Twenty-One Interesting Facts About Ukraine-Part 2

𝟮𝟭 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲:

1. Ukraine is the largest country entirely within Europe, covering an area of over 600,000 square kilometers, and is bordered by Russia to the east, Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west, and Romania and Moldova to the south.

2. The country's capital and largest city is Kyiv (Kiev), which is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe and has a rich history dating back over 1,400 years.

3. Ukraine is known as the "Breadbasket of Europe" due to its fertile black soil and extensive agricultural lands, which produce a wide variety of crops, including wheat, barley, corn, and sunflower seeds.

4. The country is home to the deepest metro station in the world, the Arsenalna station in Kyiv, which is located 105.5 meters (346 feet) underground.

5. Ukrainian is the official language of Ukraine, while Russian is also widely spoken, particularly in the eastern and southern regions of the country.

6. Ukraine has a diverse cultural heritage, influenced by its history of various civilizations, including the Kyivan Rus' Empire, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union.

7. Lviv, located in western Ukraine, is known as the cultural capital of the country, with its well-preserved historic center designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

8. The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster in 1986, located near the town of Pripyat, was one of the worst nuclear accidents in history, resulting in long-term environmental and health consequences.

9. Ukraine is a parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government.

10. The Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine offer stunning natural scenery, with picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and charming villages, making it a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and eco-tourism.

11. Ukraine has a rich tradition of folk music, dance, and art, with colorful festivals, such as Malanka and Ivan Kupala Day, celebrating the country's cultural heritage.

12. The country's flag consists of two horizontal bands of blue and yellow, symbolizing the sky and wheat fields, respectively.

13. Odesa, located on the Black Sea coast, is one of Ukraine's major seaports and a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and historic architecture.

14. Ukraine has a strong tradition of literature, with renowned authors such as Taras Shevchenko, Ivan Franko, and Lesia Ukrainka contributing to its literary heritage.

15. The Dnipro River, the third longest river in Europe, flows through Ukraine, serving as a vital waterway for transportation, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.

16. Ukrainian cuisine features hearty dishes such as borscht (beet soup), varenyky (dumplings), holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), and salo (cured pork fat), reflecting the country's agricultural heritage.

17. Ukraine has a diverse array of architectural styles, ranging from medieval castles and churches to Soviet-era monuments and modern skyscrapers, reflecting its complex history and cultural influences.

18. The Crimean Peninsula, located in southern Ukraine, was annexed by Russia in 2014, leading to ongoing political tensions and international disputes over the region's sovereignty.

19. Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day on August 24th, commemorating the day in 1991 when it declared independence from the Soviet Union, following the failed coup attempt in Moscow.

20. The Holodomor, a man-made famine-genocide in Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933, resulted in the deaths of millions of Ukrainians and remains a deeply significant and sensitive issue in Ukrainian history and identity.

21. Despite facing challenges such as political instability, corruption, and conflict in eastern Ukraine, the people of Ukraine are known for their resilience, hospitality, and strong sense of national identity, symbolized by the country's motto "Freedom, Unity, Prosperity."

My Word of the Week- Sapiosexuality

Sapiosexuality

-  

Sapiosexuality means that a person is sexually attracted to highly intelligent people, so much so that they consider it to be the most important trait in a partner. It is a relatively new word that has become more popular in recent years. Both LGBTQ+ people and heterosexual people may identify as sapiosexual.

For Details visit: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/sapiosexual/

How common is sapiosexuality?

“We found that sapiosexuality can be measured psychometrically and that between 1% and 8% of relatively young people (18 to 35) may be sapiosexuals.

Meanwhile, Have you Tasted the Filipino Dessert= LUMPIA /TURON? 

Lumpia and turon are essentially interchangeable terms. Lumpia is a type of spring roll filled with either sweet or savory fillings and commonly served in Filipino cuisine. Turon, also known as banana lumpia, is filled with sweet fruits like jackfruit, saba banana, sweet potato, or mango.

Loneliness in the United States

I had a mealtime conversation with a fairly new resident the other day.  We had a heart to heart talk and he mentioned he is happy here at THD, but once in a while he feel very lonely.  I responded that I had no time to be lonely because I occupied myself with activities, such as bridge. mahjong, chair volleyball, corn hole. ladder ball, Zumba and sometimes the Strength and Balance Exercises offered here at THD.  If I am bored and getting the pangs of loneliness I start blogging. However, our conversation made me curious exactly how prevalent is loneliness in the US. Here's what I learned.

Statistics show that one in three people, or close to 33 percent, of people in the U.S. experience loneliness on a regular basis. Sixty one percent of younger people in the U.S. say they are chronically lonely.

How common is loneliness in America?

Statistics show that one in three people, or close to 33 percent, of people in the U.S. experience loneliness on a regular basis. Sixty one percent of younger people in the U.S. say they are chronically lonely.

Washington, D.C. - In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., called loneliness a public health epidemic. The latest Healthy Minds Monthly Poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) finds that, early in 2024, 30% of adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, while 10% say they are lonely every day. Younger people were more likely to experience these feelings, with 30% of Americans aged 18-34 saying they were lonely every day or several times a week, and single adults are nearly twice as likely as married adults to say they have been lonely on a weekly basis over the past year (39% vs. 22%).

When asked about a change in their level of loneliness since before COVID, 43% of American adults said their levels of loneliness had not changed, 25% said they were lonelier, and 23% felt less lonely. Most saw a positive role for technology in social connections; most Americans agreed that technology “helps me form new relationships” (66%), “helps me connect with others more frequently” (75%), and “is beneficial for forming and maintaining relationships” (69%). However, adults are split on whether technology fosters “meaningful (54%)” or “superficial (46%)” relationships.

For Complete Details visit:

https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/new-apa-poll-one-in-three-americans-feels-lonely-e

Meanwhile here are my two favorite quotes on loneliness.

 And My Photo of the Day

 

Common English Idioms and Phrases

Here are the most common English idioms and phrases that will enrich your English vocabulary and make you sound like a native speaker. I often times used these phrases to spice up my writings/blogs. 

1. ‘The best of both worlds’ – means you can enjoy two different opportunities at the same time.
“By working part-time and looking after her kids two days a week she managed to get the best of both worlds.”

2. ‘Speaking of the devil’ – this means that the person you’re just talking about actually appears at that moment.
“Hi Tom, speak of the devil, I was just telling Sara about your new car.”

3. ‘See eye to eye’ – this means agreeing with someone.
“They finally saw eye to eye on the business deal.”

4. ‘Once in a blue moon’ – an event that happens infrequently.
“I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon.”

5. ‘When pigs fly’ – something that will never happen.
“When pigs fly she’ll tidy up her room.”

6. ‘To cost an arm and a leg’– something is very expensive.
“Fuel these days costs and arm and a leg.”

7. ‘A piece of cake’– something is very easy.
“The English test was a piece of cake.”

8. ‘Let the cat out of the bag’ – to accidentally reveal a secret.
“I let the cat out of the bag about their wedding plans.”

9. ‘To feel under the weather’ – to not feel well.
“I’m really feeling under the weather today; I have a terrible cold.”

10. ‘To kill two birds with one stone’ – to solve two problems at once.
“By taking my dad on holiday, I killed two birds with one stone. I got to go away but also spend time with him.”

11. ‘To cut corners’ – to do something badly or cheaply.
“They really cut corners when they built this bathroom; the shower is leaking.”

12. ‘To add insult to injury’ – to make a situation worse.
“To add insult to injury the car drove off without stopping after knocking me off my bike.”

13. ‘You can’t judge a book by its cover’ – to not judge someone or something based solely on appearance.
“I thought this no-brand bread would be horrible; turns out you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

14. ‘Break a leg’ – means ‘good luck’ (often said to actors before they go on stage).
“Break a leg Sam, I’m sure your performance will be great.”

15. ‘To hit the nail on the head’ – to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
“He hit the nail on the head when he said this company needs more HR support.”

16. ‘A blessing in disguise’ – An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on.

17. ‘Call it a day’ – Stop working on something

18. ‘Let someone off the hook’ – To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished.

19. ‘No pain no gain’ – You have to work hard for something you want.

20. ‘Bite the bullet’ – Decide to do something unpleasant that you have avoiding doing.

21. ‘Getting a taste of your own medicine’ – Being treated the same unpleasant way you have treated others.

22. ‘Giving someone the cold shoulder’ – To ignore someone.

23. ‘The last straw’ – The final source of irritation for someone to finally lose patience.

24. ‘The elephant in the room’ – A matter or problem that is obvious of great importance but that is not discussed openly.

25. ‘Stealing someones thunder’ – Taking credit for someone else achievements.

https://englishlive.ef.com/en/blog/language-lab/15-common-english-idioms-and-phrases/

My Photo of the Day- Robin My Cat-Walking through the  valley of the Shadow of Death

Photo Credit: Jane Williams

Batman in my Sink-2/24/24

Robin in my Patio  - 2/24/24

Meanwhile, to be truly fluent in English, you must Know Your Shits!

Meanwhile, The Demand to Eat Outside Newton's is ON. Because of the perfect weather and the noise and arctic conditions inside Newton's restaurant, dining outside is perfect- less noise and you can hear your conversation. Inside Newton's Restaurant the Air -conditioning Again is Out of Control. The Acoustics in the Dining Room is one that really needs improvement as listed in my previous blog- Suggestions to Improve Quality of Life Here at THD.

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/02/suggestions-for-improvement-of-quality.html

   

Building a Sense of Community Here at THD

In my recent blog one of my readers comments stated that my blogging activities contributes to building a sense of Community here at THD. I was flattered by the comment, but the term building a sense of community was not very clear in my mind. So I did some search and here's what I learned.    What does it mean to build a sense of community?

Community building is all about bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging. This can be done in various ways, but the most common methods include organizing events, initiating joint projects, networking, and supporting each other. Building a strong community can have many benefits.

What is meant by a sense of community?

McMillan & Chavis define a sense of community as "a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members' needs will be met through their commitment to be together."

And Now some Photos here at THD an example of Building A Community- a feeing that members have a belonging to their new home in the last stages of their personal life as aging members of this Planet Earth. 

 

Lastly Feeling Nostalgia for Chateau Du Mer-our first retirement home in the Philippines

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2022/02/feeling-nostalgia-again-for-chateau-du.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2Txl9zJZngTJ6fqtAqlmV1BZsO8LJcUrsJteAvGbqwSEQ9BXSKlEV45yQ_aem_AZb51NAt7pKYkf8RszpSbHqG8IEBCwCEHHvuXXDP10G5hPjNwF7lT3TQPeJ9A8syzbWIkIGHth9ecdx6nxPEKr0V

Meanwhile, I had a 2-minute conversation with the Mystery Lady at the Fairmount Tower the other day. I invited her for Zumba. She said she is reluctant to do it again, because she heard that some guy at Newton's mentioned that her Zumba dancing was lewd.   Is it paranoia?  I told her on the contrary her Zumba moves were better than most of us and no one mentioned she was dancing lewdly. She immediately walked away as if someone is chasing after her.  

Shakespeare Famous Lines and Quotes- My Bonus Blog for Today

Do you know Shakespeare's ten famous lines? If not here they are. Enjoy!!!

William Shakespeare (bapt.Tooltip baptised 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" (or simply "the Bard"). His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.^[6] Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.

William Shakespeare, often regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in English literature, has penned numerous famous lines. Here are a ten examples:

1. "To be, or not to be: that is the question." - Hamlet

2. "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players." - As You Like It

3. "To thine own self be true." - Hamlet

4. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." - Romeo and Juliet

5. "The course of true love never did run smooth." - A Midsummer Night's Dream

6. "All that glitters is not gold." - The Merchant of Venice

7. "Brevity is the soul of wit." - Hamlet

8. "Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once." - Julius Caesar

9. "Love all, trust a few, Do wrong to none." - All's Well That Ends Well

10. "If music be the food of love, play on." - Twelfth Night

These lines showcase Shakespeare's mastery of language, depth of thought, and exploration of universal themes like love, fate, and human nature.

• Here are some of Shakespeare famous quotes,
• 
  
• .Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. ... 
• A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. ... 
• 
  
• There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. ... 
• 
  
• Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.

Is this rose real or artificial? 

Meanwhile Here's One of My Favorite Poems:

• A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: ( see the Rose above)

  Its loveliness increases; it will never

  Pass into nothingness; but still will keep

  A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

  Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

  Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing

  A flowery band to bind us to the earth,

  Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth

  Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,

  Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkened ways

  Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,

  Some shape of beauty moves away the pall

  From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,

  Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon

  For simple sheep; and such are daffodils

  With the green world they live in; and clear rills

  That for themselves a cooling covert make

  'Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,

  Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:

  And such too is the grandeur of the dooms

  We have imagined for the mighty dead;

  All lovely tales that we have heard or read:

  An endless fountain of immortal drink,

  Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.
  By John Keats, (from Endymion BOOK 1)