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Tips To Ask For Days Off From Work, And Get Them

Getting paid days off from work is every employee’s right, always when they are aligned with the company’s policies. However, there’s an unspoken-of etiquette that could help you obtain those days off. During this Covid-19 epidemic, many companies find themselves in a critical situation. Yet, wether you need to take days off for sickness, family issues or simply to relax, here are some tips to ask for days off from work, and get them.

Asking Instead Of Requesting

The way you ask for days off from work is everything. In fact, although your vacation days are part of you work benefits, showing respect and humility give out a better impression. Furthermore, asking instead of requesting shows how considerate you are towards your boss, colleagues and company in general.

Choose The Right Moment To Tell Your Boss

Most companies usually have an online calendar embedded in their system to schedule workers’ vacations. So, if you need to take few days off unexpectedly, then the right thing to do is to consult the calendar, first. In addition, it’s crucial to choose the right moment to ask your boss. For example, if its peak season, or of the company is going through a crisis, then the right thing to do is to hold off. However, if it’s an emergency, make sure you explain your reasons clearly and with empathy.

Inform Your Peers

Besides giving out a good image to your superiors, you also need to be considerate towards your peers. Vacation planning usually goes on rotation, and are scheduled to avoid workers shortage in each department. So, when it’s time to plan your vacation, try to discuss your plans with your peers. For example, if you want to take few days off from work to coincide with your kids’ school break, voice it out. Also, informing your peers will help you build a connection with them, and makes you seem reliable and thoughtful.

Organize Your Workload

Finally, before asking for time off, you defiantly need to organize your workload. First, catch up on any unfinished business, and leave a planning for what to do post-vacation. Once you have it figured out, do not be afraid to ask. Like we mentioned previously, it’s one of your basic rights at work. As long as you do it correctly, and even if it’s a new job, then your chances are pretty much high that you’ll be granted those days you asked for.

Photos: Pixabay.

Crazy Facts About Money Heist You Probably Didn’t Know

Money Heist (aka La Casa De Papel) is one of the TV series that have gone viral in the entire world. The Spanish show mesmerized the world with the original plot, and escalation of events. However, before Money Heist became one of the most watched series on Netflix’s history, it had more downs than ups. So, here are few crazy facts about Money Heist that you probably didn’t know.

The Show Was Bound To Fail

In fact, the show was almost canceled after the first two seasons. When it was first aired on Spanish TV, it generated good rates at the beginning, but they were going down each day. By the end of season 2, the cast said their goodbye and the director admitted that the show was bound to fail. However, when Netflix decided to buy the show and air it, everything changed and the success it generated left everyone in shock, including the Money Heist stars.

Season 1 Was Shot Entirely In Madrid

According to the producers of the show, the first seasons was shot on such low budget, that they couldn’t afford to shoot outside of Spain. So, all the scenes that features locations abroad, were actually shot in the studio, and then manipulated by the team in the post-production phase. Later on of course, and due to its rising success, the show makers were finally able to afford traveling and shooting in other countries.

The Actors’ Lives Changed Completely

The actors confessed in the ”Money Heist Documentary” that their lives changed 360 degrees after Netflix aired the show. Alba Flores (Nairobi) was quite in shock, as she could no longer go out for a normal walk. Moreover, The Professor and Berlin (Alvaro More & Pedro Alonso) were fascinated by the fans who were present when shooting their scenes in Milan. They both were overwhelmed, and knew that their lives have changed forever.

Money Heist’s Famous Fans

One of the crazy facts about Money Heist, is that it didn’t only impress the viewers, but famous people became obsessed with the show too. Actually, Neymar, the Brazilian soccer icon, even asked for his own character and made a quick appearance as a monk in Part 3 of Season 2.

The Dali Mask Became An International Symbol For Resistance

In addition to the unpredictable plot, suspense, and great acting, Money Heist attracted so much attention for further reasons. In fact, their resistance inspired protestors all over the world. The Dali mask became an international symbol in rallies defending human rights, and protesting against governments.

Where Did ”Bella Ciao” Come From?

The essence of the show, which revolves around resistance gave birth a new version of the legendary ”Bella Ciao” song. Although our generation may not have been familiar with it, but this song represents the fight of Italians against fascism. Before this song became a global hit (even playing at night clubs), it had been used as a national anthem of the opposition against the fascist regime in Italy in the 40’s.

Photos: Netflix, Instagram.

5 Things Foreigners Think All Brazilians Do

Brazil, the land of samba, good vibes, carnivals and nature. Regardless of wether you have been to this amazing country or not, there are enough movies and pictures to lure you into catching the first plane you find. Known as one of the biggest countries of South America, visiting Brazil is definitely on everyone’s bucket list.

Furthermore, whatever may be the reason why you want to get to know Brazil, be sure that you your journey will be even better than what you have imagined. Because Brazilians are hospitable, fun and know how to take care of their guests. Although what media outlets tell us may not be certain a 100%, Brazilians still do some things better than the rest of the world. So, here are 5 things foreigners think all Brazilians do.

Play Football

Yes of course, it’s the same land that gave us Pelé, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Marcelo, Neymar etc… So, it doesn’t come as a shock that foreigners think all Brazilians do well at this sport, and are the best football players in the world. Whatever you go, big city or suburbs, rich or poor areas, you will always find a football pitch and many kids surrounded by football. In fact, Brazil has not only rewarded us with great names, but also iconic World Cups and Olympics.

Plastic Surgery

While everyone can agree than Brazilian women are some of the most beautiful in the world, we can debate wether that’s natural or enhanced beauty. Actually, CNN Travel conducted research in the area, and found out that ”Brazil’s contributions amounted to almost 13% of the world’s plastic surgery operations.” In addition, Brazilians are not ashamed of that and can openly talk about their experiences, as well as ” their procedures and recommended doctors.”

Party Hard

There is a great reason why people flood Brazilian cities on New Years Eve. In addition to the all-night partying, music and dressing up, Brazil welcome the new year their own way. In fact, it’s tradition to wear white and celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one, by the beach with the crowds. Moreover, the Carnival season in brazil is considered one of the world’s biggest events, and welcomes millions of tourists every year.

Eat Exotic Fruit

It’s clear that every country, (depending on their geographical location) have unique gastronomical ingredients. Brazil has the reputation of having plenty of exotic types of fruits, given the amount of ”green land” the country is surrounded by. In addition to being ”the No. 1 producer of citrus fruit in the world,” Brazil offers a variety of amazonian fruits that don’t even exist in other areas, such as Camu-camu, Cupuaçu and Caju. PS: They also make some of the tastiest cocktails and fruit juices ever!

Have Been To A Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest in the biggest in the world. Brazil is home to over half of it. This natural scenery is surreal, and holds so many unique species (1 in 10 of the world’s known species) and around 390 billion trees. it’s normal that many foreigners think that all Brazilians know how to navigate through rainforests, and make experienced and fearless guides in the zone.

Photos: Pixabay.

The True Story That Inspired ‘The Terminal’ Movie

The True Story That Inspired 'The Terminal' Movie

If you still haven’t watched the amazing Tom Hanks movie, The Terminal, it’s about time to do so. On the other hand, if you have already seen it, did you know that it was inspired by true events?

In fact, and although it may seem that it’s mere fiction, and can’t be based on a true story, Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster that was released in 2004, has indeed happened in real life before. Without further ado, here is the true story that inspired one of the best movies of all time, ‘The Terminal.’

What Is The Movie About?

In case you still haven’t gotten the chance to watch the brilliant movie, here is a quick recap of the plot (no spoilers.) Tom Hanks plays the role of a Balkan traveler, who got stuck in JFK airport in New York.

During his trip to the US, his country got dragged into a civil war, which invalidated his passport and visa. Therefore, due to the situation, he was denied entry to the United States, but couldn’t return to his Eastern Europe either. Therefore, he had to live at the airport for months, until a solution is found.

Iranian Man lived At The Airport For 15 Years

Screenshot from the trailer of 'The Terminal'

Although the movie plot was directed trough Spielberg’ colored glasses, the real life, the story wasn’t as optimistic. Actually, Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who arrived to Paris’ Charles-De-Gaule airport in 1988, and was denied access to the country since he had no passport nor legal documentations.

In fact, Nasseri lost his papers while transiting in Paris on his way to England. 15 years later, authorities had found a way to deport him back, but he was afraid to go back to Iran in fear of being killed by soldiers. So instead, he stayed at the airport in Paris, reading all the books he could find.

Theories Claim That Nasseri Chose Self-Imposed Exile

There are different explanation to why Nasseri chose living at an airport rather than being sent back home. Most theories claim that he chose a self imposed exile, because his mental health got severely damaged after living for 15 years at an airport terminal. Alexis Kouros, an Iranian documentary filmmaker and doctor, tried to help him leave for Brussels, claimed that ”He used to be a normal person. By spending 15 years in that place, he has become institutionalized.”

Furthermore, Nasseri was paid for Spielberg to use his story in ”The Terminal.” However, since he didn’t have access to his bank account, everything was reportedly handled by his lawyer until he finally was able to leave in 2004, few months after the movie was released.

Photos: Pixabay, Youtube.

Canals Clear In Venice While Italians Sit In Quarantine

Venice Canals on a normal day

Canals in Venice are showing remarkable results, due to reduced human activity for Coronavirus. The virus left many deaths around the world, and sickened over 237,600 people, according to official count. Its high contagion rates have led governments to impose total shutdown of their countries. Italy and Spain are the epicenter of coronavirus in Europe. In fact, as of Thursday, March 19th, Italy became the country with the highest mortality rate, surpassing even China in the number of deaths.

However, and although the situation in Italy is quite alarming, Italians face the pandemic by isolating themselves in their homes. They have been locked in for almost two weeks, and the government imposed nation-wide confinement. Nevertheless, nature has responded positively to this quarantine, as canals clear in Venice, and swans and dolphins reappear after years.

The Absence of Boat Traffic In Canals Made a Huge Impact

Images have circulated on social media recently, showing how wildlife is slowly returning home in absence of humans. In fact, the water of Venice canals cleared so much, that you can see the fish swim below. Dolphins and swans were also spotted, in a scene that Italy didn’t witness sin years.

Moreover, when interviewed by CNN, Venice’s mayor explained that “The water now looks clearer because there is less boat traffic on the canals, allowing the sediment to stay at the bottom.”

Air Pollution Also Decreased In Italy

In addition, the mayor of Venice also confirmed that air quality in Italy has significantly improved. In fact, China, where the pandemic first started, also did a favor to the environment during lockdown. Their gas transmission was lowered, and air pollution decreased a lot as a consequence. As reported by Fei Liu, an air quality researcher at Nasa’s Goddard Space Flight Center, ”This is the first time such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event occurs.”

People React To The ”Side Effects” Of Quarantine

Despite the isolation and chaotic current situation of the world, it’s undeniable that nature has benefited from this outbreak. Many people expressed their feelings about how much planet earth really needed a well-deserved break.

Photos: Pixabay, Instagram, Twitter, NASA.

This is What Coronavirus Has Done To The World

Coronavirus, which is now the main focus of the entire world, has undeniably did some damage to the world. Since it’s outbreak in the province of Hubei in China last December, this ”deadly” virus has spread to the rest of the world in the span of weeks. Moreover, due to the concerning rates of contagion, most government officials are taking radical safety measures for their citizens.

Besides deaths, panic and quarantines, covid19 has tragically (and not-so-tragically) has done serious damage. Here is what coronavirus has done to the world.

Altered Traveling Plans

Obviously, when a highly contagious, super fatal disease appears, the most important element becomes safety. By the end of 2019, China had already suffered from fluctuating tourist rates. In fact, major companies canceled their flights towards Hubei, and airports were closed.

However, following the tragic and rapid spread of the virus, other countries than China took a hit. Therefore, people had to cancel trips, postpone business trips and limit crowds. In Italy, after the country entered into self-quarantine, all attractions, museums and touristy places were closed, which left major Italian cities zombie-like.

Affected the World’s Economy

Besides the damage economically done through tourism, the world’s economy is being affected. Many countries have implemented a coping strategy, which consists of allowing remote working. In order to limit the massive use of public transportation, as well as frequent physical contact within offices, people are now working from home.

This is not all. The UK and US stock markets have are reported to suffer their worst hit since 2008. Oil prices are plunging, and the world is fearing a globally serious market shut down.

People Took the Major Hit

Additionally, besides the economy suffering, people are the ones taking the major hit. Psychologically speaking, the panic and seriousness of the situation has many people misinformed. Then, being forced to work at home, made people believe that the end is near. Supermarkets were flooded and emptied, bars are shutting down, and festivals have been canceled. Free movement of people is now becoming limited everywhere, and major precautions are recommended to be made, especially in highly infected zones.

Closing of Important Facilities

On Monday, Spanish authorities announced that they will be shutting down schools, universities (public and private) as well as elderly homes. this comes as an attempt to radically lower contagion rates. Following the footsteps of the Italian government, who closed up the country, Spain is also considering a possible complete shut down of the metro and trains, if the situation aggravates.

In addition, all football events scheduled for the upcoming two weeks, will officially be played behind closed doors. This includes big confrontations, crucial matches, as well as the return leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Few Positive Points

Well, there is nothing positive about having to close yourself in, or hear someone’s death or fluctuating economy and altered traveling plans. However, coronavirus might have done a small fraction of good to the world. According to NASA, since the outbreak of the virus, their ”greenhouse gas emissions in China, the world’s largest current contributor to climate change, are down 25 per cent.” Climate change is also another serious issue facing the world nowadays, and we hope that this current situation grows some awareness regarding what we could go through next.

Photos: Pixabay, NASA.