagoon of Venice. This and several other important sites are part of a Punta della Dogana complex.

bridge above the Grand Canal. It also houses the oldest church in Venice – San Giacomo di Rialto, as well as truly Gothic architecture of Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, preserving two art works

by Titian where he was also buried.

San Marco is the most famous for its cultural sites, one of which is the St Mark’s Square. It locates an outstanding Basilica drawing numbers of visitors each day. The district also is known for the La Fenice historic theatre, Bridge of Sighs and most importantly, the main “boulevard” of the city – the Grand Canal.

Santa Croce is the smallest of the six Sestieris and the only district that partly allows automobile transportation.

Therefore, it also houses Piazzale Roma bus and taxi terminal, as well as artificial island of Tronchetto used as a car park where vehicles are left before arriving in the city. Baroque palace of Ca’Pesaro is a well-visited site as it accommodates the International Gallery of Modern Art, whereas the home of the Natural History Museum is Fontego dei Turchi.

San Polo district is known for Campo San Polo – the second largest square in the city. San Polo is the area that is connected to San Marco Sestieri by the famous Rialto

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Venice smart destination

Ciao!

The first public casino in the world was opened in Venice in 1638 16

The narrowest street Calletta is only 53 cm wide

The city is sinking 1-2 mm deeper per year

Number of gondolas in Venice has reached 400

The most popular Italian word comes from Venice – “Ciao!”

The number of palaces in Venice make up to 450 | Autumn 2018

Venice smart destination

SIGHTSEEING MUST’S

The Campanile in the district of San Marco is a bell tower rising up to almost 100 metres, occurring as the dominant figure of townscape visible even kilometres away. It has withstood quite an accident in 1902 when the tower collapsed, however the council did not hesitate to plan out its rebuild and the tower was once again standing tall in 1912. The tower has an elevator that takes its visitors to a special viewing site, providing panoramic view of the island, mainland and the sea.

The Old Library was built in 1529 and designed to house a collection of humanist texts and manuscripts, acquired in 1468 by Bessarion who was a Latin patriarch of Constantinople. The library has vastly expanded its archives achieving a status of one of the major research libraries. Among the materials one will find such treasures as Marco Polo’s will, manuscript in Petrarch’s hand and a string of books and maps that were printed during the great publishing and cartographic era of Venice.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a building dedicated to the patron saint of the plague-stricken. In the building an incredible ceiling panel of patron St Roch is installed, just as well as visualisations documenting Mary’s life story in the assembly hall and Old and New Testament scenes in the Sala Grande Superiore upstairs. All of the works were mastered by the artist Tintoretto during quite a gruesome time period in Venice – the plague had taken thousands of lives, including one of the great Titian.

Palazzo Ducale, located right on the waterfront, hosts grand rooms of state and the Doge’s private apartments, as well as a complex of council chambers, courts and even prisons. The Gothic construction impresses with its exquisite colonnades and façade of pale pink Venetian marble. It was in the 10th century when the city decided to move the Doge’s official residence to Palazzo Ducale, later adding the wing towards Piazzetta. The Doge’s apartments are periodically used for art exhibitions, whereas other rooms provide the visitors with a permanent display of Museo dell’Opera on the ground floor, the grand central courtyard and the main area of the palace leading through prisons, state and institutional rooms. Be sure to walk the Golden Staircase to reach the gorgeous rooms located at the top of the palace.

Carnival masks come in 3 types: Bauta, Moretta and Larva Autumn 2018 |

Number of canals is 170

Course for becoming a gondolier requires 400 hours of training

Basilica di San Marco was founded in the 9th century for the purpose of making it a burial site for St Mark. However, when the building burned down in 932, the basilica was rebuilt in a shape reflecting more of the townscape of that time, introducing styles from Greece and Byzantine architecture. And only after 1807 the basilica officially became Venice’s cathedral, as before it served only as the Doge’s private chapel. Nowadays the basilica surely will be an unforgettable experience, as it is widely covered in mesmerizing mosaics. The oldest mosaics are installed just inside the vestibule of the basilica, displaying Apostles with the Madonna. The church will also amaze with its sublime stonework arches and the three golden domes. More valuable treasures can be found in the museum located upstairs of the basilica.

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Venice smart destination

Highway of Water

The Grand Canal is the highway of Venice where all main transport logistics take place. The famous gondolas that we associate with the most romantic means of transport are the best-known form of transportation through the Venetian waterways. However gondolas do not serve as the main transportation anymore due to their ineffective maintenance costs and lack of space. Currently gondolas are used for tourist entertainment only, rowed by both singing and non-singing gondoliers – an experience that is a must while visiting Venice. The Canal holds most gondola traffic during twilights and night-times when tourists can enjoy the route along the bright buildings located at the very banks of the Grand Canal.

Rest of the vessels are made of public water buses and taxis, private boats and flatdecked boats named Vaporetti that carry 18

not only passengers, but cargo consisting of all necessary items and packages that must be delivered to the city regularly, like food.

Therefore, the whole scene of the Grand Canal is not just gondolas – it has long been mixed with vessels of different sizes and colours. And such must be the view because the only other way to transport through the city is by feet as automobiles are banned from the city. To ensure that anything can also be accessible by walking, the Grand Canal is spanned by four bridges, whereas all waterways of Venice crossed by around 417 bridges. Some of them still preserve their original state of traditional style, but most haven been replaced by iron structures. Bridges of Grand Canal are the most famous for holding significant historical and cultural value. Rialto Bridge was built in 1590, Accademia Bridge saw its beginning during 1930’s, Scalzi Bridge was built in 1932 and Constitution Bridge stands as the most recent built in 2008.

Mix of Architecture

Nowadays Venice holds quite a dowry of architectural treasures starting from simple residential houses to grand palaces and museums. The whole townscape is made of simple yet unique dwellings of different colours, grouped around communal courtyards and ordinarily housing not more than 4 storeys. Most of the buildings in Venice have been built of white marble – the material can be used easily, it is suitable for humid environment and most importantly, it was shipped to the town very cheap.

And in the middle of these constructions, the city is filled with incredible palaces and historical buildings of various architectural styles and structures. Most of them are characteristic of the Gothic style, such as Ca’ d’Oro, followed by Renaissance constructions like Palazzo Grimani. Whereas later buildings hold the classical style of | Autumn 2018

Venice smart destination

Baroque, such as Palazzo Pesaro. And somehow Venice has managed to combine it all in one amazing landscape, thus making the city one of the hottest destinations for tourists all around the world.

Where Art Lives

The city of Venice hardly stands still in terms of internationally-acclaimed cultural events. Every February the streets of Venice are brought to life with the bright colours and fun dances by the famous Carnival of Venice. Most of the popular events are organized in the frameworks of the remarkable Venice Biennale which is responsible for the diverse cultural life brought in the city. The central event is the International Art Exhibition held only on odd-numbered years. After its first occurrence in 1895 a few years passed and the organization gradually added more events of specific art genres which now makes a list of international festivals Autumn 2018 |

dedicated to such art forms as theatre, film, architecture and even dance. Other than that, Venice can be proudly named as home to some of the most influential and significant names in the art world, including Bellini, Carpaccio, Veronese, Giorgione, Titian and Tintoretto. It must be noted that Venice was not only home to these magnificent artists of painting, but also one very well-known scandalous fellow who goes by the name of Giacomo Casanova who was actually exiled from Venice at one point.

A Truly Venetian Experience

Exploring a new city may be the basic means of getting to know the culture and people enduring it. Yet the truest experience comes within traditions and symbols, such as souvenirs. So make sure to bring home something more worthy than a fridge magnet or a t-shirt. Venice is known for its historical craft of glassmaking, so

head to the island of Murano to get some truly authentic pieces for yourself. The same goes for the traditional handmade carnival masks that will dazzle you with the colours and forms they come in. Such items as Venetian lace or marbled paper are also considered as an integral part of one’s Venice shopping list.

The same goes for local cuisine for getting the true taste of Venetian culture. Seafood makes up most of the traditional Venetian meals. One of the most-consumed sea creature – cuttlefish – may come with polenta or black rice on the side. Some other food to look up on the menu is red chicory, fish soup, traditional appetizers Cicchetti and Venetian pastry.

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Stephen King smart persona

THE

KING OF

HORRORS Stephen King is known as the man who became a legend in the horror genre thanks to his talent, persistance and the unique view on the world. We know him for such productions as „Carrie”, „Green Mile”, „The Dark Tower”, „The Shining” and one of the latest thriller hits – „IT”. His works evoke a thrilling suspense, curiosity and desire to turn the next page as soon as possible.

Words by Anastasija Stepakova Publicity photos

The Beginning of Journey

The American writer Stephen Edwin King was born on September 21, 1947 in Portland, Main, USA. He was the second son in the family. After his father left the family, Stephen and his older brother David were raised by their mother.

During his childhood Stephen witnessed the death of his friend as he fell under a train.

There is a speculation that this was the moment that psychologically inspired some of the writer’s later works.

The boy was passionat about book and comic reading, and most of the movies he saw were of horror genre. One of the first ones he saw was „The Creature from the 20

Black Lagoon.” As King explained himself: „I liked the feeling of fear, the sensation of full loss of control over your emotions.”

In 1970 King graduates University, and next year he started to work as an English teacher in school. However, only after few years King left the post and started to devote all his time on writing.

Once asked why he writes, King answered: „Answer to this question is quite simple – there is nothing else I would like to do.

I started to write stories because I loved writing stories. That’s why I am doing it. I truly couldn’t imagine myself doing something else, and I couldn’t imagine myselfe not doing what I’m doing now.” | Autumn 2018

stephen King smart persona

Who is Richard Bachman?

In the end of 1970’s and beginning of 1980’s Stephen King published 5 more books under the same pseudonym. The idea of it was to test if he could repeat his success. And surname Bahman was chosen intentionally – King is a true fan of a music band called „Bachman-Turner Overdrive”.

The Dollar Baby

the doctors initially proposed amputation, yet they managed to save the leg in the end.

Later King described the whole incident in his memoirs „How to Write Books” and in the 7th installation of „The Dark Towers”.

King also participated in development of mini-series of 15 episodes titled „Kingdom Hospital” in which the same accident was portrayed. On September 21, 2001 which also happened to fall into King’s birthday, Brian Smith died, and in 2002 King announced that he is finished with writing.

In the end of 1970’s King issued his early novel „To Make Piece with It” under a pseudonym Richard Bachman, titling the novel „Fury”. The book was removed from sales as Kansas saw several happenings of school shootings – issue of this book was found with the juvenile offendor, after which author himself decided to remove the book.

Time came for young cinematographers.

Many students wrote King wanting to adapt some of his short stories for the screen.

In spite of an advisor’s objections who saw numerous potential juridical issues throghout the process, King implemented a policy that is still existing to this day. He will give chance of adapting one of his works (except for novels) to any film-director student after signing a special agreement – the movie can only be launched in public screening after King himself approves the full version seen beforehand. And for that he will ask just a dollar. Hence the name The Dollar Baby also known as Dollar Deal. As a result, the total of 17 King’s short stories have already been screened by students.

The Accident

In 1999 during a walk, King was run over by a minivan driven by Brian Smith. According to a statement written by the Deputy Sheriff, King was run over from the back.

He had several injuries including multiple leg fractures, head wounds and femoral fracture. Leg injuries were so severe that Autumn 2018 |

Pseudonym Richard Bachman was exposed by a book salesman Steve Brown from Washington. He noticed similarities between the older works of King and the new works of Bachman. He revealed King’s name on one of Bachman’s novels during Library Congress. That led to a press-release that brought the death of Bachman, supposedly from “cancer of the pseudonym”.

Since then quite a while has passed, and when talking about his further career, King says: „I’m living in much slower pace as I used to, but I think if I’d thought of something very, very good, then I would forget all else. Because the creative process is deeply infatuating – publishing the work and witnessing reactions to it. The opportunity of handing the work to people and get their feedback, be able to discuss the work and give people food for thought. But my productivity has dropped, partly because of the age, but it has to be that way.”

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stephen King smart persona

THE BEST OF KING

„Dreamcatcher” of 2001

Writing of this work supposedly helped King to recover from the 1999 accident, having finished it in just half a year. King later admitted that he is not so found of the work himself as it was written under the influence of Oxycontin.

• Movie Dreamcatcher (2003) directed by Lawrence Kasdan

„Carrie” of 1974

Once King’s wife found the draft of „Carrie” in a trash bin which King himself decided to be a failure, and she insisted that King would finish it. When it was published, King received an advance of 2500 US Dollars which was the very first „real” payment King received as an author.

• Movie “Carrie” (1976) directed by Brian De Palma • Movie The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999) directed

by Katt Shea • TV Movie Carrie (2002) directed by David Carson • Movie Carrie (2013) directed by Kimberly Peirce

„The Shining” of 1974

King moved to Boulder, Colorado where he stayed for a year, and during this time he wrote one of his most legendary stories.

• Movie The Shining (1980) directed by Stanley Kubrick • TV Mini-Series The Shining (1997) directed by Mick Garris

„Under the Dome” of 2009

King actually attempted to complete the novel two times during 1970s and 1980s.

The completed work is considered the largest novel since “It”.

• TV Series Under the Dome (2013) created by Brian K. Vaughan

“It” of 1986

The notion of the story visited King in 1978, and he began writing it in 1981. The original title character we now know as the monstrous Pennywise the Clown was actually a troll.

• TV Mini-Series It (1990) directed by Tommy Lee Wallace • Movie It (2017) directed by Andy Muschietti • Movie It: Chapter Two (2019) directed

by Andy Muschietti 22

„The Green Mile” of 1996

The novel was originally released in 6 installments, but later republished in a single book. In the very same year of publishing it won the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel.

• Movie The Green Mile (1999) directed

by Frank Darabont

„Doctor Sleep” of 2013

A well-awaited sequel to „The Shining” which also managed to win the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel in 2013 • Movie Doctor Sleep (2020) directed by Mike Flanagan | Autumn 2018

artificial intelligence smart topic

ARTIFICIAL

ON THE RISE One of the most popular topics discussed nowadays is, of course, technology. The way it has improved and developed is something of a miracle, as even just a few decades back we would not even believe to be carrying small screens in our hands that function as basically everything – phone, camera, computer, cinema, GPS navigator, radio ... the list could go on and on. Yet the most impressive technological revolution has been achieved in the field of artificial intelligence or AI. Will AI erase the line between humanity and technology, making AI systems indistinguishable from humans? There is a lot to process, think of and discover, so read on and find out all you need to know about the mystery that is artificial intelligence.

Words by Māra Miķelsone Photos from Depositphotos & publicity photos

AI DISCOVERED

AI has made a rapid growth in popularity and development as the world and science advances and improves in terms of technology. The first time the term Artificial Intelligence was associated for what it is now was in 1956 – the term was coined by an American computer scientist and Dartmouth professor John McCarthy. He described the concept of AI quite simple – if 24

any task performed by a program could also be carried out by a human using intelligence to accomplish it, then the program would fall under the category of AI. It all started with exploring trivial topics, such as problem solving and symbolic methods. Later in the 1960’s it went a step further as scientists started to find ways to train computers to mimic human reasoning,

like developing street mapping projects and currently widely-used personal assistants.

All programs and devices of automation and formal reasoning are what we use nowadays daily. What started as research into the concept of “thinking machines” has now grown into unimaginably deep exploration of the already established AI. | Autumn 2018

artificial intelligence smart topic

AIDING HUMANITY

To put it simply, let’s see what Sebastian Thrun, educator and entrepreneur has said about it. He considers AI as a means to free humanity of repetitive work and unleash our creativity. He states that we shouldn’t fear runaway AI, explaining that we will be better off if “dull, tedious work is done with the help of machines. Only one percent of interesting things have been invented yet.

I believe all of us are insanely creative ...

AI will empower us to turn creativity into action.” Yet it is far more than that, as our modern lives – population growing, people acquiring vast volumes of knowledge and more complicated tasks are expected to be done – all of it demands all the other, much simpler tasks to become automated and centralized in order to spend time on the more complicated ones. It is not just AI completing tasks for us – huge amount of AI-based machines are built to do them in a pace that no human could physically achieve.

Although many people are certain that AI is about to develop into machines that will serve humanity in the most trivial daily tasks, most of the major works on improving and innovating AI are done to provide specific benefits in many industries, improving such fields as health care, manufacturing, global environment, customer service, transport safety etc.

Actually, we have already been granted with numerous AI technologies that have already improved our lives without us even noticing.

X-ray reading, patient monitoring, personalized medicine, diagnosing – all of this and more could not be possible without AI inventions. And it certainly does not stop there as number of researches and technology experts devote their lives to come up with ideas of how AI could benefit human health even more. For example, medical technologist Dr. Pratik Shah is currently working on a machine of new AI algorithms that would change the amounts of data used when training AI to make Autumn 2018 |

diagnoses – until now tens of thousands of expensive medical images are used to achieve the diagnosis. Not only will Shah’s invention make the diagnosing processes more effective and cheaper using only as few as 50 images to develop (even ones taken from a phone), but also open up possibilities for earlier detection of serious illnesses.

Autonomous vehicles have stirred up quite a buzz around the world, becoming more advanced and realistic for the near future.

The vehicle completely relies on AI and its ability to recognize the environment around it and adapt driving according to it, still calculating all the possible risks and the ones that can appear suddenly, like another vehicle in front of it or bad road conditions.

Various productions of autonomous cars are continuously developed, tested and improved to reach the ultimate goal – a car without a driver.

How about looking back at how you got to this seat on an airplane? That’s right, the baggage that goes through screening is the work of none other than AI machine.

But what are some other, more modern AI technologies that aviation industry might overtake in the near future? For example, last year American Airlines implemented a specially-developed app that would allow passengers determine the size of their baggage even before arriving at the airport, as well as pre-pay any related expenses.

Another good example comes from United Airlines who have put Amazon’s Alexa to use to improve customer services. Passengers of the airline are able to ask any flight-related questions on their Alexa app, previously adding the special skill developed by the company. Currently, Delta Airlines are testing machines that would fully carry out passenger identification process, thus ensuring an automatized and much more effective process of check-in.

In terms of entertaining industry, movies to be more specific, a special software package has been developed – MASSIVE basically is simulating life, and is used to generate thousands of actors with their own AI. Such technology is used to generate the visual effect of crowd scenes, for example for visualizing battles, large-volume people gatherings etc.. Some of the examples of well-known movies the software has been used include Lord of the Rings, Aviator, Happy Feet, King Kong, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Doctor Who, Up, Life of Pi and many more.

Some other examples of AI accompanying humanity through our day-to-day tasks are the already known intelligent personal assistants, such as Siri, Alexa, Cortana and a long string of their competitors, created by all leading technology development companies all around the world. Office workers will certainly know the constant work with e-mails, but did you ever stop to think who is responsible for the adored spam filter and e-mail categorizer? Without AI you would not be able to do such simple task as check your card deposit and prevent fraudulent transactions that are automatically determined by special AI systems. Online shopping also works largely on AI algorithms that help customers to purchase products for the best price, make personalized recommendations based on your searches and purchases and even provide price change tracking on the product you really want. This is the part of AI we all appreciate, yet take for granted.

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Artificial Intelligence smart topic

PREDICTING THE FUTURE What we see in the movies – robots and machines becoming smarter, starting to think for themselves and taking over humanity – still is fiction. The very basis of AI is to learn from certain data it incorporates and then uses the data for doing only clearly defined tasks, based on the data it is installed with. AI systems can only work with the data as far as combining and processing it, thus eliminating the popular concern of robots starting to think for themselves and gain conscience of decision-making. Juris Kabakovs, director of BiSMART business technology platform has reasoned that “AI most likely possesses an unlimited learning capacity; it never forgets and thus can live forever. It also is able to accomplish significantly larger number of processes simultaneously than one person can in his whole lifetime. Yet the field in which MI still stands inferior to humanity is ability to think creatively, fantasize and create something that has not existed before.”

At the same time, computers are constantly improved with abilities to work with more and more complex data which subsequently allows them to perform even the most 26

challenging of tasks. It all leads to a quest for strong AI which we have not yet achieved, therefore cannot predict the consequences. As British mathematician Irving John Good once said, designing smarter AI systems is itself a cognitive task, meaning that there is a certain possibility of a “superintelligent” system start performing such operations as self-improvement.

Therefore, there are many experts that constantly emphasize the importance of pre-preparing on our way to develop strong AI. Research scientist at Google, Margaret Mitchell points out that we should “consider what the technology we create today will mean for tomorrow. All that we see now is a snapshot in the evolution of artificial intelligence. If we want AI to evolve in a way that helps humans, then we need to define the goals and strategies that enable that path now.”

Moreover, scientists and specialists in the field of AI have repeatedly emphasized that AI can never be evil or start doing things out of wicked mind and aims. AI will always function the way it is programmed to do.

As Stephen Hawking, one of the smartest minds in the universe once said – “A

superintelligent AI will be extremely good at accomplishing its goals. And if those goals aren’t aligned with ours, we’re in trouble.” Therefore, AI still needs human help in order to not only function, but also – evolve.

In terms of the leading AI developers in the world or in other words – who will be responsible for the path AI will be directed to, some have acknowledged US scientists and technology specialists as the ones who will perform the best and most. Yet recently “Goldman Sachs” bank launched a public announcement titled “China’s Rise in Artificial Intelligence” where it is stated that China define AI as the main factor that will stimulate country’s economic development.

The bank points out four basic factors that are necessary in order for the country to become successful in AI field – talents, data, infrastructure and computing skills – and the first three are already implemented in China. It is also stressed that AI developers in China have already received generous support from government that has set an objective for China becoming the global AI innovation centre in 2030. | Autumn 2018

Artificial Intelligence smart topic

SCIENCE FICTION THROUGH SCREEN One of the ways people have become more aware of the concept of AI is through the medium of cinema. The new century not only brought innovations and knowledge on a brand new world of technology, but also fired off quite a number of some really powerful movie productions of plots related to very different sides of artificial intelligence and most popularly – prognosis on how AI would change the world as we know it into something beyond ones imagination. The popular story of AI taking over the humanity is still science, yet the relationship between human and AI displayed in the movies have helped us to take a long hard look at ourselves, reminding us once again that it is us – people – who are responsible of what we create and how we decide to put it to use.

in order to have some company in his secluded mansion. He invites his employee Caleb for a visit to introduce him to his newest invention – bot named Ava who is developed as intelligent as ever before.

Caleb starts conversations and falls for her, which is unfortunate as Ava is more human than they think and actually uses Caleb to escape her imprisonment in the mansion.

Her (2013)

I, Robot (2004)

The movie looks into near future when scientists have developed highly-intelligent robots for the higher purpose of aiding the society. The robots have become an integral part of society, used as serving staff for people. Yet one cop – Del Spooner is quite sceptical about the new robot world and does not trust them as he suspects one robot of committing murder. That, in turn, makes him think that a whole bunch of robot army, just issued by the scientists, will all be up to the same tasks – destroying humanity. And it just so happens that his suspicions are quite realistic.

Transcendence (2014)

The plot deals with a pair of scientists that are actively researching the concept of afterlife in terms of building a sentient computer to exist as a human even after his death. As one of the scientists is shot by protesters of AI development, his wife decides to put her recent invention to use and uploads her husband’s consciousness into a machine. What started as an act of love and devotion to the future of science quickly turned into a disaster as the machine with the conscience turns into an out-of-control and independently-thinking entity that will not stop in order to achieve his plan.

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Ex Machina (2015)

The movie is developed in a rather unique form, not focusing on the evil ways of AI rather than how their creators – humans – impact their operation and development.

A genius inventor is pretty caught up in creating bots in form of beautiful women

The plot is set in near future once again where an advanced operating system is programmed in everyone’s devices to assist them in even most difficult daily tasks, meanwhile adapting to every person’s individualities in order to make the communication between human and technology as humane as possible. When a sensitive guy Theodore receives and uploads his new OS named Samantha, he starts falling in love with her and gradually closes down from outer world choosing to spend time only with her. Yet his heart breaks as he finds out that Samantha is “dating” other people as well, for she is just a programme used by numerous people.

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artificial intelligence smart topic

READING LIST

It is not just the movies that are grasping every single possibility to portray all aspects of artificial intelligence and how it will change the world. But how about picking up a hard copy of some quite unusual stories that creative authors have developed? Here are three books that have been widely recognized for the intriguing and diverse look at the future of AI and its collaboration (or lack of it) with humanity.

THE FUTURE OF WORK: Robots, AI, and Automation

darrell m. WeSt This book is an overall description of how AI and technology itself will be able to change the work currently done by humans. Will it take over the whole concept of working, and if so – what will be the first industries to experience the change?

Although not diving deep into details, the book ensures a quick and comprehensive overview of the whole topic and it actually raises question rather than answering them. Yet that makes the book so suitable for various audiences – the reader will find out what are the main issues and challenges regarding the future of AI and its impact on job industry. And that, in turn, motivates the reader to start looking for the answers himself. by

PREDICTION MACHINES: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence

by ajay aGraWal, jOShua GanS and aVi GOldFarb This book is more of an overview on how far AI has come throughout the past years.

It suggests that computers have become much more efficient and cost-effective than humans in so many aspects, performing simple tasks in a much greater speed and precision.

And the next step is to evolve the concept of decision-making in computers, striving to accomplish their ability to make predictions by considering outcomes from past data and information it is implemented with.

It is a fact that computers are better than humans in terms of having access to a precise past data, yet processing it in order to predict the unknown is still something that humans prevail in.

THE FOURTH AGE: Smart Robots, Conscious Computers, and the Future of Humanity

byrOn reeSe Through an entertaining story the book shows us what will the rise of AI really mean to humanity. It tells of Reese – chief executive at a technology research company – who manages to grasp reader’s attention by stating the 3 major changes to the human civilization. “The first, characterized by the discovery of fire and language, led humans to greatly increase their brain size, paving the way for future advancement. The second was the development of agriculture, which led to the birth of cities. And, finally, writing and the wheel have shaped much of everything until the present.”

Tht leads us to AI which is ought to be the fourth great change, yet this time – not necessarily a change that would benefit the humanity. AI becomes smarter and stronger in so many fields that humans could not concur, so the story goes deep in what will it actually mean for us – people. by

GET INSPIRED

To get a more comprehensive look into the world of AI and hear the real talks from people who know the field the best, we suggest grabbing your phone and having a look at the world-renowned platform of TED talks via yet another smart innovation – QR code scanner.

Here are some picks by SmartLynx.

“How AI can save our humanity?” by Kai-Fu Lee

“Can we build AI without losing control over it?” by Sam Harris

“Don’t fear intelligent machines. Work with them” by Garry Kasparov

“How we can build AI to help humans, not hurt us” by Margaret Mitchell

“How AI can enhance our memory, work and social lives” by Tom Gruber

artificial intelligence smart topic

FACTS UNCOVERED

THE WORLD OF AI Anyone interested in the whole concept of artificial intelligence might greatly benefit by attending some well-known events that gather not only the experts in the field, but also introduces people to brand new inventions one might not even have heard of. Take a look at some of events held during this fall season and maybe you will have the chance of seeing the true world of AI yourself.

RIGA COMM 2018

OctOber 11 – 12, ĶĪpSala eXhibitiOn hall, riGa, latVia The event combines both technology exhibition and workshop programme, held in separate halls. The exhibition gathers tech companies and organizations that have developed unique technological and IT innovations and introduce the visitors to a whole new world of technology.

Whereas the workshops will discuss comprehensive topics on AI, block chains, the Internet of Things, cyber-safety and many more.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTELLIGENT ROBOTS AND SYSTEMS OctOber 1 – 5, madrid, Spain The topic of this event is “Towards a Robotic Society” where advanced Autumn 2018 |

technological innovations will be discussed, including human-robot interaction, humanoids, social robots, autonomous systems, intelligent perception. It will also deal with the social-oriented aspects, like legal issues, regulations, robotics ethics, human-robot co-existence, employment.

WORLD AI SUMMIT

OctOber 11 – 12, GaShOuder WeSterGaSFabrieK, amSterdam, netherlandS This will be one heck of a two-day dive into the world of AI. Here people are excited to share their knowledge on all things AI, introducing marvellous innovations and promoting a safe and smart machine and technology development.

WEB SUMMIT

nOVember 5 – 8, altice arena, liSbOn, pOrtuGal The summit connects the technology community with all possible industries, introducing technology innovations in a brand new light and developing their cooperation with industries one might never think of needing technologies. The conference is internationally acclaimed as a must-attend event for all technology fans.

• Billionaire Dmitry Itskov created a non-profit organization called the 2045 Initiative, where they want to make people immortal by adding human intelligence into artificial bodies by the year 2045.

• Joseph Weizenbaum, one of the founding fathers of Artificial Intelligence, later became one of its leading critics when he found his secretary getting very emotionally involved with ELIZA, a chat bot that he himself programmed.

• University of Washington students created an Artificial Intelligence program to detect “that’s what she said” jokes.

• It has been noted that most of AI that operates through the means of voice communication is female, such as Alexa or Cortana.

• An animal welfare researcher Dr. JeanLoup Rault has announced that the work of robot pets is ongoing, promising to deliver the invention to society by 2025.

• Facebook is on its journey of developing an AI design in order to understand user emotions, identify objects in photos and eeven predict user actions.

• Numerous experts have announced that by 2035 AI will gain only one tenth of human smartness, yet 2060 is set as the year when it will become equal.

• One of the first robots that managed to respond in a human-like natural way is Kismet, developed in 1999. It actually moved its ears, jaw, eyebrows and jaw, making quite natural facial expressions.

• Sophia is a new and high-functioning AI humanoid robot who is designed to look like Audrey Hepburn. She is considered as the most advanced robot in the world, having gained wide popularity in the world.

• Los Angeles Times featured the very first news piece that was actually written by AI. The article was written on the basis of data the AI accessed and created an actually well-written news piece.

• Google’s Artificial Intelligence Bot is programmed to say that the purpose of living is “to live forever”.

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las palmas smart city

CITY LIFE OF LAS PALMAS Las Palmas is one of the most vibrant cities of Gran Canaria Island, therefore also being the capital. Las Palmas is one of the most vibrant cities of Gran Canaria Island, so no wonder it is also the Capital of it. We suggest a simple Las Palmas formula – eat, shop and celebrate!

Words by Gustavs Reinholds Photos from Depositphotos & publicity photos

La Marinera

EAT z Mesa y Lope Las Arenas Shopping Centre

Casa Montesdeoca Deliciosa Marta

Deliciosa Marta

Stated as one of the most popular restaurants in Las Palmas, among both tourists and locals, Deliciosa Marta truly is delicious. The menu provides a wide variety of local cuisine, prepared in most original and tasteful ways.

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Casa Montesdeoca

To experience a different environment, try the romantic Casa Motesdeoca restaurant which is situated in an authentic 16th century house. Leaf-entwined patio, wooden balconies and yellow – it does not get more charming than that.

La Marinera

Fresh seafood right where it has been caught – that is what La Marinera can offer located right on the seaside. Enjoy some delicious fish meals while listening to the sound of crashing waves. | Autumn 2018

Triana Barrio

Las Palmas smart city

SHOP Mesa y Lopez

This road would be the largest shopping area in downtown of Las Palmas, mainly taken up by the “Corte Inglés” department store. It is so big that it actually is situated on the both sides of the street. Other than the store, the whole street is filled with diverse selection of shops – big and small – that can cater to any needs. And Las Canteras beach is just steps away from the area, ensuring a healthy balance between spending time inside shops and out in the nature.

Triana Barrio

This traditional district of commerce was voted as Spain’s top outdoor shopping area in 2013, and it has not disappointed ever since. Be sure to step off the big streets to experience the magic of small Spanish boutiques and tiny shops with stuff one could not even imagine to be for sale. To ensure a full-day experience, the area also accommodates numerous outdoor cafes to have a meal at. Moreover, right next to it there is the Old Town of Vegeuta worth visiting for some historic touch.

Mesa y Lopez

Las Arenas Shopping Centre

As already noted by the title, Las Arenas truly is an arena of shops, having earned the title as the biggest commercial centre in the city. Many visitors swear by the fact that here one will find absolutely anything. Apart from the huge variety of fashion shops, the Centre also houses the famous all-thingsincluded MediaMart. And to finish off an evening after intense shopping spree, head to Las Canteras beach located nearly by.

Did you know that Las Palmas was the location for shooting a scene for the Allied (2016) movie? It was the location for Marianne’s (Marion Cotillard) apartment, supposedly located in Casablanca.

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Triana Barrio

Las Arenas Shopping Centre 31

las palmas smart city

CELEBRATE

Fiesta de la Naval, October 13

One of the most historic areas of the city – La Isleta – will hold a grand celebration with maritime processions, incredible decorations of flowers and, of course, bright fireworks. All of this is held to commemorate the victory of the island when it was attacked by the British in 1595.

Did you know that Las Palmas is a birthplace to some very notable names in several walks of life?

Actor Javier Bardem (1969)

Politician Juan Negrín (1887) 32

Opera singer Alfredo Kraus (1927)

Writer Benito Pérez Galdós (1843)

Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, November 11

The last Sunday of November is always taken by one of the most famous yacht rallies. Throughout the years the event has attracted numerous international participants as the route for rallying is quite unique and picturesque – the yachts depart from Las Palmas and head down to the beautiful Caribbean.

WOMAD Gran Canaria, November 15 – 18

People of Las Palmas really do know how to have fun, as Womad stretches in the course of four nights, starting on Thursday and culminating on Sunday. Some of the most popular names in the music industry tend to attend the festival, thus providing a healthy mass of fans all together celebrating the art of music and fun.

Did you know that other than numerous accommodations of residing, eating and entertaining, Las Palmas also seems to never stop its pulse? Almost every weekend Puerto de La Luz – one of the most important harbours in Europe – is bustling with people eager to watch extravagant regattas, also known as Vela Latina. This and Lucha Canaria – Canarian Wrestling – are somewhat popular in the city, as the sports have originated right here in the capital of Gran Canaria.

Be advised!

• The city of Las Palmas is known to accommodate great diversity of upscale restaurants, so be sure to bring some fine clothing in the suitcase for an exclusive night-out in the city.

• Although sun is what the most vacationers are looking for, try to avoid too much sunbathing between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, as this is considered to be the time period with the most intense sunrays.

• When entering religious institutions, choose a rather humble outfit that

covers your knees and arms.

• Tap water is something to be avoided, so stock a few water bottles each day that are available quite cheap in all local supermarkets and grocery stores.

• If in need to talk to someone at home, better choose payphones located next to all municipal institutions, as well as large shopping centres.

• Although mostly keeping up with warm temperatures, the city area tends to cool up a bit during evenings.

So bring some light clothing along with the collection of swimming clothes. | Autumn 2018

Autumn Trends smart fashion

INTERMISSION FOR

SOLITUDE Exclusively for SmartLynx magazine

Nowadays we’re so used to being in a rush all the time or doing things that won’t matter in a long run, that we often forget to spend some time with ourselves. That’s why it’s crucial to take a break and hit the pause button sometimes. And it doesn’t matter if it’s going to be a major vacation or just a little business trip, don’t forget to enjoy yourself and spend some time alone.

Photo

Andrejs Gudilins (Instagram : Andrejs.gudilins)

Style

Anatoly Ksenofontov (Instagram : Anatolyksenofontov)

Make-up artist

Julia Balinska (Instagram : juliabalinska)

Model

Paula Pasite (Instagram : paulapasite) from Vacatio Model Management/ @vacatiomodels 34

Cap by Lacoste T-Shirt by Max&Co Lace-cropped bralet by Intimissimi Trench coat by Massimo Dutti | Autumn 2018

Autumn Trends smart fashion

Shirt by mint & berry Dress by River Island

Autumn Trends smart fashion

Dress by IVY & OAK Earrings by TOPSHOP 36

| Autumn 2018

Autumn Trends smart fashion

Jacket by Carolina Herrera Trousers by MaxMara Earrings by TOPSHOP

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Autumn Trends smart fashion

Top by TOPSHOP Trousers by River Island Earrings by TOPSHOP

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| Autumn 2018

test driVe smart car

THE

FACELIFT OF

KIA SPORTAGE Exclusively for SmartLynx magazine

This is it – the brand new KIA Sportage 2018 has finally been launched, proving the brand to be quite a competition amongst the big sharks of automobile industry yet again. So what are the improvements KIA has made to the model first issued two years ago? Here is our very own car expert Zigmārs Vestfals trying out what could possibly be the next best thing in the premium car industry.

Words by Māra Miķelsone Photos by Alexey Sosnovsky

More information: www.mitaumotors.lv Visit: Atmodas Street 19, Jelgava, LV-3007 Call: +371 63011223 or +371 20275100 Write: info@mitaumotors.lv

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| Autumn 2018

test driVe smart car

TECH SPECS

Package Transmission Fuel Average Fuel Consumption (l/100km) Engine Type Horsepower Maximum Speed (km/h) Acceleration (0-100km/h (s)) CO2 Emissions Autumn 2018 |

GT-Line TX Automatic Gas 6.3 1.6T GDI 177 201 9.5 166 41

test driVe smart car

PROACTIVE SUPPORT SYSTEM

Always be informed on the speed limits with the brand new Sportage speed limit information system. The camera will recognize all speed limit signs and display the maximum speed allowance in the panel.

By using the very same camera, the lanechanging assist system will warn you if the vehicle starts to drive in another lane (if not indicated with the lights) and when necessary, will even direct you back in your lane.

JBL SOUND SYSTEM

Experience brand new sounds of your favourite music in the highest of qualities.

The JBL sound system of 8 speakers, including the music improvement technology Clari-fiTM will improve the overall sound quality and ensure clear sound effect.

INSIDE THE VEHICLE

What we have here is a brand new KIA Sportage facelift model of 2018. It is tuned up quite nicely in relation to its recent predecessor. Many visual improvements have been implemented, and we also have managed to get to test the model with GT Line equipment. Which means that we already have quite diverse options.

Interior of the salon has witnessed some significant changes, like the black leather seating of an amazing quality. What makes it even more enjoyable are the red linings sewed in the seats. The same goes for the smooth black panel and display in front of the car. The glossy black panel goes well within the category of a premium car.

Control display offers various functions for the driver. Besides the basics of navigation, music and car settings, it also embodies a very comprehensive camera mode. The cameras have been installed on all four sides of the car which means that it can also calculate the whole view altogether and provide a 360-degree view around the car. And the display itself is very responsive which I enjoy, as it is actually quite an issue for modern cars.

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The back seats have been designed to manage maximum space for the passengers. As you can see, even the position of the seats has been adjusted to the whole angle of the vehicle – the seats are slightly pulled back which means that the passengers are in a slightly relaxing pose while being driven in this car. Moreover, it allows them to enjoy the fantastical view the panoramic roof window offers – it really is incredibly large, thus making the car seem even more spacious.

Regarding the driving, the vehicle provides its driver with two basic modes – eco and sport. The feeling while driving is, of course, quite smooth, allowing its driver to truly enjoy the ride. It is also the size of the vehicle that provides a good overlook at the road and everything that happens around it.

We are currently driving in a sport mode which logically requires rather large gas consumption. Therefore, I would suggest turning to the eco mode for city driving, whereas the highways will be excellent for the sport mode. Nevertheless, both modes provide an excellent feel of swift and smooth driving in all aspects of it – acceleration, braking, turning etc. | Autumn 2018

test driVe smart car

CONTROL TOOLS

All important information in one place – this is what the new KIA Sportage can be proud of. The 4.2 inches control display you will find absolutely everything – from navigation system to information on your personal drive. You will also be able to check the tyre pressure, connect with the TomTom navigation system, get reports on the road and speed limits, weather conditions and traffic ahead of you.

WIRELESS CHARGER

Phone run out of battery will be a problem no more. Just place the synced mobile phone in the brand new KIA Sportage console compartment and leave it there to charge with no wires whatsoever. If any other items will be placed in the compartment, the charging function will be stopped automatically to ensure safety.

SMART PARKING ASSIST SYSTEM EXCELLENT SEATS

Just relax and enjoy the comfortable seats of KIA Sportage 2018.

The front seats have both heating and ventilation functions, ensuring a full comfort during all four seasons. Driver’s seat is also equipped with the special hip support for an ergonomically correct seating position.

Autumn 2018 |

Enjoy a simple parking process as the smart parking assist system will help you to park the vehicle both in parallel and perpendicular positions. Moreover, it will help you to also get out of the parking spots by implementing the practical manoeuvring function. All you have to do is adjust the speed and shift gears.

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test driVe smart car

LIGHT TECHNOLOGY

The brand new light technologies will ensure a comfortable ride even during night-time. The double xenon front lights with dynamic rotating bulbs will improve the visibility during night-time by providing a comprehensive light ray even for the further turns. The headlights assisting system automatically identifies the light intensity of the cars in front of you and adjust your light intensity to them.

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

What we see here is that the grill has been changed. The first KIA Sportage model issued two years ago had the front grill much bigger.

For this one it has been slightly reduced in size. The whole front look has been changed and improved, and even LED daylights have been changed a bit. The first model had them quite larger, but you can see that this model has been designed with rather smaller, more elegant lights.

But the overall view is still quite fresh. And if you look closely, I can see some analogies with the recent KIA innovation KIA Stinger – its “facial” traits seem to be very closely designed for both of these models. And if you look just at the top of the front, you might see some similarities to such brands as Porsche Cayenne. But as soon as you look at it all, the association is lost.

The mirrors have also been improved, and as for the GT Line it has various chrome elements, such as the door handles, threshold. And the rear lights have been re-designed as well. They have also been reduced in size, thus providing a more elegant look. Discs look really large and nice, yet again giving us the very needed elegant look of the KIA. As I already mentioned before, the spacious salon, especially for the rear passengers is 44

quite an advantage for the comfort of the vehicle. Yet along with it, we can see that the trunk space is reduced a bit. Because you always have to realize that if you want more space for the passengers, it will be realized by borrowing some space from the back. Yet at least two pieces of normalsized baggage will fit in quite easily, just as trolleys. And the seats can be pulled down if needed. And the spare tyre is also lying quite comfortably underneath.

Going around we can look for the four cameras on each side of the car which have been installed rather nicely, not sticking out from the smooth design of the car.

The new KIA Sportage offers various different engine versions. And the most fun, of course, may be achieved with the GT Line or even Platinum Line with the hybrid technology. That is what they have launched and what goes quite well in terms of selling. The vehicle also can be assembled in the total of 5 packages – EX, GT-Line, GT-Line Plus, GT-Line TX and EX Xenon Pack.

This is an excellent car in the middle class segment, yet with every model KIA has proven to be able to go with time and start comparing itself with the big “sharks”. And not even comparing, they have actually started up to step right in their footsteps. | Autumn 2018

NEW

CITROËN

C4

ULTRA-COMFORTABLE

Mitau Motors car dealer’s shop is the first authorized representative of the KIA and Citroen brands located just outside of Riga. The range of offered cars varies from small sports cars to large family vehicles.

Mitau also offers a range of car services, including provision of original spare parts and car accessories for KIA and Citroen.

Numerous car exhibitions, helpful service and consultations of competent specialists – fundamental values for Mitau Motors team, just to help you to make the most valuable decision on your future car.

More information: www.mitaumotors.lv Visit: Atmodas Street 19, Jelgava, LV-3007 Call: +371 63011223 or +371 20275100 Write: info@mitaumotors.lv

stretch out smart health

SKY FITNESS A long flight can be the reason of unpleasant sensations, caused by the static position your body is for quite a long time. To feel as relaxed and well as possible before your vacation or on the way home from it, SmartLynx suggests a course of action during the flight to stretch out your muscles and feel at ease when stepping out of the plane.*

Neck circles

Knees to chest

Leg push-ups

Rotate your feet

Leaning forward

Leg push-ups

Raising knees

Shoulder roll

Words by Oļegs Homickis Photos from Depositphotos

Charge your energy

Long flights tend to mess with our biorhythms and that can lead to the so called jetlag. To avoid it, we recommend sleeping on board as long as possible. While sleeping, get in a position where your knees are at a higher level than your hips. To do that, search for the footrest under the front seat.

Rotate your feet

Raise your legs and start moving your toes and at the same time draw circles with your feet – both in different directions. Change directions after 15 seconds and repeat it at least 3 – 4 times. It is recommended to do so every 30 – 40 minutes to ensure enough blood circulates through your feet.

Raising knees

Bend both knees and start lifting them up one by one to lightly pull on the thigh muscles. Repeat the exercise for 20 – 30 times for each leg.

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Leg push-ups

This exercise should be carried out in three stages and bearing in mind the initial position - both legs on the floor: 1. Lift your toes as high as possible while holding your heels down 2. Get back to the initial position 3. Lift your heels as high as possible and this time – toes kept down Do so without stopping, but as slowly as possible to stretch out your feet as much as possible – preferably executing each cycle for at least 30 seconds.

Neck circles

Relax your shoulders, lean your ear towards the shoulder and then carefully bend your head forward and backwards. Stay in each position for five seconds and repeat the exercise five times. Then change sides and do the same.

Knees to chest

Slightly bend forward. Wrap your hands around the left knee and lift it towards your chest. As soon as you feel pressure in the muscles stay in the position for 15 seconds.

Still having your hands wrapped around the knee, slowly put the knee down. Do the same with your right knee, and repeat the exercise for 10 times at least.

Leaning forward

Lower the footrest on the floor and bring in your stomach. Slowly lean forward, put your arms down towards your ankles. As soon as you start feeling pressure in muscles, stay in the position for 15 seconds. Slowly return in a seating position and keep your back straight.

Shoulder roll

Hunch your back and stretch your shoulders forward. After that, carefully start rolling them in circular motion for at least 15 times, both front and back.

*This information is generic and should not be considered as a qualified medical advice

| Autumn 2018

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iot smart tech

THE

INTERNET OF

THINGS The expression has gained quite a popularity in the society, defined as one of the most creative terms coined related to the development of modern technology. But what really defines the Internet of Things or simply – IoT? We decided to explore some of the leading tech platforms and gather the must-know IoT information provided by leading technology experts.

Words by Vladimirs Andrejevs Photos from Depositphotos & publicity photos

CONCEPT OF THE TECHNOLOGY Jacob Morgan explains the essence of IoT as a “concept of basically connecting any device with an on and off switch to the Internet (and/or to each other). This includes everything from cellphones, coffee makers, washing machines, headphones, lamps, wearable devices and almost anything 48

else you can think of. This also applies to components of machines, for example a jet engine of an airplane or the drill of an oil rig.

As I mentioned, if it has an on and off switch then chances are it can be a part of the IoT. The analyst firm Gartner says that by 2020 there will be over 26 billion connected

devices... That’s a lot of connections (some even estimate this number to be much higher, over 100 billion). The IoT is a giant network of connected “things” (which also includes people). The relationship will be between people-people, people-things, and things-things.” | Autumn 2018

iot smart tech

THE BEGINNINGS

The history of IoT explained in the words of Steve Ranger “The idea of adding sensor and intelligence to basic objects was discussed throughout the 1980s and 1990s (and there are arguably some much earlier ancestors), but apart from some early projects -- including an internet-connected vending machine -- progress was slow simply because the technology wasn’t in place.

Processors that were cheap and powerfrugal enough to be all but disposable were required before it became costeffective to connect up billions of devices.

The adoption of RFID tags -- low-power chips that can communicate wirelessly -- solved some of this issue, along with the increasing availability of broadband internet and cellular and wireless networking. The adoption of IPv6 -- which, among other things, should provide enough IP addresses for every device the world (or indeed this galaxy) is ever likely to need -- was also a necessary step for the IoT to scale. Kevin Ashton coined the phrase ‘Internet of Things’ in 1999, although it took at least another decade for the technology to catch up with the vision.

Adding RFID tags to expensive pieces of equipment to help track their location was one of the first IoT applications. But since then, the cost of adding sensors and an internet connection to objects has continued to fall, and experts predict that this basic functionality could one day cost as little as 10 cents, making it possible to connect nearly everything to the internet.

The IoT was initially most interesting to business and manufacturing, where its application is sometimes known as machine-to-machine (M2M), but the emphasis is now on filling our homes and offices with smart devices, transforming it into something that’s relevant to almost everyone. Early suggestions for internetconnected devices included ‘blogjects’ (objects that blog and record data about themselves to the internet), ubiquitous computing (or ‘ubicomp’), invisible computing, and pervasive computing.

However, it was Internet of Things and IoT that stuck.”

Autumn 2018 |

HOW WILL HUMANS BENEFIT? When asked about the benefits of IoT for the field of business, Mr. Ranger explains that “the benefits of the IoT for business depend on the particular implementation, but the key is that enterprises should have access to more data about their own products and their own internal systems, and a greater ability to make changes as a result.

Manufacturers are adding sensors to the components of their products so that they can transmit back data about how they are performing. This can help companies spot when a component is likely to fail and to swap it out before it causes damage.

Companies can also use the data generated by these sensors to make their systems and their supply chains more efficient, because they will have much more accurate data about what’s really going on.

Enterprise use of the IoT can be divided into two segments: industry-specific offerings like sensors in a generating plant or realtime location devices for healthcare; and IoT devices that can be used in all industries, like smart air conditioning or security systems.

While industry-specific products will make the early running, by 2020 Gartner predicts that cross-industry devices will reach 4.4 billion units, while vertical-specific devices will amount to 3.2 billion units. Consumers purchase more devices, but businesses spend more: the analyst group said that while consumer spending on IoT devices was around $725bn last year, businesses spending on IoT hit $964bn. By 2020, business and consumer spending on IoT hardware will hit nearly $3tn.”

As for benefits towards the side of consumers, Ranger looks at the promises the IoT makes to better our environment our homes and offices and vehicles. “They will become smarter, more measurable, and chattier. Smart speakers like Amazon’s Echo and Google Home make it easier to play music, set timers, or get information. Home security systems make it easier to monitor what’s going on inside and outside, or to see and talk to visitors. Meanwhile, smart thermostats can help us heat our homes before we arrive back, and smart lightbulbs can make it look like we’re home even when we’re out.

Looking beyond the home, sensors can help us to understand how noisy or polluted our environment might be. Autonomous cars and smart cities could change how we build and manage our public spaces.”

THE QUESTION OF SECURITY As one of the largest issues with the IoT, Ranger defines security. “These sensors are collecting in many cases extremely sensitive data -- what you say and do in your own home, for example. Keeping that secure is vital to consumer trust, but so far the IoT’s security track record has been extremely poor. Too many IoT devices give little thought to basics of security, like encrypting data in transit and at rest.

Flaws in software -- even old and wellused code -- are discovered on a regular basis, but many IoT devices lack the capability to be patched, which means they are permanently at risk. Hackers are now actively targeting IoT devices such as routers and webcams because their inherent lack of security makes them easy to compromise and roll up into giant botnets.

Flaws have left smart home devices like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers open to hackers. Researchers found 100,000 webcams that could be hacked with ease, while some internet-connected smartwatches for children have been found to contain security vulnerabilities that allow hackers to track the wearer’s location, eavesdrop on conversations, or even communicate with the user.

When the cost of making a device smart becomes negligible, these problems will only become more widespread and intractable. The IoT bridges the gap between the digital world and the physical world, which means that hacking into devices can have dangerous realworld consequences. Hacking into the sensors controlling the temperature in a power station could trick the operators into making a catastrophic decision; taking control of a driverless car could also end in disaster.”

49

IoT smart tech

EXAMPLES

To create a clearer look on the whole concept of IoT, here are some of the picks by Beebom media platform– actual examples of the Internet of Things and how the technology is used today:

Nest Smart Thermostat One of the most highly visible and popular pieces of Internet of Things technology is the Nest, a smart thermostat that’s connected to the internet. The Nest learns your family’s routines and will automatically adjust the temperature based on when you’re home or away, awake or asleep, hot or cold, to make your house more efficient and help you save on heating and cooling bills.

WeMo Switch Smart Plug It plugs into a regular outlet, accepts the power cord from any device, and can be used to turn it on and off on a set schedule or when you hit a button on your smartphone. Another model of smart plug, the Insight switch, also monitors how much energy your devices are using, helping you make your home more energy-efficient. You can see when the plugs are on, how much power they’re using, and set schedules for operation right from the mobile app.

Samsung SmartThings Hub SmartThings system lets you control lights, locks, plugs, thermostats, cameras, and speakers from a central hub that you can access from your smartphone, as well as a wide range of sensors that you can use with the Smartthings system to create a security solution that’s integrated with all of the other electronics in your home.

August Smart Lock With this smart lock, you’ll never need keys again—it unlocks automatically when you get home, and locks behind you when you close the door. You can grant guest keys to friends or the dog sitter, and have them expire when you no longer want to give that person access to your house. An optional keypad means you can set a code to open your door in case you don’t have your phone with you (like if you’re out for a run).

You can even view the activity log and grant access from your smartphone remotely.

Petnet Smart Pet Feeder Petnet’s smart feeder helps you calculate the best type of food for your dog or cat, how much they should be eating, and even sets up delivery of pet food for when you run out. You control the smart feeder via your smartphone, and can monitor your pet’s food consumption even if you’re away from home.

WHAT NOW?

In a recent article in Forbes, Jason Morgan has defined a well-put conclusion of the IoT and how it will evolve and work with people.

“Conversations about the IoT are (and have been for several years) taking place all over the world as we seek to understand how this will impact our lives. We are also trying to understand what the many opportunities and challenges are going to be as more and more devices start to join the IoT. For now the best thing that we can do is educate ourselves about what the IoT is and the potential impacts that can be seen on how we work and live.”

50

| Autumn 2018

total lulū smart nterview

THE STORY OF

TOTAL LULŪ Exclusively for SmartLynx magazine

It is difficult to imagine life without ordering a pizza on a late Friday night, or just grabbing a slice at a pizzeria. But just a few decades ago it was reality in Latvia until a determined chef from Canada arrived and together with his partners decided to pioneer the western dish in the Latvian society.

Elmārs Tannis is known for his fun and creative approach to both life and cooking. But what we know him most for is the very first pizza place in that Latvia Elmārs and his friends established 25 years ago – the lovely Pica LuLū.

Photos provided by Elmārs Tannis

The beginning of your journey to Latvia started from Canada. What led you to a decision of starting up a brand new venture here?

It was 1992 when I arrived for a job I was doing during summer season. After that I just decided that I want to come back and start working here for good. That was when my very good friends - Pēteris Ruģelis and Kaspars Sūniņš and I decided upon this new venture to establish the very first pizzeria in Latvia – Pica LuLū.

Considering the conservative environment of that time in Latvia, wasn’t it a sort of a risk – to bring in something brand new and unknown, moreover – from the “mysterious” Western culture?

Yes, the concept of pizza was a completely fresh notion – Latvians were not introduced to such type of food before. But let’s be honest – pizza is something that everyone loves. And to come in a new environment, start making delicious pizzas and offer them 52

to people – that is no risk, really. It is what they wanted and we managed to find a way to provide it.

As soon as you built new grounds for pizza culture in Latvia with LuLū, were there any “followers”?

No, not immediately! The equipment for pizza making was not only quite expensive at the time, but also not as accessible.

So that meant relentless work to find the resources for starting up a successful and ongoing pizza business. It really took a lot of work.

But here we are– 25 years later, celebrating a significant milestone for the company and LuLū. And I am immensely proud that we have not only existed through this time, but managed to maintain the very same company and philosophy behind it with which we started. The success of preserving the same concept and even the title – it is worth appreciating. Moreover, we have always practised transparent and honest business – I can confidently state that our company is and will be a proud tax-payer, and strongly urge all businesses to operate in such way. To have that and still maintain a successful business – that is proof enough that it can be possible and should be done.

Nevertheless, 25 years is a long time during which things tend to change one way or another.

What are the biggest changes and challenges that LuLū went through during this quarter?

In terms of business operations, there have been changes in management and similar | Autumn 2018

Total LuLū smart nterview

LuLū entered Latvia in the 1990’s and fast forward to this day – you are still visited by many clients that have been loyal to LuLū from day one. How did you manage that?

There really are many people who have grown with us, and it is amazing that they are still here and even expand it to bringing their own kids to LuLū. I believe that this is partly due to the fact that we have maintained the original idea behind LuLū – fun and positivity which has been and still is appreciated by our clients. Although we ourselves are growing older, we still keep the youthful and positive set of mind – it is sort of a duty, responsibility towards our clients.

And the very same positivity has always been reflected in your logo, as well as the song.

Yes, the song is something we created and managed to preserve and implement in various places. For example, while LuLū calls are put on hold – the merry song is played. And we have already translated it which will be a new thing.

fields. But I must say that the most difficult thing during this time was to maintain the company so that it wouldn’t change.

Our concept has been the same since the very beginning – we will always stand for creativity and fun in which we believe in.

Along with it, there is this saying that has been with us all times – “Pilnīgs LuLū”*.

It is our trademark that basically defines our fun and creative philosophy. If it ain’t “Pilnīgs LuLū”, we do not do it!

Of course, over the years we did encounter the desire to try something completely new, to stir up the routine a bit. There were several new concepts of branching out the company in different directions by developing new establishments, cafés that would step out of the “pizza zone”.

But soon enough we realized that keeping to the basics is the right thing to do. To Autumn 2018 |

maintain our concept and basic values - our delicious pizzas, the way we make and serve them. After all, we are the pizza pioneers in Latvia and that should be kept in the highest of worth.

Pica LuLū is what we are! Our task is to continue making great pizzas for our clients, for the nation actually. No crazy ingredients or hidden recipes – everything in LuLū is of the highest quality.

Furthermore, we focus on providing the best and healthiest products for pizzas, just as well using as much local products as possible. Of course, there are some specific products that we continue importing from other countries, but we stand for and support local farmers and producers.

*Editor’s note: Direct translation - Total LuLū

53

We began with bright and colourful logo, developed by designer Māris Banders – I remember he managed to get our initial idea pretty fast. And the 5 basic colours of it – orange, yellow, green, blue and red – it is what still embodies it. The logo still embodies the fun colours and nature of the company’s philosophy – it is “Pilnīgs LuLū”!

People notice and remember the colours and associate them with a friendly place to spend time at with friends and family.

Times change, technologies and other innovations rapidly develop – how do you keep up with modern times in your business operations?

Although the basic clientele does consist of youngsters and families with kids, we still see quite a variety of clients. Because as I said before – everyone loves pizza! Our pizzas are made for everyone. And people enjoy eating together and moreover – the liberating feeling of eating with just hands, no cutlery necessary.

Although maintaining as much of the original elements and working approach as possible, we still strive to go with the time. We consider all the modern trends, technologies and try implementing them in our business. Meanwhile we continue to develop what has already proved to be effective. For example, the delivery service – we work very hard to keep it as effective and client-satisfying as possible. It is very important to us that the client who orders his pizza will receive it in due time and still hot and steamy as they open the box.

That is why we have kept the idea of our promise to deliver pizza in the timeframe of 49 minutes. If not, pizza for free! That is how confident we are of the quality of our delivery service.

That brings me to another story – I remember quite vividly how we started to implement the approach of eating pizza with hands rather than using cutlery. We even had a special poster put up in our first pizzeria on Valdemāra Street – it was a fun and creative step-by-step visualization which displayed on how to eat with hands properly. It was a fun way to introduce Latvians to a new concept of dining – freer and less strict. And this is what we continue to do – we promote the open style of communication with customers in order to bring joy and smile in their faces.

And then there are the technological developments – we have already developed a new webpage and an app is due in a few months. We are also on the road to branching out – we have already opened up 10 new pizzerias during the past year, and planning ahead on more branches. And it does not stop there – plans on franchising are on the way expanding the business outside Latvia’s borders, therefore currently working on attracting new investors to join our expansion and development. We think globally because of our commitment to great pizza and the quality of our in-house

So friends and family are the basic audience of LuLū?

54

delivery. We are sure of the potential of Pica LuLū – a place where everyone wants to eat and spend their time at.

What about your deeds outside LuLū? What else was out there for you when setting off in Latvia?

I started with my own cooking show on Pizza TV titled “Cooking Together – Eating Apart” – and it became to be a hit.

Moreover, at that time I was allowed to wear a branded Pica LuLū T-shirt, and you know what – I was wearing it proudly and enjoyed being on the show.

This and other shows that went along with it, basically my whole experience and work in TV, has lasted for about 18 years now.

The distinctive feature of my shows was that I did not strive to teach cooking, rather to just to make it more fun and enjoyable.

It was also not so much about food, but rather the process of making it – showing various interesting and new techniques to step out of ordinary cooking process.

That is also why I was happy to integrate the concept of inviting different people to cook together with, and it all was fun and casual atmosphere created by interesting people, talking about life, work and everything else, all-the-while cooking. That is my approach to both cooking and life.

| Autumn 2018

reading list smart booKs

READS ON A

RAINY

DAY Words by Liene Eglīte

Photos from Depositphotos & publicity photos

I Am Your Judge

The Time Between

GOOdreadS ratinG:

GOOdreadS ratinG: Lives of sisters Eleanor and Eve have been changed by an accident. It lasted for only a few seconds, however put a stop to their dreams and mutual faith.

Eleanor could find joy only in music, the world of which was discovered to her by the beloved father. She actually dreams of becoming a Professional pianist. As her piano playing was heard by her boss, he offered her an unusual deal. Eleanor could agree to it but she cannot help but think – why her boss knows so much about her life? Could he be connected to her mysterious past?

by nele neuhauS

Shortly before Christmas two women have been killed by a sniper. One of her was walking her dog in a bright daylight, while other was making dinner in her kitchen for her granddaughter. Both were nice ladies, loved by family and neighbours. Nothing seems to add up in the search for the killer, and during the struggling investigation one more kill has been carried out. This time the victim is a young man later followed by a young woman. After each kill, the sniper sends the police short obituaries of each deceased, discovering mysterious clues.

The Almond Picker

by SimOnetta aGnellO hOrnby

GOOdreadS ratinG: Residents of a small Sicilian town are quite conservative during the late 20th century.

Order is kept only by the noble families and Mafia, while rest of the people have to live with the rules in order to avoid trouble.

However, all is compromised when La Mennulara – maid of the powerful Allfalipe family – dies. It is rumoured that she has left a fair amount of inheritance that Allfalipe family is already waiting for.

However, two incidents arise and make the situation even more challenging – Allfalipes have a fight that results in a library demolition and Mennulara’s funeral is attended by the very Godfather of Mafia.

56

by Karen White

The Magician’s Land by leV GrOSSman

GOOdreadS ratinG:

Quentin Coldwater has lost it all. He has been evicted from the secret magical land of Fillory, with no friends left. So now he returns to the place where his story began – the Brakebills Preparatory College of Magic. However, there is no way of escaping the past and soon enough it comes to haunt him. Meanwhile Fillory experiences the collapse of magical gate and northern barbarians have broken in. While Fillory rulers try to protect the land, Quentin’s struggling paths eventually lead back to Fillory.

| Autumn 2018

All the Beautiful Lies

Kepler62 Book Two: Countdown

Mouse in Space!

GOOdreadS ratinG:

GOOdreadS ratinG:

GOOdreadS ratinG:

by peter SWanSOn

Harry Ackerson has always adored his young-aged stepmother Alice. She has always treated him kindly and considerately, however a bit absentmindedly. A few days before his college graduation, Harry gets a call from Alice announcing shocking news. His father has committed suicide. Harry returns to his hometown determined to find out what actually happened to his father.

Soon enough the young man realizes that nothing is as it seems.

Autumn 2018 |

by bjØrn SOrtland and timO parVela

The government has decided to send a group of children in outer space in order to seek for life outside the Earth.

However, the potential explorers have to go through a boot camp in the world’s most secret place where a video game is waiting for them. In order to be eligible for the mission, kids have to complete the game which surely isn’t easy.

However, what happens after the game is finished and kids sent to the planet Kepler-62?

by GerOnimO StiltOn

Geronimo Stilton is a very talented, intelligent, working and susceptible rodent. He was born in New Mouse City, where he acquired his Master’s Degree and now manages the most significant New Mouse City paper, as well as has acquired numerous awards for his books.

One of such tells of evil professor Mu he once had to fight. His deceitful and dangerous inventions endangered whole of New Mouse City. To prevent his plans from happening, Geronimo had to go on a top secret mission on the very edge of the world or to be more exact – to the outer space.

57

INOVĀCIJAS

JŪSU ACĪM Saskaņā ar pētījumu datiem, tikai aptuveni 11% latviešu katru gadu profilaktiski pārbauda acis, savukārt lielākā daļa (56%) iedzīvotāju atzīst, ka viņu acis tiek pārbaudītas retāk kā reizi divos gados. Tomēr regulāras ikgadējas acu pārbaudes var palīdzēt saglabāt labu redzi un agrīni konstatēt izmaiņas, kas varētu izraisīt slimības. Vēl viens no iemesliem, kāpēc acis ir regulāri jāpārbauda, ir arvien biežāka digitālo displeju lietošana. Speciālisti jūsu acīm var piedāvāt dažādus, uz modernām tehnoloģijām balstītus risinājumus.

Šodienas izaicinājumi acīm

Profilaktiski pārbaudīt acis ir ieteicams visiem cilvēkiem, īpaši tiem, kas ir vecāki par 50 gadiem, kad palielinās acu slimību risks. Ja cilvēkam jau ir redzes problēmas, piemēram, tuvredzība vai tālredzība, acis arī turpmāk vajadzētu pārbaudīt katru gadu: tas kontrolēs, vai acis nenogurst un tiek lietotas piemērota “stipruma” brilles.

Daudzi no mums visu dienu pavada pie datora, bieži skatās viedtālruņa ekrānā - tas acīm ir liels izaicinājums. Psihologi, ķirurgi ortopēdi un oftalmologi visā pasaulē iezīmē jaunas problēmas, piemēram, plaši izpla�tu bezmiegu, stājas problēmas un jo īpaši redzes traucējumus. Parādās jauni termini, piemēram, digitālā acu spriedze vai datora redzes sindroms.

Viedā tehnoloģija darbam ar digitālajām ierīcēm

Strādājot pie datora vai viedtālruņa, vajadzētu paturēt prātā pāris profilaktiskas darbības - veikt 3-5 minūšu pārtraukumu ik pēc pusstundas vai 10 minūšu pārtraukumu 58

ik stundu. Arī uzturā papildus jāiekļauj A vitamīns, luteīns un citi antioksidantus saturoši produkti: mellenes, burkāni, zaļo lapu dārzeņi. Liela palīdzība acīm ir arī atpūta svaigā gaisā - pēc darba ieteicams pastaigāties vismaz pusstundu, savukārt brīvdienās ieplānojiet ilgākus pārgājienus.

kataraktu un citas slimības. Tādēļ cilvēkiem, kuriem nav redzes traucējumu, bet pavada daudz laika pie datora, vajadzētu lietot brilles ar zilās gaismas filtru. Turklāt īpašais briļļu lēcu pārklājums ne tikai bloķē zilo gaismu, bet arī samazina intensīvo ekrāna gaismu un atstarošanu.

Tomēr, ja dzīve pie ekrāna ir īpaši intensīva, tad pat iepriekš minētie pasākumi var izrādīties neefek�vi. Par laimi, “viedās” acu problēmas palīdz risināt viedās tehnoloģijas - īpašas brilles, kas paredzētas darbam ar digitālajām ierīcēm. Piemēram, īpašais „Eyezen” briļļu lēcu dizains atvieglo acs fokusēšanos tuvumā. Ilgu laiku skatoties ekrānā, brilles palīdzēs izvairīties no acu sasprindzinājuma. Šādas brilles ir piemērotas arī cilvēkiem ar labu redzi, kuri pastāvīgi izmanto digitālās ierīces.

Daudzfunkcionālas brilles: laba redzamība dažādos attālumos

Kaitīgās gaismas bloķēšana

Visi digitālie ekrāni - datori, viedie tālruņi, planšetes - izstaro acīm kai�go zili violetu starojumu, kas ir ļoti līdzīgs ultravioletajiem stariem. Tas izraisa agrīnu acu novecošanos,

Šodien ar vienām daudzfunkcionālām brillēm ir iespējams atrisināt pat trīs problēmas: koriģēt tuvredzību, tālredzību un vienlaicīgi skaidri redzēt dažādos attālumos. Piemēram, strādājot ar dokumentiem pie rakstāmgalda un paceļot acis, ļoti skaidri var saska�t arī apkārtējo vidi. Lietojot daudzfunkcionālas brilles jums nebūs nepieciešamas vairākas brilles dažādiem attālumiem: skatoties tālumā un lasot tuvumā, jums nebūs vajadzība pastāvīgi brilles mainīt. Šodienas iespējas var pielāgot briļļu lēcas katram cilvēkam individuāliatkarībā no viņa dzīvesveida, vaļaspriekiem un darba specifikas. | Autumn 2018

Moderna saulesbriļļu un koriģējošu briļļu kombinācija

Saulesbrilles ar jaunās paaudzes „Transitions“ lēcām aptumšojas atrodoties saulē un atkal kļūst gaišas un caurspīdīgas ieejot telpās. Šādas brilles ir ērtas tiem, kas brilles nēsā pastāvīgi un nevēlas nepārtraukti mainīt saulesbrilles uz koriģējošām brilēm. Šodien jūs varat izvēlēties lēcas ar dažādiem krāsu toņiem, un jaunās tehnoloģijas ļauj pat savienot lēcas, kas aptumšojas ar spoguļstikla efektu. Lēcas ātri spēj kļūt gan tumšas, gan pilnīgi caurspīdīgas, neatstājot krāsu toni brūnganu vai pelēcīgu, kā tas bija agrāk.

Light Scan technology piesargā pret zili violeto starojumu

Eyezen Focus Technology atvieglo redzes koncentrēšanu

Attiecībā uz brillēm un to izvēli, šodien tirgū ir daudz alterna�vu.

Ikvienam no mums ir daudz dažādas vajadzības, tāpēc ir ieteicams, lai būtu vairākas dažāda veida brilles- vienas darbam birojā, otras – drosmīgam izskatam atpūtai ar draugiem, trešās – ak�vai atpūtai vai bezrūpīgām brīvdienām. Galu galā, mums ir vairāki atšķirīgi apavu pāri dažādiem gadījumiem un gadalaikiem, un tieši tas pats attiecas uz brillēm.

Fielmann speciālistu ieteikumi pareizai briļļu lietošanai

• Izmantojiet brilles tikai tām paredzētajai lietošanai. Ja esat izgatavojis brilles lasīšanai – tās der tikai lasīšanas attālumam, apmēram 40 cm attālumā. Lasīšanas brilles tālumam nederēs.

• Ja brilles ir paredzētas braukšanai, tās ir izgatavotas tā, lai Jums būtu droši un ērti vadīt auto.

• Brilles ir pareizi jāglabā- regulāri jāmeklē optikas speciālisti, lai tās pārbaudītu un atjaunotu briļļu formu. Deformētas brilles var nogurdināt acis un radīt galvassāpes.

• Pat ja nav sūdzības, ir svarīgi pārbaudīt redzi vismaz reizi gadā- tas ir tikpat svarīgs veselības rādītājs kā citas veselības pārbaudes.

Autumn 2018 |

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Fall Upcoming smart movies

AUTUMN

WATCH Words by Māra Miķelsone Publicity photos

“The cinema is really built for the big screen and big sound, so that a person can go into another world and have an experience.”

David Lynch

A Simple Favour, September 14

Centres around Stephanie, a mommy blogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily’s sudden disappearance from their small town.

Director: Paul Feig Starring: Linda Cardellini, Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick Production by: Feigco Entertainment

The Favourite, November 23

In early 18th century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead. When a new servant Abigail arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah.

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Starring: Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult Production by: Element Pictures, Scarlet Films, Film4, Waypoint Entertainment

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| Autumn 2018

fall upcoming smart movies

The Nun, September 7

A priest with a haunted past and a novitiate on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate the death of a young nun in Romania and confront a malevolent force in the form of a demonic nun.

Director: Corin Hardy Starring: Taissa Farmiga, Bonnie Aarons, Charlotte Hope Production by: Atomic Monster, New Line Cinema, Safran Company

A Star is Born, OctOber 5

A faded country music star discovers and embarks on a torrid love affair with a talented unknown named Ally. But as her star begins to rise and eclipses his achievements, Jackson struggles with the existential fallout of his career decline.

Director: Bradley Cooper Starring: Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott Production by: Gerber Pictures, Joint Effort, Live Nation Productions, Malpaso Productions, MetroGoldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Thunder Road Pictures

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Fall Upcoming smart movies

Mary Queen of Scots,

November 2 At the heart of the religious factionalism of the 16th century sacramental issues were fought quite intensively. Mary Stuart’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I, Queen of England, finds her condemned to years of imprisonment before facing execution.

Venom, October 5

Spider-man’s most infamous arch-enemy, Eddie Brock, acquires the powers of a symbiote. He will have to release his alterego “Venom” to save his life..

Director: Josie Rourke Starring: Margot Robbie, Saoirse Ronan, Gemma Chan Production by: Focus Features, Perfect World Pictures, Working Title Films

Halloween, October 19

Laurie Strode comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago.

Director: David Gordon Green Starring: Judy Greer, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miles Robbins Production by: Blumhouse Productions, Miramax, Rough House Pictures, Trancas International Films 62

Director: Ruben Fleischer Starring: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate Production by: Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment

X-Men: Dark Pheonix, November 2

Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world.

Director: Simon Kinberg Starring: Olivia Munn, Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Lawrence Production by: 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, Bad Hat Harry Productions, Donners’ Company, Marvel Entertainment, TSG Entertainment

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, November 16

The second installment of the “Fantastic Beasts” series set in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World featuring the adventures of magizoologist Newt Scamander. After Gellert Grindelward escapes imprisonment, his closest friend, Albus Dumbledore, must stop the evil wizard with the help of Newt Scamander.

Director: David Yates Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Johnny Depp Production by: Heyday Films, Warner Bros.

TSG Entertainment | Autumn 2018

fall upcoming smart movies

CHARACTER IN FOCUS:

ROBIN HOOD

Robin Hood, nOVember 21

A war-hardened Crusader and his Moorish commander mount an audacious revolt against the corrupt English crown in a thrilling action-adventure packed with gritty battlefield exploits, mind-blowing fight choreography, and a timeless romance.

Director: Otto Bathurst Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Dornan, Eve Hewson Production by: Appian Way, Lionsgate, Safehouse Pictures, Thunder Road Pictures

The legend that is Robin Hood has withstood the harshest and longest of times, still referenced in all forms of lives.

The English heroic outlaw is beloved by all sorts of people, as his main mission of life is to help the poor by robbing the rich (okay, maybe not all people). With his swift archery and sword-throwing, Robin Hood has made it in numerous artworks, the most popular being the movies, of course.

Here are some notable examples where the green-covered fellow is always up to adventures and somehow manages to anger the Sheriff in Nottingham, no matter what actor he is played by.

Princess of Thieves of 2001

This is a bit more creative interpretation of the Robin Hood tale as the movie centres on Robin’s daughter played by the beautiful Keira Knightley. Although not the same character, Gwyn seems to embody the same philosophy and way of dealing with problems, also showing some great skills in archery – some might say – a spitting image of her father in a form of a woman.

Autumn 2018 |

Walt Disney’s Robin Hood of 1973

Robin and Marian of 1976

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves of 1991

Robin Hood of 2010

In this animated film, Robin Hood is portrayed as an anthropomorphic fox which was supposed to be a project titled Reynard the Fox. Yet due to some concerns about Reynard’s portrayal as a hero, the animator managed to transform the fox and its characteristics into more of a Robin Hood.

We all know this version of the Nottingham hero, as he was portrayed by none other than the charming Kevin Costner. Just like in the story, Robin is off to fight the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham (amazingly played

by Mr. Alan Rickman) hand-in-hand with his Moorish companion.

Who knew that Mr. Hood would ever be portrayed by Mr. Bond, James Bond? Sean Connery stars in a plot that is supposedly the later years of Hood returning from service with Richard the Lionheart. In the return he realizes that Maid Marian has gone into seclusion in a nunnery.

There are some actors that are just born to play heroes of amazing fighting skills, and one of the most prominent is Russell Crowe.

Only this time the plot seems to expand a bit more as Robin is now out to fight the Crown together with his band of marauders.

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fall gaming smart play

AUTUMN SEASON

BECOMES

VIRTUAL Spending time outside decreases quite significantly during fall season, as most of it is followed by rain, mud and frosty winds. So – the right time to start up some quality gaming by treating your console to some of the up-and-coming games most up-and-coming launched this fall season. games launched this fall Words by Vladimirs Andrejevs season.

Publicity photos

September 7, 2018

Marvel’s Spider-Man

Explore a new chapter in Marvel’s SpiderMan universe as a more experienced Peter Parker. Starring one of the world’s most iconic Super Heroes, Marvel’s SpiderMan features the acrobatic abilities, improvisation and web-slinging that the wall-crawler is famous for, while also introducing elements never-before-seen in a Spider-Man game.

September 28

Code Vein September 21 September 28

FIFA 19

Iconic Football simulator. Powered by Frostbite™*, EA SPORTS™ FIFA 19 delivers a champion’s caliber-experience on and off the pitch. Led by the prestigious UEFA Champions League, FIFA 19 offers enhanced gameplay tools that allow you to control the pitch in every moment with unrivaled ways to play. FIFA 19 includes a dramatic finale to the story of Alex Hunter in The Journey: Champions*, a new mode in the everpopular FIFA Ultimate Team™, and more.

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Spyro™ Reignited Trilogy

The original roast master is back! Same sick burns, same smouldering attitude, now all scaled up in stunning HD. Spyro is bringing the heat like never before in the Spyro™ Reignited Trilogy game collection. Rekindle the fire with the original three games, Spyro™ the Dragon, Spyro™ 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro™: Year of the Dragon. Explore the expansive realms, re-encounter the fiery personalities and relive the adventure in fully remastered glory. Because when there’s a realm that needs saving, there’s only one dragon to call.

In the not too distant future, a mysterious disaster has brought collapse to the world as we know it. Towering skyscrapers, once symbols of prosperity, are now lifeless graves of humanity’s past pierced by the Thorns of Judgment. At the center of the destruction lies a hidden society of Revenants called Vein. This final stronghold is where the remaining few fight to survive, blessed with Gifts of power in exchange for their memories and a thirst for blood. Give into the bloodlust fully and risk becoming one of the Lost, fiendish ghouls devoid of any remaining humanity. Wandering aimlessly in search of blood, the Lost will stop at nothing to satisfy their hunger. | Autumn 2018

fall gaming smart play

OctOber 19

Battlefield V OctOber 5

nOVember 14

Write your own epic odyssey and become a legendary Spartan hero in Assassin’s Creed® Odyssey, an inspiring adventure where you must forge your destiny and define your own path in a world on the brink of tearing itself apart. Influence how history unfolds as you experience a rich and ever-changing world shaped by your decisions.

Reclamation Day, 2102. Twenty-five years after the bombs fall, you and your fellow Vault Dwellers—chosen from the nation’s best and brightest – emerge into postnuclear America. Play solo or join together as you explore, quest, build, scavenge and triumph against the wasteland’s greatest threats.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Fallout 76

Enter mankind’s greatest conflict with Battlefield V as the series goes back to its roots in a never-before-seen portrayal of World War 2. Take on physical, all-out multiplayer with your squad in modes like the vast Grand Operations and the cooperative Combined Arms, or witness human drama set against global combat in the single player War Stories. As you fight in epic, unexpected locations across the globe, enjoy the richest and most immersive Battlefield yet.

OctOber 2

Forza Horizon 4 OctOber 12

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

Black Ops is back! Featuring gritty, grounded, fluid Multiplayer combat, the biggest Zombies offering ever with three full undead adventures at launch, and Blackout, where the universe of Black Ops comes to life in one massive battle royale experience.

Black Ops Pass delivers the ultimate Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 experience. Whether you’re a Multiplayer fan or part of the Zombies community, the Black Ops Pass is packed with new, epic content for every game mode, enhancing your Call of Duty experience.

Autumn 2018 |

OctOber 26

Red Dead Redemption 2

America, 1899. The end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs. Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed.

After a robbery goes badly wrong in the western town of Blackwater, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive.

Forza Horizon 4 is an upcoming open world racing video game. It’s safe to say that Forza Horizon 3 is the best racing game of the generation so far, which is really all you need to be excited for Forza Horizon 4. There will be over 450 cars available in the game at launch.

What’s more, Horizon 4 will take the series in a new, online-focused direction where the new game world — set in England, by the way — is filled with other human players. No, it isn’t an online only game, so you’re going to be able to play it solo offline if you so choose.

And even more exciting is the fact that there will be seasons in the game, and each season will change how the game looks and plays.

Ambient audio will also come into play here based on what season you’re currently in.

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men’s daY smart men

INTERNATIONAL

MEN’S

DAY Since 1992, there has been that one internationally-acclaimed day on November 19 that celebrates all things men – the International Men’s Day, which was inaugurated in 1992 and slowly made its way into the world. Yet this is not just a celebration for the sake of such – it has been launched with some clear objectives in mind in order to focus on men’s health, wellbeing and relationships.

Words by Roberts Vikmanis Photos from Depositphotos

The Creation of IMD

The objectives of celebrating an International Men’s Day involve focusing on men’s and boys’ health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting male role models. During this day, the discrimination against men and boys is highlighted by celebrating their achievements and contributions to community, family, marriage, child care and overall – the world.

As the creators of the celebration have expressed themselves, “males of all ages respond more energetically to positive role models than they do to negative gender stereotyping.” Therefore the celebration focuses on such concept, also embodying traditional tools for recognizing the day, such as public seminars, media programs, displays and marches, public debates and discussions, and even award ceremonies.

Currently the celebration of the International Men’s Day has been officially recognized by the total of 70 countries, 66

including Denmark, France, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom and others all over the world. UNESCO has already expressed their desire to participate in the organization of this celebration in the further years, so it is expected to grow further than these 70 countries.

The Main Celebration Pillars

• To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sportsmen but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.

• To celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.

• To focus on men’s health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.

• To highlight discrimination against men; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.

• To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.

• To create a safer, better world; where people can live free from harm and grow to reach their full potential

Annual Topics

Although each year the celebration is assisted with a strong following topic to focus on, it is since 2011 when the topics have become more specific rather than just one global theme.

• 2011 “Giving Boys The Best Possible Start In Life” • 2012 “Helping Men and Boys Live longer, Happier and Healthier Lives” • 2013 “Keeping Men and Boys safe” • 2014 “Working Together For Men and Boys” • 2015 “Working To Expand Reproductive Options for Men” • 2016 “Stop Male Suicide” • 2017 “Celebrating Men And Boys In All Their Diversity” • 2018 “Positive Male Role Models”

So let’s do some celebration! | Autumn 2018

pacKing abc smart travel

PACKING

MADE

EASY Congratulations! Your longawaited vacation has finally arrived. So many things to bring with you, yet not so much space in the luggage to store them. If packing is a “mission impossible” for you as well, here are some tips to a more effective and effortless packing.

Words by Kristīne Kozaka Photos from Depositphotos

WHAT TO PACK? Make a List

Making a list of all necessary things will surely save some time while packing. The perfect scenario would be a full list from passport to socks. Then take a break, have some tea, relax and only then return to the list and check out all the things that do not seem necessary anymore. Also, bear in mind that there are a lot of things you will be able to find and buy at the place you are heading to. And to consider the most important and necessary things to take with you – think about where are you heading.

If it is a southern resort then light clothing, sunscreen and a few evening outfits will do. If you have planned an active hiking trip then choose comfortable clothing and good quality shoes.

Simple Clothing is the Key

When selecting clothing, make sure that all of the t-shirts and jumpers go well with your trousers, jeans or skirt. We would recommend taking a few more top items than the days planned on the trip, and the 68

“bottoms” – less than the number of days on the trip. Statistics show that 80 % of tourists return home with at least 20 % of packed things unused. 20 % - that is a rather large number in terms of weight.

Choose Shoes Rationally

On any trip you will need at least 3 pairs of shoes. One pair should be comfortable sneakers, other would be more elegant shoes for an evening dinner at a fancy restaurant, and third – simple slippers for the beach or SPA at the hotel. Shoes should also be put in little bags to avoid them staining your clothing.

Remember your last trip and try to think of the things you brought with. Were there any stuff that were absolutely necessary and used, and most importantly – how many things just stayed in the luggage for the whole trip?

Beauty and Health Products

can be a lot of variations depending on the person. Nevertheless, such items as shampoo, shower gel or shaving foam can always be bought on the spot or even in the airport, if necessary – that will considerably save some space in the luggage. However, if you bring these items, remember that all liquids must be contained in a transparent bag before entering airport security. It is also good for avoiding any spillages in the luggage. And do not bring too many accessories, just the ones that can be combined with all of the packed outfits.

Therefore, sticking to one colour palette would be the best choice for any vacation.

Just in case remember to pack some painkillers, and throw them in the hand luggage in case head starts to hurt during or after the flight. Antifebrile medicine will be a good choice in case of fever or other sudden illnesses. And a simple chewing gum will do wonders with blocked ears during the flight.

With beauty products and toiletries there | Autumn 2018

pacKing abc smart travel

1. Lay luggage flat and wide open, pack rolled clothing to fill the uneven bottom of the luggage.

2. Pack pants and trousers

4. Pack outwear

3. Pack rolled clothing again

5. Wrap pants and trousers 6. Insert accessories and shoes in the corners. Put socks inside shoes beforehand

HOW TO PACK? Effective Use of Space

The most usual way of packing to fold clothing in squares has to stop. Such approach can take up a lot of time and space. To pack your luggage with as much items as possible, roll your clothes. That way the clothes will be right side by side, with no unnecessary voids between them. The main goal here is not to leave any voids, putting things as closely as possible – like a puzzle or Tetris of sort.

Just make sure to take as much naturalfabric clothing as possible, as it does not tend to wrinkle up in this process. And to deal with a strategic placement of things – begin with the biggest items at the bottom of the luggage and then continue to fill it up with medium-sized, and finish off with the small things. That will not only help with space, but also ease up the struggle of closing the bag. And the smallest things – socks and underwear – can be stuffed in all the little free spaces left behind (if there are any). Still, most Autumn 2018 |

important and often used items should be placed in a separate, smaller bag and put on the top of it all.

Also, try an invention that is a vacuum bag.

The concept of this device is quite simple – put all of your things in the bag, close it and take all the air out of it with a special pump.

And you will witness the magic of reduction – the whole package will reduce its size to three times. But be careful though – that will not change the weight of the things.

You might fit everything you need in the luggage, but the weight still has its limits. So check it before leaving off to the airport.

Say No to Wrinkles!

When we just stack our shirts accurately one on another, we still get wrinkles.

Moreover, the items placed at the top create heavier pressure on the things beneath and as soon as we unpack, the clothing is squished and wrinkly. To avoid that, the clothes need to be stacked around

one central object, as if wrapped around with clothes.

Pants should be put at the bottom of the bag, leaving the trouser legs hanging outside the bag. If you bring more trousers with you, make sure that the legs hang out in different sides of the baggage. On top of the pants place clothing that does not need to be folded – short skirts, tops and t-shirts spread across all the space or folded in half. Then come the rolled-up items.

Then carefully pack larger items, accurately placed jacket and towel. Fill up the free spaces with cosmetics and toiletries. After that fold the trouser legs over the items and buckle everything up with the binds or fixes included in the bag. Such items as notebook, photo camera, documents, money and valuable accessories should be left in the hand luggage. If necessary, take medicine as well, if needed during the flight.

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Halloween smart celebration

HELLO, HALLOWEEN! Celebrated at the very last day of October, Halloween has come a long way and changed many forms since its very origins. Yet it still incorporates the fright that comes within the traditions, as well as some novities – candy and parties. So, how did the peculiar celebration of dead come to its life and what is expected of those observing it? See for yourself!

Words by Māra Miķelsone Photos from Depositphotos & publicity photos

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| Autumn 2018

Halloween smart celebration

Origins

The very beginnings of the celebration also explain the title of the current event – it all started with All Hallows Eve as Celts of Ireland believed it to be the Samhain – time when ghosts were believed to have come to the living side of world, haunt people and damage harvest. So about 2000 years ago Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes for scaring off ghosts and evil spirits. The day also marked the end of summer and harvest, subsequently followed by the cold, dark winter season which Celts would associate with death.

When the Roman Empire conquered the Celtic territory, a new ruling began for more than four hundred years. That in turn created new traditions and celebrations, also transforming the Samhain. The combination of Feralia – Roman commemoration of the dead – and Pomona – honouring of Roman goddess of fruit and trees – introduced a brand new concept of what we know now as Halloween. Romans also managed to incorporate a new symbol – apples – into the celebration which would explain the famous game of bobbing for apples.

Years later the celebration became somewhat Christian as Pope Boniface IV introduced the Western Church to a brand new feast – All Martyrs Day, later expanding the title to All Saints as well. Although Celtic pagan traditions were obviously replaced with Christian features, the day still celebrated the dead, still preserving traditions of bonfires, dressing up in costumes and parades. Middle English managed to incorporate the nuance of language by calling the All Saints Day as Alholowmesse – direct translation of the title. Thus, All-Hallows Eve eventually became Halloween.

Halloween Symbols

Because of the extensive mix of cultures, modern Halloween symbols have developed into a huge variety of things, images and even food. Yet there are believed to be the core symbols that have come from the very origins of the traditional celebration of the dead.

Those include: Carved pumpkins or Jack-o’-lanterns

Apples

Turnip

Halloween Activities Pumpkins

American Version

When the celebration travelled overseas, the mix of European and American Indian Halloween traditions emerged into a brand new concept which we know as the American version of Halloween. While Europeans still hold on to the origin roots and traditions, Americans managed to distinct their own kind of Halloween celebration. Thus, many currently-popular activities emerged, such as costume parties, telling of horror tales, mischiefs and tricks, dancing and singing.

Autumn 2018 |

Moreover, it was even promoted to take out everything frightening and scary out of the celebration so that the kids would enjoy some fun around the neighbourhood, wearing silly costumes and trick-ortreating around houses and gathering as much candy as possible. Meanwhile, adults were prone to organize costume parties, appreciating the opportunity to express themselves into any kind of image at least once a year. Therefore, most of the American Halloween parties will accommodate cats, nurses, celebrities and other funny dress-ups instead of wearing a terrifying costume in order to do what Halloween was meant for – to scare away ghosts and evil spirits.

Corn

Scarecrows

The acts and deeds expected of the holiday vary according to each culture. Some make it as scary as possible by visiting haunted houses or playing divination games to tell fortune. Others tend to make Halloween more fun and entertaining with only a hint of scary, like watching silly scary movies with friends or dressing up to go out and party.

See the check list of Halloween must-do and decide on those fitting you and your family or group of friends better.

• Trick or treating • Dressing up • Carving pumpkins • Lighting bonfires • Apple Bobbing • Divination games • Pranks • Haunted houses or attractions • Telling horror stories 71

Halloween smart celebration

HALLOWEEN MUST-SEE

Not keen on going out and witnessing tons of dressed-up adults and children on sugar rush from all the trick-or-treated candy?

No worries, as true horror lies within a dark room with only one light source – a television screen. So choose from the most iconic movies to watch on the night of October 31 to experience a truly horrorish Halloween. Follow the hints to see what would be the most appropriate for your taste.

Scream (1996)

The Ring (2002)

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

The Others (2001)

Director: Wes Craven Stars: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette #HorrorFilms, #BadTimingPhoneRings, #TerrifyingMask

Director: Gore Verbinski Stars: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, Brian Cox #NoseBleeds, #LittleGirlWithBlackHair, #WellInTheMiddleOfNowhere

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Director: Tim Burton Stars: Johnny Dep, Christina Ricci, Christopher Walken #HeadlessHorseman, #Decapitation, #Gothic buildings

Poltergeist (1982)

Director: Tobe Hooper Stars: JoBeth Williams, Heather O’Rourke, Craig T. Nelson #Ghost, #NonWorkingTV, #LittleGirlHearingStuff 72

Director: Wes Craven Stars: Heather Langenkamp, Johnny Depp, Robert Englund #Nightmares, #AGuyWithAKnifeArm, #RedAndBlackSweater

The Conjuring (2013)

Director: James Wan Stars: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga #MaliciousSpirits, #TerrifyingToys, #HauntedHouse

Director: Alejandro Amenábar Stars: Nicole Kidman, Christopher Eccleston, Fionnula Flanagan #WhiteSsheets, #SingleMom, #AHouseTooBigFor3People

The Woman in Black (2012)

Director: James Watkins Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Jessica Raine, Roger Allam #ScaryVillage, #BlackVeil, #CandlesInsteadOfElectricity | Autumn 2018

Halloween smart celebration

HALLOWEEN MUST-VISITS

FRANCE: CHÂTEAU DE BRISSAC

The castle was initially built in the 11th century which was later rebuilt by Charles II, Duke of Brissac who is responsible for the title of the palace. Although one of the most charming buildings in France, this castle holds a terrifying past because of one of its residents – the La Dame Verte, also known as the Green Lady. She is the result of a double-murder within the castle that occurred around the 15th century. She is believed to be roaming tower room of the chapel, moaning and wearing her symbolic green dress on. But the scariest part is her face as those who claim to have seen her tell of a face with holes where eyes and nose should be.

GERMANY: BABENHAUSEN BARRACKS

Now a museum, this building is reported to have been possessed by the ghosts of World War II German soldiers who roam the premises in their uniforms.

Some of the most particular sounds that visitors have sworn to hear from the basement are commands shouted out in German, followed by loud footsteps of uniform boots. One of the most nuanced occurrences happen through the telephone of the museum in which some can hear a woman talking backwards. It is said that this could be a ghost of a woman who was burned at the stake during the 19th century who allegedly seduced and killed German soldiers.

ITALY: POVEGLIA ISLAND

SWEDEN: BORGVATTNET

Northern Sweden locates one of the most haunted houses in the country – The Old Vicarage built in 1876. First ghost haunting was reported in 1927 when the residing chaplain swore to have encountered paranormal activity around the attic area.

Later residents of the vicarage reported to have seen an old woman dressed in grey, as well as three old women that at one point sat by the bed of a visitor and stared right at her. When Chaplain Erick Lindgren moved in during 1940’s, he started up a journal and wrote down many of his encounters with paranormal forces. Currently the vicarage serves as a guest house for daredevils and paranormal fans.

Autumn 2018 |

The small island of Poveglia right between the Venice Lagoon and Lido has been inhabited since 412, later to be abandoned by mainlanders who sought refuge from invaders. However, when the Bubonic Plague spread in Europe, the island became a quarantine colony. Therefore the island was inhabited by the sick population of Venetians who were sent there to die, bodies of which were then burned. It is also rumoured that the site once housed a mental asylum where experimental procedures and ill treatment of the patients was carried out. That, in turn, has created stories of patient ghosts roaming around the site and screaming during the nights.

Because of its gruesome history, the island is currently abandoned and locals do not dare to visit it, as they suppose that a curse has been cast upon the island.

NORWAY: AKERSHUS FORTRESS

Also known as the Akershus Castle, the medieval construction was built around 1300 as a defence point for the city of Oslo. Later on it become to be prison where numerous prisoners allegedly died.

Moreover, the castle was used as a site of executions during the Nazi occupation.

Now the most haunted place in Norway, Akershus accommodates various spirits, the most symbolic being the demon dog Malcanisen. He is supposed to guard the gates of the castle, and legend tells that anyone who approaches the dog would be cursed for a horrible death during the next three months. Along with the canine, ghost of a woman named Mantelgeisten also roams the castle grounds, always heading towards her chamber and dressed in a long robe.

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water of the future

Five tips for choosing the right water Bottled water – one with a blue label, the other with a green or pink one. Is this their only difference? How can you choose the water that suits you best?

We offer five tips for choosing bottled water.

1

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Check for the water’s type

The properties of the water

THERE ARE 4 TYPES OF WATER: natural mineral water, spring water, drinking water and table water. Natural mineral water is naturally pure and has a natural chemical composition. It contains minerals and trace elements the body uses to function. The composition of spring water is the closest to that of mineral water. It also contains minerals, but the mineral content in spring water is not controlled. Drinking water is just simple tap water. When this water is mixed with spring water or mineral water, table water is obtained.

Check for the water's place of origin

If you choose mineral water or spring water containing natural minerals, the place where the water was extracted will be indicated on the bottle. The name of the source from which the water was extracted or the state number of the borehole related to the source will also be provided. It is important to choose water extracted from state-protected national parks or reserves. For example, the source of Akvilė natural mineral water lies in Dzūkija National Park, a natural protected area free of industry, so the water is exceptionally clean and pure.

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S uita bl

Whether water is carbonated or still depends upon the water’s saturation with carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide does not change the properties of the water, so you should choose still or sparkling water according to your preference.

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ine

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t

5

Choose carbonated or still

al

bab

y

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4

Check the properties of the water

Alk

For the best-quality water, pay attention to the way the water has been extracted and bottled. Manufacturers use different technologies to ensure the safety of natural mineral water for consumers. It is important that the water extracted from the depths of the earth is not impaired during the bottling process. Closed systems ensure that the water does not come into contact with air. The Akvilė mineral water plant is the only plant in the Baltic States to use Ultra Clean technology, which allows the water to be bottled in a closed system that filters out the air. Before the bottles are filled with Akvilė water, the bottles and caps are disinfected, and then the bottles are closed in an airtight environment. If Ultra Clean water extraction technology is indicated on the label, you can be sure that when you open the bottle, it is the first time the water has come into contact with the air.

It protects the water and its packaging from the influence of any external factors or bacteria.

fo

3

Pay attention to the technologies that are used for water ex extraction and bottling

tes

Mineral substances contained in water affect the human body. So, when you buy water, it’s important to pay attention to the composition and concentration of the substances dissolved in the water. Mineral water contains various dissolved minerals, most often calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. It is important to pay attention to the content of nitrites and nitrates in the water. There are no nitrites or nitrates in Akvilė mineral water, so this water is safe for you and your family.

Due to low mineralization, Akvilė water is suitable for daily consumption.

In addition, the alkalinity of Akvilė is close to the natural pH of a human body (8 Ph).

animated fun smart Kids

LIFE LESSONS WITH ANIMATIONS Although the most fun can be found outdoors while playing with peers, fall season will come with a lot of rain and cold air. During this time TV and games on screen seem to be an inevitable activity for kids, so make sure they are watching cartoons and playing games that consist of more than bright colours and pointless movements. These are some global suggestions for shows and games that send healthy, informative and positive messages.

Words by Mārtiņš Jansons Photos from Depositphotos & publicity photos

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| Autumn 2018

animated fun smart Kids

TV SHOWS

Sid the Science Kid

Doc McStuffins

Paw Patrol

Max and Ruby

The most obvious benefit of this show is the approach of teaching children about science – in form of singing. Educating kids through fun and interactivity has always been proven as an effective way of teaching. Moreover, the show features a “Good Laughternoon” special where kids are also taught some witty jokes.

Nowadays adults treat law enforcement workers as “bad guys” everyone tries to avoid. And such notion unintentionally becomes children as well. But let us remind them that, for example, police officers are out there in the streets to keep us safe and help in need.

So a puppy as a police officer is the right way to go.

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Centres on a little girl who has devoted her childhood days to help stuffed animals in her very own playhouse clinic. Her positive attitude and wish to help will send a good message to your kid, as well as let them think about growing up to be a doctor or any other profession that is about helping people, animals and the world itself.

This would be a great choice for siblings, as Max is a 3-year-old brother to a 7-year-old Ruby. Both seem very different as the age gap is noticeable, yet the plot explicitly follows as the siblings learn how to play and spend time together, resolving the differences in the best manners. Oh, and they are bunnies!

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animated fun smart Kids

Go Diego Go

The adventurous Diego works with his sister to save animals that are in trouble. Each episode they get to save an animal and write it in their book so that they would have all the records of each adventure. And most fun for the watchers – there is quiz at the end of each episode, testing what children learnt during the episode.

Curious George

The show has a certain magic to it, as more than a few parents have admitted to watch the show even without the kids. It is a calm and positive show where George teaches simple, yet interesting lessons on such things as numbers, letters, shapes and colours. Excellent for the curious minds.

Sesame Street The Backyardigans

This is for the active kids who just cannot stop running. The show provides catchy songs and teaches dance moves to them in a manner that is most suitable for children. The show not only helps the kids to wear off some energy, but also promotes the creative side of fun through singing and dancing.

What makes this show even more valuable is its long-standing background. Even grown-ups nowadays remember the show from their childhood fondly. Up until now it has been considered as the best educational show for children ever produced. There have even been some observations that pre-school aged children who have watched the show regularly have surprised their teachers of first grade with extensive vocabularies.

CARTOON FACTS • October 28 is the International Animation Day honouring the first public performance of an animated moving picture system “Theatre Optique” developed by Charles-Emile Reynaud’s.

It displayed a 15-minute animation made from 500 hand-painted images.

• It was only in October 1916 when the very first reference to animation was made in the word of „cartoon”. It’s been more than 100 years and nothing has changed.

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• The strongest of all cartoon characters – Popeye – has actually a statue honouring him, erected in 1937. And where? Well, in the capital of spinach which happens to be located in Crystal City, USA. • And some cartoon characters have managed to have even asteroids named after them. Like Bambi, Thumper and Donald Duck. And Mr. Disney received the honour of having an asteroid titled Disneya after him.

• Pluto the dog was originally called Rover, whereas Mickey Mouse was originally named Mortimer Mouse.

Oh, and Donald Duck’s middle name is Fauntleroy.

• Who would have thought that Donald Duck is one of the most controversial cartoon characters? His comics and cartoons were banned from Finland because he doesn’t wear trousers. Well, at least he wears a robe when he is in shower. | Autumn 2018

animated fun smart Kids

GAMES

SoundTouch Interactive

This app provides colourful letters for the kids to distinguish in order to learn the alphabet. It also manages to bring letters to life by adding separate pictures of a certain word starting with each letter.

The best way to introduce a kid with something new is through animation. This is the approach this app uses by presenting 21 different hand-drawn animals, each possessing its own musical score. Here animals do not speak, therefore making the app great for any language-speaking child.

We all remember how we learned the names of things and animals through flashcards and thick books. Now the same is done via smart device – SoundTouch Interactive teaches kids the sounds that animals make by tapping on the pictures of each. The same-titled company is also known for having created a game of the same concept but with such elements as vehicles, musical instruments and household items.

Kids Doodle – Color & Draw

Dr. Panda’s Swimming Pool

Peekaboo Barn

Petting Zoo Endless Alphabet

Your kid wants to draw but no pencils or paper lay around? No worries as this app can be downloaded quite easily and enjoyed to the fullest degree. On Kids Doodle your little one can express the hidden artist within by using countless options for colours, tool designs and background images.

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Dr. Panda’s games are known for its very effective approach to teach problem solving to younger kids. This one in particular is made of five animals, three pools and various clothing items amongst all of which treasures are hidden for the player to find them.

This is quite a fun way to learn the names of animals, as in this barn they tend to jump out to surprise the viewer and make them laugh. The fun is also enhanced with an option for choosing the narrators voice, both male and female, and adult and child.

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MUSIC

OVER THE

CLOUDS Windy weather of the fall and great music go hand in hand, so it’s a good thing that we have both of them throughout the whole season! Here are just some of the best tunes to listen to while watching the cloudy sky.

Words by Oļegs Homickis Photos from Depositphotos & publicity photos

Take Me to the Disco

Artist: Meg Myers Genre: Alternative rock, Indi rock Story: Meg Myers is collapsed like a broken ragdoll on her hardwood floors in her Los Angeles apartment — crying uncontrollably, feeling something she’s never felt before.

It’s that kind of cry you don’t even wish upon your worst enemies. You’d think something terrible had just happened, but quite the opposite. The singer/songwriter was just listening back to rough mixes of her new record.

Video: Numb Lyric with meaning: “I’ll play the game I’ll do everything you tell me All the losers win in the end” 80

K.T.S.E. (Keep That Same Energy)

Artist: Teyana Taylor Genre: R&B, hip hop Story: Some online listeners have criticized the Harlemite’s musical perfectionism as “ungrateful,” a title she would take to her Instagram account to clarify and dismantle.

Amid the controversy surrounding her album, luminaries such as Elton John, Diddy and Janet Jackson shined light upon an undeniable fact: Taylor’s star power.

Video: Teyana Taylor - Maybe (Explicit) ft.

Pusha T, Yo Gotti Lyric with meaning: “Maybe it’s the liquor, maybe it’s the song Don’t know what it is, But you turn me on”

Knock Knock

Artist: DJ Koze Genre: Electronic, House Story: Knock Knock is an electronic epic that challenges the limitations of house music and cues a variety of emotional responses. It’s composed of two halves – one filled with a library of instrumental textures and another that features a handful of guest vocalists.

Video: Pick Up Lyric with meaning: “I guess neither one of us Wants to be the first to say Wants to be the first to say Goodbye”

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autumn tracKs smart music

Album: 4:44

Artist: JAY-Z Genre: hip hop Story: The most crafty and evasive MC lays bare his complicated life. This late-career gem is personal and diamondsharp, confronting the failings and legacy of Shawn Carter and America.

Video: Smile ft. Gloria Carter Lyric with meaning: “Bad times turn to good memories, smile Even when I’m gone and you remember me, smile Good times never fade away, smile Even if I’m not with you here today, smile Good morn’ or evening, friends”

Gangin

Artist: SOB X RBE Genre: West Coast hip hop Story: The four members of SOB x RBE are from Vallejo, California, home to the iconic rapper Mac Dre. Video: On me Lyric with meaning: “Would pull up to y’all block, but y’all never on that I’m a dog to these hoe’s, you tryna buy a bone?

Came in this world, to the neck, I’ma die alone”

For Ever Heaven and Earth

Artist: Kamasi Washington Genre: Jazz Story: The latest from the saxophonist and bandleader is a multi-genre feast of musical ideas, his most sweeping and complete statement yet. “The Earth side of this album represents the world as I see it outwardly, the world that I am a part of” musician explains.

Video: Street Fighter Mas

Artist: Jungle Genre: Soul, funk Story: Artists sought to create a ‘postapocalyptic radio station playing break up songs,’ whittling down loads of ideas this concept spawned into the core 13 tracks you have before you.

Video: Heavy, California Lyric with meaning: “So heavy, California I will love you, can’t afford you They say heaven’s waiting for you So I’m headed for California”

Melodrama

Artist: Lorde Genre: Pop, electropop Story: Lorde captures emotions like none other. Her second album is a masterful study of being a young woman, a sleek and humid pop record full of grief and hedonism, crafted with the utmost care and wisdom.

Video: Green Light Lyric with meaning: “Cause honey I’ll come get my things, but I can’t let go I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it”

MUSIC DISCOVERY PLATFORM

Growing tired of listening to the same old playlists? Exhausted your extensive library of albums?

It sounds like you need an injection of brand new music in your life. Take advantage of an extra helping hand – we have found a pretty cool tool that you should check out Bandcamp.com.

You may have already heard of Bandcamp as a platform for purchasing music from independent artists, but it’s also a useful tool for finding new music. It’s very own ‘Discover’ area allows you to pick different search categories including genres, tags, formats and more. There is plenty of curation possibilities in there too, including their fan pages which allow you to show off you latest purchases, create wish lists, leave notes on favorite tracks and follow selected artists to keep up with their latest going-on’s.

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smart art turner prize

ACKNOWLEDGING THE

OUTSTANDING:

TURNER

PRIZE Turner Prize is quite a name in the Art world, becoming one of the most recognized awards for visual arts. Each year artists strive to make it in the shortlist or even be considered by a high-end jury just to have any kind of connection to this prestigious prize.

Words by Māra Miķelsone Publicity photos

Background Story

The very first Turner Prize was awarded in 1984 when a group titled “The Patrons of New Art” founded it. Their mission was to encourage an active interest in contemporary art, as well as involve in acquiring new works for the Tate Gallery. Since the very beginning the prize is set to be awarded to any artist working in Britain or a British artist working anywhere else in the world.

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Time Means Changes

When making its first steps, the prize could be awarded to absolutely anyone working in the arts industry, whether it was a curator, critic or even a gallery director.

They were awarded for the “greatest contribution to art”. However, a few years later it changed and since then only artist are eligible for the prize.

In 1991 it was announced that the age limit of eligible prize candidates would be the age of 50. It was justified as a commitment to present the very new developments of the contemporary British art, also promoting the emerging artists to a more extensive audience. Only last year the rule changed and it was declared that artists of any age will have a chance to make their way to the shortlist.

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Smart Art turner prize

The Greatest Honour

Who is Turner?

The name Turner was chosen to honour the great 19th-century artist J.M.W. Turner.

He is always regarded as one of the most innovative, as well as controversial artists in his days, still managing to acquire the status as one of the greatest British artist.

Moreover, during his career Turner was also on the way to establish a special prize for young British artists. Although he did not succeed the mission himself, it is widely recognized that his concept had lived through ages and finally realized by people of same interests and life philosophy.

FACTS

• Steve McQueen is the first person to win both the Turner Prize and an Oscar • The Judge panel of Turner Prize does not accept any nominations from art galleries • In 1997 the shortlist was all women – Angela Bulloch, Gillian Wearing, Christine Borland and Cornelia Parker.

• There is an award that satirises the prestige Turner Prize – the Turnip Prize that is all about awarding bad modern art.

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Since the beginning of its existence, the Turner Prize is held each year, shortlisting 4 artists for outstanding exhibitions held during the preceding year. The prize itself, of course, is awarded to one artist – the most worthy of the prize. To receive such an award is truly on of the greatest honours an artist could have. And to top it all off – the prize fund makes up to 40 thousand British Pounds. 25 thousand goes to the winner, and the rest 3 shortlisted candidates get 5 thousand pounds each.

The potential candidates are assessed by an independent panel of judges, selected each year by the Director of Tate Britain.

And to present the award, often the choice of presenter goes to a celebrity, not necessarily linked to art world. During previous years the prize was presented by rather loud names worldwide, such as Richard Attenborough, Paul Smith, Yoko Ono, Mario Testino and Madonna.

Turner Prize Exhibition

The very presentation of the prize manifests itself in the form of exhibition. It was only since 2016 when this exhibition was significantly expanded in terms of variety and types of works. If previously the exhibition consisted purely of works the artist was nominated for, then now it has been changed to a wider spectrum. Artists can now select any other recent works, also having the opportunity to make a selection in cooperation with Tate Britain curators.

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must Watch smart tv

TOP 4 SHOWS OF Words by Anastasija Stepakova Publicity photos

#HouseOfCards

House of Cards, 2013

„House of Cards” is a modern political drama directed by Beau Willimon based on a British writer’s Michael Dobbs novel of the same title. It was launched in 2013 and ever since has received wide recognition from audiences, the highest evaluations from critics, 33 nominations for Emmy and 8 nominations for Golden Globe.

The “IT” Factor The previous seasons of “House of Cards” presented the American democracy governing elite in the most unflattering light – supreme executives, power of law and jurisdiction, lobbying systems and political corruptions. Main topics of the 5th season will also be quite topical – world system crisis, war, international terrorism and anonymous hackers disrupting the fundaments of electoral democracy. Such topics do not go unnoticed and always call out mass disagreements and rumours.

Concept Idea of the show is to appear as a powerful production that reveals certain parts of the American democracy. It should be watched observantly, some moments should even be watched repeatedly. And it should be done to both enjoy the incredible actor role-play and to get a feel of the whole subtext of the show history.

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#BlackMirror

Black Mirror, 2011

This show is a root for numerous discussions and disagreements between intellectuals, philosophers write about it constantly and most importantly – it is viewed by millions of average viewers.

For a show that does not focus on love or adventures, but rather on virtualization of information-oriented society issues, this seems as an unusual success.

The “IT” Factor “Black Mirror” has become the most popular artistic interpretation of the topic of mutual relationship between a human and technology, and that is due to at least 3

reasons. Firstly, the show contains a rather simple cinema language – the idea is easily perceived by an average viewer. Secondly, the imaginary context includes the mundane and relatable everyday scenes, such as relationship between spouses, bereavement over the deceased, parenting etc. Thirdly, the imaginary world of “Black Mirror” is actually more realistic than first thought.

Each episode of “Black Mirror” is like a separate movie – the series are not connected by common heroes, plots do not intersect and even directors vary from episode to episode. Such approach allowed to show different sides of one main problem the series have been devoted to – problem of the relationship between a human and information technology. We look at devices more often than around ourselves. That also correlates to the title of the show – black mirror is the dark display of a turned-off device that shows different reflections.

Concept Humanity always strives for satisfaction and enjoys watching through a peephole, and any kind of authorities are bound to strive for power over the world. Information technologies have provided people with new possibilities, particularly to satisfy | Autumn 2018

Must Watch smart tv

even the smallest and lowest of desires.

The government security forces have learned to track people even without chips installed in people’s heads, and the very first “reality shows” were gladiator fights for life or death. The only thing different in the current information-oriented society it is much easier to track people and reality shows have actually become more accessible and global. And while we are aware of the problem, there is a chance to solve it.

#13ReasonsWhy

13 Reasons Why, 2017

The Netflix American drama series are based on a novel by Jay Asher of the same name, published in 2007. Although the whole plot of the book was fully covered in the first season, the show was extended to second season, and it was decided to continue with third season the launch of which is due to 2019.

The “IT” Factor The show is quite unusual as it bravely

addresses the topic of teenage suicide, all the while promoting viewers to seek help if they are ever haunted by thoughts of ending their life or know someone who has.

Suicide is quite dangerous and challenging topic. It is difficult to show a story of a dead young girl without sparking mass discussions on the topic. And that is what happened to “13 Reasons Why” – mass media orchestrated an uprising and called out many controversial questions on the topic. However, it must be noted that the plot is more a lesson of precaution rather than propaganda or provocation. After all, the plot tries to send a message to the society that there is always a chance to be heard and to receive help in challenging situations, as well as to believe in justice.

The main thing is not to be afraid to talk about what happened.

Concept The idea of the show is how difficult it is to deal with various modern-age teenager issues, especially when those around choose to just close their eyes and not see what really happens in order to avoid drama and rumours from other people.

It tells of Hannah Baker, classmate of Clay Jensen, who has committed a suicide. After a few weeks Clay finds a box of 7 cassettes recorded by Hannah. In the records Hanna tells 13 reasons why she decided to end her life, and Clay also makes it to the list.

While listening to the tapes, Clay begins to find out disturbing secrets on Hannah, as well as their classmates. The second season dives deeper into the stories, beginning to unravel different sides of those. Only this time the stories are told from the side of those 13 people who are the “heroes” of Hannah’s tapes. Their problems and secrets are fully revealed as they attempt to find solution to past and current problems by helping each other.

Narcos, 2015

The show witnessed one of the grandest season premiers as it immediately gained the status of hit show in Netflix, and it has already been extended to a second season.

The show reveals the “big deal” of criminal world part of which is actually a reality as it focuses on the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar.

The “IT” Factor October, 1987 witnessed the publication of the first list of richest persons in the world

by Forbes magazine. Pablo Escobar was one of them, along with property developers, publishers and all in all – businessmen that were “clean” in front of law and jurisdiction.

If the rest of the world was left wondering, then in Columbia there was no need to explain who Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was. We would think that the Escobar name itself would bring quite an attention to the audience. However, it is the edgy plot presented in an extensively exposed look.

Everything is more detailed and realistic than in Hollywood, more violent and does not hide any impartial aspects of two sides.

Concept The whole concept is about history and facts displayed as two sides of the story.

The show constantly changes the point of view, showing people standing on different sides of barricades and expected to choose the right side to be at. One moment the plot brings us to actually sympathize with Escobar, yet a few minutes after he brings out hatred towards him and sympathies towards the police who is out there to catch him. The show opens with a rather ponderous monologue of the main character, but in time he disappears further in the back as the viewers are brought into the historical context of the story. The show also includes a lot of archive footage and most of the plot is carried out in Spanish.

#Narcos

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interns smartlynx

SMARTLYNX

INTERNS OF

2018 Each summer SmartLynx Airlines accepts brand new minds of aviation industry by letting them intern at various departments of the company and thus showing how diverse the aviation industry actually is.

So meet up with the talented and hard-working interns of SmartLynx summer 2018.

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| Autumn 2018

interns smartlynx

Of course, you can do absolutely anything in this company and you will find out something more about aviation every day.

Sitting in this room even you know more about aviation.

ARTŪRS JĀNIS KRŪMIŅŠ

I am an intern at the HR department and I do many things related to HR. The job is very diverse – so an intern is generally a person who learns things and then does those things. So I am both learning and doing at the same time.

So what are the specific tasks you do in the HR Department?

So HR is all related to all employees of the company. And I have access to all of our data about the employees and I have to use this data to make things happen.

So I do analyses, background checks – basically things that help our company to run successfully. We are a team in here, and the whole company works like a team.

We share our insights, we share our data, knowledge and information in order to use it to our advantage. So we collect data, we analyse it, we see what we can improve – just the basic stuff. So then we talk and we find things what we can improve, and how to do it. So we make decisions and try to improve things in every possible way.

KATRĪNA ZELICKA

I am an intern at the IT Department, but I am not working as an IT specialist per se here I am working as a web designer.

What are your main job tasks and responsibilities?

SmartLynx is currently working on a new hub page for SmartLynx employees. And I am re-designing the whole page to make it more user-friendly, to make it more beautiful, so people who are working with it can get greater experience while visiting and working with the page. So I am doing the design work for the page which includes working with Adobe Photoshop, putting together navigation logo etc.

Why did you choose SmartLynx Airlines?

I always choose something worthy to do in the summer. And I wanted to try doing something aviation. There are three airlines based in Latvia. SmartLynx seemed the most appealing of them all. And when I found out they were accepting new interns I thought it was a great, magnificent chance.

And why the Human Resources department?

So, it was very simple – I did not choose HR actually, I was offered it. And I thought about it and thought – sure, why not?

Why was SmartLynx the choice for you?

I think SmartLynx Airlines is a really good opportunity for me, as for the first time in my life I am working in my field. I am currently studying web design. When I came here I thought it is going to be very hard for me, but it is really cool that everyone is helpful – if I have any problems, my colleagues will help, discuss it with me.

And I think I am doing really good in here, I like it here, although I have been working here for a few weeks now. But I already feel very good being in here.

And have you found out something more about aviation industry while working here?

As Artūrs said, there are 3 airline companies in Latvia but SmartLynx is the one that does not specifically look for interns with

Autumn 2018 |

a previous experience, as it is usually what other companies require for the interns.

And I did not have any experience but still was offered a chance to do something I like. I was happy to know there is a company in Latvia that accepts you without an experience and gives it to you while working in here. I think that is a huge opportunity for me, and that is the reason why I chose SmartLynx.

Did you choose it for the purpose of aviation as well, or just the experience in IT? I have had a lot of friends that were working at the airport, and I always thought that it is something a difficult thing to work in aviation. It requires a huge knowledge to work in aviation. And of course, as Artūrs said, you can do anything here and you will still learn a lot about aviation. And I like it here – I like the feeling when you know that it is important to be here, that everyone is important in here. And even if I am not related to aviation that much, I am an important person here as well. I think if I will have an opportunity in the future, I will choose to stay here. Or in aviation industry overall.

ALISE LUBANE

I am an intern in the Accounting Department and also in Training Department. At first when I applied here, I applied for an internship at the Training Department.

How did you come to being an intern in two departments at the same time?

At my first interview I did well, and 87

Interns smartlynx

afterwards they called me and asked whether I would also like to be an intern at the Accounting Department. I was a little bit scared, as I was not expecting that.

And accounting was not really my thing, but I agreed because I am usually up for a challenge and I have learned that the best way to learn something is through an actual experience. And so it seemed interesting.

And I also felt pretty validated when they called me and made the offer.

What would be the main daily tasks in your departments?

In my everyday work in accounting work I usually register invoices for further processing and approvals. And in training I work with forms and documentation related to SmartLynx trainings and Cabin Crew.

Although these are two different departments and documents are also different, I also noticed that there is something similar between them – both jobs ask for a lot of precision and patience, which I am good at.

And the same question goes to you – why SmartLynx?

Because I knew of SmartLynx and I thought it was a great chance to work at a somewhat big and respected company. And also my knowledge of aviation was close to none, and I thought that this would be a great challenge to experience.

And what do you study – is it also accounting?

I actually study Human Resources, and if that internship would have been available to me, then I would be very glad to do that.

But unfortunately that was not the case, and I chose the Training Department at first because to me it felt like the closest related field as it required working with the employees of the company.

So are you glad you got chosen for these departments?

Yes, very glad. As I said, my knowledge in aviation was very little. And while working in accounting, as well as training, I learned a lot every single day. And all people at SmartLynx are very helpful and competent, so I am very glad to be working alongside them.

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EMĪLS PAULS EGLĪTIS

I am an intern in the business development department, but I have been working here for quite a little time now, so my experience here is still new.

What is it that you started doing when beginning the internship?

First task was to research the cargo sector to gain possibilities to open side income from cargo transportation. So that is what I am doing now, and on the side I am also attracting new advertising partners for the inflight magazine. I also do some basic analysis on excel systems.

And why SmartLynx?

Mainly it was because I am involved in the student association of the Stockholm School of Economics that plans a partnership with SmartLynx next year. So I had the opportunity to visit this office for a couple of times before I applied here. I like the atmosphere in here, and the people, of course. And thought it would be a good thing to take an internship here, as I will also be working with the company next year on behalf of the association.

PALINA TEMBER

I am working in ground operations and cargo department which is located at the airport premises.

Why did you decide to work at SmartLynx?

Actually I have wanted to work in aviation since childhood, and even wanted to become a pilot. But for some reasons that did not work out. So I decided to study business and economics. And obviously the choice of industry was pretty determined.

Were your expectations coming here met?

To be honest, I actually had lower expectations when I came here. But the people are really nice in here and they support everything you do. You can take initiative quite easily. I also love that people here are flexible regarding days off.

SmartLynx was an unexpected but welcomed opportunity. I learned about the company from my roommate who also worked in here as an intern and also shares this passion for aviation. I started interning here last summer as a Network Control Centre intern, therefore I was quite drawn to the whole atmosphere of the company.

Once you come here, you feel like an important part of the company. And I think this is a distinctive feeling for SmartLynx company if compared to other companies.

So I enjoyed it and decided to return also this year, only this time as an intern in Ground Operations.

So it seems that for you it was not the aviation as the main factor for coming here, but rather business?

It was not an important factor, but I knew two friends who were already working here.

And they really liked the company and that would be more of a reason rather than the aviation factor. And I am not complaining at all, the work is hectic, yet exciting.

What is it that you do in here?

My main responsibilities include dealing with handling arrangements around the world, or dealing with passenger claims.

What I like about it – it is an opportunity to be free, creative and initiative. I have space where I can optimize the system, the daily life of the whole department. I also have an opportunity to implement my ideas easily. | Autumn 2018

Newsletter smartlynx

SMARTLYNX DOES GOOD! The State Blood Donor Centre (SBDC) of Latvia works with an objective to prepare the blood and blood components in order to help people in need of medical attention. Therefore, SPDC actively addresses companies to give their contribution to the cause by organizing company blood donating days. And so did SmartLynx Airlines by organizing such day in the summer 2018. The SBDC’s specialized bus arrived at SmartLynx Airlines to welcome our employees and we are truly happy about having had the chance to help others in need! Thank you to The State Blood Donor centre for making the blood donation that easy and convenient! Here is a look at the amazing blood donating day!

VISITED BY BEST OF THE BEST! BAA Training SmartLynx Cadets visited SmartLynx office in Riga on July 30 to get insight into Airline’s everyday work. Our colleagues from different departments (Flight Support, Crew Planning, Operations IT, NCC) explained their daily tasks and the interaction between their functions and Flight Crew work.

We presented also our Observation Flight system according to which our cadets will be able to take observation flights from our RIX base during their studies at BAA. All Cadets were very enthusiastic about everything they experienced during the day and they cannot wait to join the SLX team as full-fledged First Officers.

The first group of SLX Cadets will graduate BAA Training at the end of this year/beginning 2019 and will join our Training Centre for Type Rating course after which they will be welcomed to join SLX Flight Crew team as First Officers.

Autumn 2018 |

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Ground Handling smartlynx

SMART INFORMATION:

GROUND HANDLING

To safely achieve the main goal of an aircraft – take-off – a wellcoordinated work of many people is carried out. It takes a swift flow of routine, yet important tasks in a rather little time. It is sort of a combination of a pit-stop at Formula 1 race and your apartment condition after a party only a few minutes before parents arrive.

And the people included in the operation do the job relentlessly to ensure safe and comfortable flight, overall doing the work we also know as ground handling. So, how is handling being handled?

First up – Supervisors

These are specialists that manage the luggage operations, fuelling and water supply services, on-board cleaning and all aircraft system check-ups before the flight. They make sure that everything on the aircraft is carried out in time – bringing up the ladders, sending buses for the passengers, filling up the aircraft with fuel, handling on-board meals, cleaning the seats – in a few words, preparing everything for the next flight. They regulate and schedule the work-flow, and if some hiccups arise, they must solve the issues as operative as possible. Supervisors keep a close communication with the cabin crew and carry out the last inspection of the aircraft right before the flight. The very process of preparing an aircraft differs according to its planned destination and the time it is scheduled for. When there is time for the next take-off, it is easier to carry out the check-ups and all other operations for the next flight. It gets trickier when the next flight is due an hour after the first landing – all of the previously listed operations must be concluded timely before the flight and most importantly – to the very precision and quality. And that is what makes the supervisors one of the most integral parts of the whole process.

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Marshallers

As soon as the aircraft reaches the ground, it is awaited by a follow-me car. They lead the aircraft to its take-off and landing strip before the flight. These cars do a great

job – provide safe and operative plane movements around the ground. They also help pilots to navigate the plane on the strip in case of difficult conditions, such as foggy weather. Further the plane is met by marshallers who manage the transportation of the plane on the ground. He gives special signals with hands and signal poles, flags or flash-lights. To ensure a complete fit-in, the front plane chassis should stop at a pointed place, labelled with specific lines. They cannot be seen from the cabin as they are located right beneath in the centre of the landing strip. With the help of special signal symbols and signs, marshaller shows the captain to turn more left, right or towards. And so the plane reaches the ground and as soon as it stops, marshallers place special cones around it to confine it within a safe zone. This is the time when the ladder can be set up and passengers may leave the aircraft. If the plane is located at a further parking stop, a bus is sent after them. After passengers have left the plane, cabin crew checks on-board for any lost or forgotten items. Meanwhile baggage and cleaning services attempt to do their work on the landed aircraft, and mechanics and engineers carry out post-flight inspection of the craft, including the system condition. | Autumn 2018

Ground Handling smartlynx

Baggage

Baggage handlers manage to quickly load out all the bags as soon as the plane arrives.

They put it in special freight truck which takes about 10 to 30 minutes – depending on the aircraft type and size. After the bags have been loaded in trucks, they are transported to the terminal grounds for pick-up.

Cleaning

The intensity of cleaning services depend on the aircraft type, duration of the next flight, available cleaning time before the next flight, as well as the airport it is being carried out in. The team has approximately 15 – 20 minutes to make the plane in order.

They follow the time spent very strictly, new passengers should enter a clean salon. Technology used for cleaning is in no way similar to domestic equipment.

The cleaning equipment can deal with even hours-long maintenance in difficult conditions. Also, water availability is also checked-upon which is pumped from special machines. Most importantly, this water is fresh and clean and in accordance with quality inspection demands. And to clear the well-known myth – no, the toilet contents are not dropped directly out of the plane. There is a special machine that pumps out the contents of the bio-toilette into a special tank.

Fill-up

Filling up the aircraft with fuel is one of the most crucial operations. Many factors are taken into account to decide upon the volume of fuel for the respective flight. For example, locations of alternative airports, weather, capacity of the plane, distance, flight level etc. And to fill up an aircraft – it is not just to put a hose in and wait for the tank to fill up. An important part of Autumn 2018 |

the process is grounding. It is an essential procedure before filling-up as during the flight aircraft surface electrifies.

Catering

During the flight we always hear “Tea, coffee, juice?” from the cabin crew as they walk through the aisle offering passengers beverages and snacks. Many airports accommodate their own plants for preparing hot and cold meals for the on-board passengers. Prepared meals are packed in special boxes and transported to the plane in special catering trucks.

On-board food is prepared in accordance with strict regulations of quality, hygiene and sterility. The process of preparing the aircraft for a flight also includes loading up trolleys with on-board food. Catering employee transports the trolleys and containers on board and set them in the kitchen. After catering has been loaded, cabin crew check the quality, contents and expire dates. For shorter flights the catering is done for both to and from trips.

Cabin Crew

While the plane is prepared for the next passengers, and a new portion of luggage is loaded in, the commander of the aircraft carries out a visual inspection of the plane and checks if all systems are working properly. All destination data must be programmed in the computer, fuel quality and weather must be checked. Commander of the plane and the senior cabin crew discuss special aspects of the following flight. After all passengers have boarded, doors are closed and cabin crew start preparing for engine ignition. While cabin crew presents safety instructions and check all passengers, the captain requests for the engine ignition.

De-Icing

This is a procedure carried out during winter seasons. The process is clearing off the runway from ice and snow and coating it with a special protection solution – all with a special machine called the “De-Icer”.

The procedure is not carried out exactly on the platform the plane is parked at – there is too little space and too much machines and people. Therefore the process is done only after the passengers have boarded and the aircraft is taxing to the open ramp – that is where de-icing happens. This is considered as one of the most impressive procedures in aviation. The first solution defrosts the drifts, and the second is used to provide safety of fins during take-off.

After all of this is concluded, the aircraft follows the take-off strip and begins the flight at the point of take-off.

Fasten your seatbelt, relax and enjoy the flight!

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SMART TRIVIA

triVia smartlynx

JUMBLE

LABYRINTH

WORD QUIZ

Find the right path!

Guess the words in the boxes!

ASGALNE

1. Favorite food of the cat Garfield.

MREBA

2. Most famous gemstone in Baltic states.

W K

U O

S

P

S

I

N

R

A

S

A

G

L

E

J

P O Q

K

O N R

E

K

A

T

O

R

P

N A

L

L

IHSSU

3. Rice dish with wrapper around nori.

IMARENA

4. Country of the first official church.

YGRENMA

5. The first “daylight saving time” country.

TICAORA

6. Motherland for Nikola Tesla.

A

V

N N

I

X

Q

P A

B

U

E

D

V

E

N

E

U

A

V

U

S

T

R

P

A

U

A

A

L

Z M P

F

I

B

R

F

R

A

C

F

U O

V

The name of Turkish pizza.

A

Z

P

I

T

A kind of pita that baked in a stone oven.It includes ground beef,parsley, onion, garlic black pepper and chipotle on the dough.

N

T

A

R

C

U

J

P O

T

C

I

ASIAUTR

7. The only EU country that is not in NATO. COMNAO

8. Does not have airports but it has heliports.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

O D

A

1. Its national anthem is in micro-text on the back of the $1000 note.

2. On Christmas children leave slippers on the window sill for the elves.

3. Has a larger population of camels than Egypt.

4. The only continent without a time zone.

8

1. Lasagne; 2. Amber; 3. Sushi; 4. Armenia 5.Germany; 6. Croatia; 7. Austria; 8. Monaco; Main: Lahmakun

1. Singapore;2. Tallinn;3.Australia;4. Antarctica

FACTS ABOUT THE WORLD 1. The tallest stream of the Seven Sisters Waterfall in Norway is ___ meters.

A) 250 B) 188.3 C) 12

4. Which volcano has earned itself the nickname Lighthouse of the Mediterranean?

A) Croscat B) Stromboli C) Etna

2. The name Meteora means “___________”.

A) “suspended in air” B) “fallen skies” C) “monk’s clifs”

5. Which language has the highest number of native speakers in the world?

A) Denmark B) Russia C) Mongolia

3. There are ___ bridges in Venice, and 72 of them are private.

A) 73 B) 417 C) 1281 1 - A, 2 - A, 3 - B, 4 - B, 5 - C, 6 - B

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6. Where in the world do 200,000 crosses mark the graves of absolutely nobody?

A) Italy, Rome B) Lithuania, Siauliai C) Faro, Portugal

| Autumn 2018

routemap smartlynx

SMARTLYNX

ROUTEMAP

AUTUMN 2018 Tallinn Riga

Zagreb Trieste

Venice Rimini Girona Bastia-Poretta Madrid

Varna Burgas

Corfu

Seville Faro

Tivat Podgorica

Araxos Malaga Enfidha

Antalya Santorini Rhodes Chania Larnaca Paphos Heraklion

Djerba Funchal

Tenerife

Marrakesh Agadir Lanzarote Fuerteventura

Ovda Aqaba Sharm El-Sheikh Hurghada

Autumn 2018 |

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Comfortable smartlynx

SMARTLYNX TRAVEL TIPS BEFORE THE FLIGHT

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

Children who have not reached his/her 2nd birthday are considered as infants and they are traveling without personally dedicated seat. Separate seat for infant can be purchased from your Tour Operator. SmartLynx does not provide car-type baby seats but passenger may use their own, provided that the seat can be secured with the aircraft seat belt. Child under the age of 5 years must be accompanied by a person not younger than 18 years of age who is capable of taking care of the minor during the journey: a parent or guardian or a person assigned by these. Children aged 5-11 (incl.) and traveling unaccompanied have to use escorting service on airport. The request must be placed at the time of booking the trip. Children aged 12-15 may travel alone.

The cabin crew will do their utmost to make everyone feel as comfortable and welcome as possible during the flight. If you are traveling with young children, just ask if you need any milk or infant meals to be heated. Baby -changing facilities are available on all our aircraft-just ask your crew for the location nearest to your seat.

CABIN BAGGAGE

The acceptable cabin or carry-on baggage size is 55x45x25cm (5kg). Cabin baggage must be stowed under the seat in front or in the overhead compartment.

The measurements are restricted to ensure that overhead compartment is not overloaded and the aisle is not obstructed.

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TRAVELING WITH PETS

BEFORE THE FLIGHT It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before the departure time. That allows you on time make the check in, give away your luggage and go trough security procedures. Always bring a valid travel document, i.e.: Passport (international flights, outside the EU); Passport or national ID card (flights within the EU).

If you encounter a problem at the airport contact airport representative for assistance and information, they are glad to help you.

Carriage of pets is a special service that has to be prebooked via your Tour Operator. Special conditions may apply.

The passenger is responsible for securing proper documentation for health, entry and transfer for all countries an route and providing a suitable container to ensure safe and comfortable transport of the pet.

The only pets accepted in the cabin (except guide dogs) are dogs and cats on the following conditions: the pet must be clean; the container must be leakage proof and weight not more than 8 kg together with the pet. A passenger may carry only one container and the pet must be kept in the container throughout the whole flight.

BAGGAGE

On SmartLynx flights, a passenger is allowed to check in one unit of baggage that weights up to 20kg on our flights not more than 4 hours and up to 15 kg on flights exceeding 4 hours flight time. Travelling with family or with friends, you can also pack your belongings into one bag, but please note that one unit may not exceed 32kg!

The standard checked baggage size is 32x84x56cm. All baggage exceeding these measurements is considered as non-standard baggage (bicycle, golf bags, surfing and skiing equipment) and you have to always inform your Tour Operator first, if you are planning to bring some nonstandard equipment with you, as special conditions may apply. | Autumn 2018

comfortable smartlynx

SMARTLYNX TRAVEL TIPS DURING THE FLIGHT

ALCOHOL

FOR YOUR HEALTH

To feel your best in the air remember: Alcohol: Alcohol should be consumed only in moderation. For each glass of alcohol, drink two glasses of water. Water: Please make sure that you are drinking enough water during your flight. Doctors are recommending to drink at least 0,5-0,6 l water every two flight hours.

Clothes: Baggy clothes are best in the air. Try not to wear any tight – fitting clothes, loosen top buttons, belts and shoelaces and remove tight socks. Circulation: Circulation of blood is helped if you try not to cross your legs or ankles for long periods of time. Elastic support socks or stockings may help. From time to time it is good to stand up and make a little walk or make some exercises. Remember that even the smallest movements help with blood circulations, so you can also do some stretching while seated.

SLEEP AND SEATBELTS

If you´re planning to sleep during the flight, we recommend you fasten your seatbelt so the cabin crew don’t have to wake you should the Captain need to turn on the “fasten seatbelt” sign. We recommend that you keep your seatbelt fastened at all times while seated.

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

SMOKING

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Hopefully, we already know about your special requirements, such as wheelchair assistance or dietary request. If not, and this is an outbound flight, please advise a member cabin crew so they can make appropriate arrangements for your return journey.

Autumn 2018 |

Alcohol should be consumed only in moderation. Drinking your own alcohol, including alcohol you have been purchased from tax free shop at airport, is strictly forbidden. Passengers may only consume alcoholic drinks served by the crew. Please note, that crew can evaluate the situation and refuse to serve alcoholic drinks without any further explanation at any time.

In line with international policy, all SmartLynx flights are non-smoking. It is an offence to smoke on board and it is forbidden also in lavatories. We ask you to refine from smoking for the comfort and safety of passengers and crew.

To use of radios and devices with radio transmitter/receivers is strictly prohibited during the flight, as it may interfere with the aircraft´s navigation system. Mobile telephones, with the exception of those with a “flight safe” mode, should be switched off at all times on board the aircraft. Phones with a “flight safe” mode should have this activated before you switch your mobile phone off for take-off.

Personal CD, DVD and MP3 players may be used, but only when the seatbelt sign is switched off.

Wireless devices such as PDA-s laptop computers, electronic games and E-readers may only be used on board if the wireless function is disabled and again, may only be used while the seatbelt sign is off.

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SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS! We value your feedback!

We strive to make every flight into the best experience possible for our passengers, hence we highly value every feedback we can get. We would be very grateful if you could spare a moment and fill out a very small survey concerning onboard service. Please ask Flight Attendants for a survey form to provide your feedback and return the filled survey form back to the Flight Attendants.

YOUR VACATION STARTS WITH US!

Menu Pre-Order

ORDER A TASTY MEAL FOR YOUR FLIGHT! Pasū�et garšīgu mal�� jūsu lidojumam!

Telli maitsev eine! Закажите вкусную еду на свой полёт!

Choose your meal in the final section of the menu

Ask a flight attendant for an order-coupon

Enjoy your meal on your flight

Izvēlies mal�� ēdienkartes beigu sadaļā Vali menüü lõpust omale meelepärane roog. Выберите блюдо из последнего раздела меню

Jautājiet stjuar�em pasū�juma kuponu Küsi pardameeskonnalt tellimiskupong Попросите у бортпроводника купон для заказа

Izbaudiet savu mal�� lidojumā Tagasiteel saad oma valitud einet nau�da Наслаждайтесь своим заказом

You can also order your meal at:

Mal�� iespējams pasū�t arī šeit: Eine saad tellida ka: Также вы можете сделать заказ по адресу:

Your meals are prepared by: Jūsu mal�tes gatavo: Sinu eined on valmistanud: Ваши блюда приготовлены:

www.flydinner.com

We accept the following credit cards:

Apmaksai �ek pieņemtas šādas maksājumu kartes: Me aktsepteerime järgnevaid maksekaarte: Мы принимаем следующие карты:

NOO CEPEŠKUNGS PARMESAN SNACK CIGAR SAUSAGES

+

BEER

=

7.50€

1.50€ SAVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION HAS ADVERSE EFFECTS. IT IS PROHIBITED TO SELL, PURCHASE OR GIVE ALCOHOL TO UNDERAGE PERSONS.