INTERESTING FACTS

ISO standard and country codes (WikiPedia)

Mongolia is in ISO standard countries. The ISO standard is used for identifying the countries by code. There are three types of codes for each country, numeric, alpha – 3 (three letters) and alpha - 2 (two letters). Mongolia is assigned with ISO 3166-2: MN. Its numeric code is 496, alpha-3 code is MNG, and alpha – 2 code is MN. In addition, each aimag (province) is assigned a code. For example, Ulaanbaatar is MN-1, Tuv aimag is MN-047, Bulgan MN-067, etc.

Top ranking countries in IQ list (WikiPedia)

The first 10 countries in the list of IQ estimates, concluded by Dr. Richard Lynn and Dr. Tatu Vanhanen in their book called “IQ and the Wealth of the Nations,” (2002) are:

Country Estimated IQ

1. Hong Kong 107

2. South Korea 106

3. Japan 105

4. Taiwan 104

5. Singapore 103

6. Austria 102

7. Germany 102

8. Italy 102

9. Netherlands 102

10. Sweden 101

This book argues that the IQ levels and their per capita GDP are correlated. Obviously, there were many criticisms about this claim, such that only 81 countries were weight, as estimated for many countries where not available. It is for you to decide to deem this true, however you can see that first 10 countries are all considered as developed countries, five from Asia, and five from Europe. The United States of America, ranked at 23 with estimated IQ of 98, the United Kingdom at 15 with estimated IQ of 100. Unfortunately or fortunately, Mongolia was not included in the ranking.

Coffee (http://www.corsinet.com/trivia/vv-triv.html)

Coffee is the most popular beverage worldwide with over 400 billion cups consumed each year. A scientific report from the University of California found that the steam rising from a cup of coffee contains the same amounts of antioxidants as three oranges. The antioxidants are heterocyclic compounds, which prevents cancer and heart disease. Coffee is generally roasted between 204.4 C and 218.3 C. The longer it is roasted, the darker the roast. Roasting time is usually from ten to twenty minutes.

Personal Space

It is uncommon concept in Mongolia, to have a personal space (both physical and mental) and time. From the childhood, we live very close with our families. We share the rooms, toys, and even clothes. For example, I had to share my room and toys with my younger brother. I had to wear (in deficient times) some clothes descended from my uncles, which was very degrading, but our family had no other choice.

After several years of study abroad, I long for my personal space and quality time. In western culture, you are allowed to have that, but here at home, I am suffocating. I am nauseating from intrusion of my family members, friends, relatives, and even strangers into my life, my space, and my time. Is there any cure? I do not think that currently there is any cure, except to single out oneself from the people. Whenever, I try to single out myself into the symphony of loneliness, people see me as egocentric, inconsiderate of others, bizarre, unfriendly, and even rude. Isn’t it ironic? (Reminds me of a song “Ironic” by Alanis Morrissete) All I seek is little time and space, just to myself.

It is ironic that as a result to my search of “personal space” on Wikipedia, I find this passage “Personal space is highly variable. Those who live in a densely populated environment tend to have smaller personal space requirements. Thus, a resident of India may have a smaller personal space than someone who is home on the Mongolian steppe, both in regard to home and individual.” I guess they are trying to explain about the physical space between individuals and their habitat. However, what I am trying to say is that there is more to personal space than just physical aspects of it. I long for quiet quality time to read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or just be lazy, without any intrusion. Is it that much to ask?

Like the movie title “Free Willie,” I want to say FREE VICA! Keke

Here is another batch of useful websites

1. Librivox

Audio Books in Public Domain (If you would to enhance your English this is the site to visit and best of all, it is FREE!)

http://librivox.org/

2. eHow

How To Do Just About Everything (I hope you’ll have as much fun as I had browsing through this site. It is fun, educational, and helpful. I like the fact that the information is categorized on the left side. Also, you can search through typing the questions you’re interested in the Search bar.

http://www.ehow.com/

3. Photoxels

Digital Photography Tutorials (For those who are interested in photography, this is a good site to learn about cameras, digital photography, news in digital world, etc.)

http://www.photoxels.com/

4. ArtRage 2.5

This website contains the download link to ArtRage 2.5 Starters Edition (FREE) and ArtRage 2.5 Plus ($25). This software allows you to create and paint art. If you feel creative, try this one. The Starter Edition includes oil paint, pencils, knife, pen, and crayons. Plus, it can trace from photo and help you to make it into a painting.

http://www.ambientdesign.com/artrage.html

5. LifeHacker

Tips and Tricks for getting things done (Another good site for looking up on How-To’s. This one is more for IT based help and it features downloads. Check it out.)

http://lifehacker.com/

6. DaFont

If you tired of old boring fonts that your MS Word offers or you need something new for your creative work, visit this site. It offers variety of fonts and their downloads for PC and Mac.

http://www.dafont.com/

7. PortableApps.com

Portable Software for USB drives (Very useful site containing many useful softwares, but only in compact versions, so that we could carry them around and using them possible whenever and wherever we need to. I found several ones that I would be using often.)

http://portableapps.com/

8. OneBank

Single point, show you the way (This is Mongolian site containing all possible financial information. One of my friends suggested to me to compare mortgages offered by major banks in Mongolia. I found it to be very useful not only for mortgage comparison, but to find information on foreign exchange rate, gold and oil prices, insurance rate, etc. One drawback is that it is not updated daily, as I have figured. So, my suggestion would be to use it only as a guidance.)

http://www.onebank.mn/

ENJOY!

WHAT I WOULD DO FOR "MY MAN" (continued)

By many requests, here is the anticipated continuation of the short-narrative.

You grabbed me by my arms, pulled me up to your face, and looked deeply into my eyes. Then, by kissing passionately, you lured me to your arms. Your tongue touched mine and I felt the rush of distinctive feelings that I have not felt for so long. My breasts were pushed against your chest. My nipples were seduced by your touch. I could not breathe, could not see, and could think no longer. All I could do was to enjoy the moment and passion running through my veins and burning every part of my body. I realized that my left arm was around your neck and right one was caressing your soft brown hair. I released a soft cry of pleasure.

And yet another celebration

So, here we go. Tsagaan Sar. As you are aware, most people are now starting to criticize the way we celebrate Tsagaan Sar. We were complaining from long ago, but this year it seems more people are unhappy with the way it is done. Unfortunately, I do not like this holiday. I understand the foundation of Tsagaan Sar. We have to give respect to our elderly, family, and friends. Maybe, I am too westernized not to value these things enough, but the way we do it, is just ridiculous. We spend millions on food, presents, and outfits. For what? Only to eat and wear for 2-3 days and give pointless gifts? Aren’t we the generation to modernize they it is celebrated? Shouldn’t we put our efforts to make the celebration less distressing economically and socially?

Well, anyways, Happy Holidays to ya all!

Poem #23

The time we had last night
Thrilling party from eight
Just the two of us were there
Having our little secret affair

Now it’s the next morning
And sun is showing us the warning
As your head is hurting so bad
Young body of yours that had
Refusing to absorb the alcohol
Remaking your world to hell

Now you in front of me smiling
Sitting in the car yawning
Complaining about the bad night
Explaining that it not quite right

Wish I could take the pain away
Giving the cheer for today
Humming your favorite song
Humoring to shatter your sadness

But baby, listen to this
Caused hurt will be forgotten
Hangover will pass
It is a new day tomorrow
Until then you may borrow
And may share my happiness