Turkish Food

                                        

A wonderful mixture of cooking styles coexists within Turkish cuisine. Due to its geographical location nestled between Asia and Europe, Turkish food is a unique and exotic fusion with influences from many countries.

Since the days of the powerful Ottoman empire, Turkey has also been at the centre of trade, especially in spice, and the Ottoman chefs borrowed, adapted and perfected dishes from many other cuisines. The results of this distillation spread far beyond its borders with Turkish-style pastries (the ever-popular baklava) using filo and nuts being eaten in many neighbouring countries. The Turkish use of spices in many dishes and popular method of grilling food, particularly meat, over charcoal has also spread to neighbouring nations and beyond.

Olive trees are grown in abundance in Turkey, particularly in the west, and so olive oil is generously used. The diet here, like elsewhere in the Mediterranean, is typically rich in vegetables, herbs and fish. Other commonly used ingredients include lamb, beef, chicken, eggplants, nuts, garlic and lentils. Herbs and spices are also generously used, with cumin, pepper, mint, oregano, parsley and paprika being among the most popular. A Turkish meal typically begins with a thin soup known as a corba. Soups are usually called after their main ingredient, which may be lentils, wheat, or yoghurt. There was a time when soup was the morning meal of choice but nowadays breakfast is more likely to involve a spread of eggs, tomatoes, cheeses, jam, honey and spicy sausage. One popular breakfast dish is menemen, which consists of tomatoes, peppers, onion, olive oil and eggs.

In Australia, we are gradually learning that true Turkish food extends far beyond colourful vegetable dips, delicious pide bread and kebabs. That said, it's a great way to start! Over the past decade we've seen Turkish bread become a staple in many homes and loved in sandwich shops and cafes across the country. Also gaining popularity is the Turkish answer to sliced ham or pastrami, bastourma, air-dried beef that is coated and cured in a mixture of dried ground spices. And how could we go past a locally made authentic Turkish delight with traditional coffee to finish a meal? Delicious.

Source : http://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2008/07/01/about-turkish-food

By : SBS Food

Disneyland's History

One day Walt Disney had a vision. It was a vision of a place where children and parents could have fun together. The more Walt dreamed of a “magical park,” the more imaginative and elaborate it became.

The original plans for the park were on 8 acres next to the Burbank studios where his employees and families could go to relax. Although, World War II put those plans on hold. During the war, Walt had time to come up with new ideas, and creations for his magical park. It was soon clear that 8 acres wouldn’t be enough.

Finally in 1953, he had the Stanford Research Institute conduct a survey for a 100-acre site, outside of Los Angeles. He needed space to build rivers, waterfalls, and mountains; he would have flying elephants and giant teacups;a fairy-tale castle, moon rockets, and a scenic railway; all inside a magic kingdom he called “Disneyland.”

Location was a top priority. The property would have to be within the Los Angeles metropolitan area, and accessible by freeway. It would also have to be affordable: Walt’s pockets were only so deep.

The search for the best spot finally ended in the rural Anaheim, California with a purchase of a 160-acre orange grove near the junction of the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) and Harbor Boulevard.

Although, Disneyland was expensive. Walt once said “I could never convince the financiers that Disneyland was feasible, because dreams offer too little collateral.” So Walt turned to Television for his financial support. “Walt Disney’s Disneyland” television series offered a glimpse of the future project. This brought the idea of Disneyland into reality for Walt and the American people.

The site were Disneyland was to be built

Construction for Disneyland began on July 21, 1954, a meager 12 months before the park was scheduled to open. From that day forward Walt Disney’s life would never be the same.

Some 160-acres of citrus trees had been cleared and 15 houses moved to make room for the park. The area was in semi-rural Orange County, near a freeway that would eventually stretch from San Diego to Vancouver.

Walt discussing the plans of all the different lands

When the real designing came around, Walt was met with inevitable questions. How do you make believable wild animals, that aren’t real? How do you make a Mississippi paddle ship? How do you go about building a huge castle in the middle of Anaheim, California? So, Walt Disney looked to his movie studio staff for the answers. The design of Disneyland was something never done before. There would be five uniquely different lands.

Walt had planed out all the lands, to every detail. Main Street, U.S.A., the very front of the park, was where Walt wanted to relive the typical turn of the century city Main Street. He said:

    “For those of us who remember the carefree time it recreates, Main Street will bring back happy memories. For younger visitors, it is an adventure in turning back the calendar to the days of grandfather’s youth.”

Walt made Main Street U.S.A the entrance to a “weenie,” as he called it. He said:

     “What you need is a weenie, which says to people ‘come this way.’ People won’t go down a long corridor unless there’s something promising at the end. You have to have something the beckons them to ‘walk this way.'”

Walt also had planed for an “exotic tropical place” in a “far-off region of the world.” Called Adventureland. Walt said, “To create a land that would make this dream reality, we pictured ourselves far from civilization, in the remote jungles of Asia and Africa.”

Frontierland was made to relive the pioneer days of the American frontier. Walt said:

      “All of us have a cause to be proud of our country’s history, shaped by the pioneering spirit of our forefathers. . .Our adventures are designed to give you the feeling of having lived, even for a short while, during our country’s pioneer days.”

Fantasyland was created with the goal to “make dreams come true” from the lyrics of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” Walt said:

“What youngster. . .has not dreamed of flying with Peter Pan over moonlit London, or tumbling into Alice’s nonsensical Wonderland? In Fantasyland, these classic stories of everyone’s youth have become realities for youngsters-of all ages-to participate in.”

Fantasyland would feature a large Sleeping Beauty Castle, and a Fantasy Village.

Tomorrowland was created as a look at the “marvels of the future.” Walt said:

“Tomorrow can be a wonderful age. Our scientists today are opening the doors of the Space Age to achievements that will benefit our children and generations to come. . .The Tomorrowland attractions have been designed to give you an opportunity to participate in adventures that are a living blueprint of our future.”

Although, Walt had trouble working on Tommorrowland. He said that “right when we do Tommorrowland, it will be out dated.”

Walt Stayed close to every detail of the Park’s Construction, and he visited the site in Anaheim several times a week. Progress went sporadically despite exasperating obstacles.

The Rivers of America, carved out of sandy citrus grove soil, refused to hold water. The answer was finally found in a bed of native clay: an inch layer on the river bottom formed a pad as hard as cement. Although, minor set backs did follow, progress did continue.

Disneyland underconstruction in 1955

Plants were planted throughout the park, emptying nurseries from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Detail was made; if Walt Disney didn’t like what his studio designers came up with, he’d do it himself. An example of this is Tom Sawyers Island. He thought his designers had “misunderstood the idea” so Walt took home the plans and the next day had it designed the way it appears today.

Bit by bit, Disneyland got ready for Opening Day. The staff worked around the clock to get ready. The Mark Twain was being moved, deck by deck, down the Santa Ana freeway to get to Disneyland on time. Finally, everything seemed to come together. The “magical little park” was really a $17,000,000 “Magic Kingdom.” Walt’s dream had come true and Disneyland was ready to open.”

Opening day, was a day to remember. Six thousand invitations to the Grand Opening had been mailed. By mid-afternoon over 28,000 ticket holders were storming the Magic Kingdom. Most of the tickets were counterfeit.

Walt Disney was 53 when he dedicated Disneyland Park. It was a memorable ceremony. There in Town Square, Walt could look around and see the fulfillment of his hopes, dreams, and ambitions in the form of a spectacular entertainment kingdom.

Although, Opening Day was a terrible disaster. A 15 day heat wave raised temperatures up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, due to a plumbers strike, few water fountains were operating in the hot weather. Asphalt still steaming, because it had been laid the night before, literality “trapping” high heeled shoes. After opening day, the heat wave continued, and almost wiped out the park.

Beside the terrible opening day conditions, the park did eventually pick up. By 1965, ten years after opening day, 50 Million visitors had come through the gates.

Even though Walt Disney wasn’t able to see how his park and his company prospered and grew into the 21st Century, his legacy still lives on with us. Throughout Disneyland and throughout the entire world, he will always be there.

Source : http://www.justdisney.com/disneyland/history.html

Let's try it!

How Do We Greet People?

When meeting someone for the first time, it is usual to shake the person’s right hand with your right hand. People who don’t know each other generallly do not kiss or hug when meeting. When you first meet someone, it is polite not to talk about personal matters.

Many Australians look at the eyes of the people they are talking with. They consider this a sign of respect, and an indication that they are listening. Do not stare at the person for a long time.

You can address a new acquaintance using their little and family name. you may use their first name when they ask you to or use it in the introduction. In the workspace and among friends, most Australians tend to be informal and call each other by their first names.

Belize

Press first together (Make a fist. Look for another person with the same. When you see someone doing the same thing, press your fists together).

Japan

Bow from waist. Look for another person doing the same

Russia

Kiss three times, on alternate cheeks… left, right, left. This is an old tradition. (Just kiss in the air and look for someone who is doing the same).

  

Egypt

Kiss three times, on alternate cheeks … left, right, left. (Just kiss in the air and look for someone who is doing the same).

Note

Michele Bondesan from Italy informs us with this statement: “I’m an Italian Boy and I would like to inform you that what you say about kissing in Italy is uncorrect. I’ve never seen any Italian people kissing four times; usually we kiss twice or, more recently, three times (young people mostly kiss three times).”

New Zealand (Maori)

When the Maori people greet each other, they press their noses together. This custom is called hongi. (Find your partner by pressing your nose in the air … figure out a way to do this).

Bolivia

The Aymara women in Bolivia says hello to a friend with a trip of her bowler hat. (Tip of your hat to find your partner who is doing the same).

Ecuador

An Ecuadorian woman greets her friend with medio abrazo (“half embrace”) like a partial hug. (Extend your left arm out to the left and look for a person who is extending the right arm).

Mexico

One kiss on the cheek. (Kiss in the air to the left or right).

U.S.

Businesswoman/women usually shake hands when meeting each other. (Do a handshake with your right hand to find your partner).

South Africa

The Zulu of South Africa say, Sakubona when greeting friends. (Say Sakubona to find your partner).

Italy

In Italy, friends greet each other by saying Ciao. (Say Ciao to find your partner).

Fiji

Men are expected to say oooo when greeting their chief. (To find your chief say oooo).

Afghanistan

It is traditional for women to be more reserved in their greetings  than man. When meeting a stranger, a man will say  manda na bashi (may you not to be tired). A Ghilzai woman will raise her hand to cover her mouth. (To find your partner, put your hand over your mouth. Your partner will be saying manda na bashi).

US. And Europe

The high five originated among American college basketball players in the early 1980’s. It soon spread to other sports and became fashionable among young people. (To find your partner, raise your hand to show your high fives).

Zambia

To find your partner, nod, slightly bend knees, and shake hands, right hand extended, with left hand under right elbow.

Portugal

Bomdia means hello in Portuegese. (Say bomdia to find your partner).

Ghana

Ming-gah-bou Ga means “hello” in Ghana. (Say Ming-gah-bou Ga to find your partner)

Turkey

Merhaba means hello. (Say Merhaba to find your partner).

U.S. Military Cadet

Salute to find your partner.

Madagascar

People used to greet nobles by saying Tsara Va? Which meant are you well? (To find your partner say Tsara Va?)

France

In France, peoople say Bon Jour (Good Day) during the day and Bon Soir (good evening) in the evening . (Say Bon Jour to find your partner)

South Africa

The Afrikaners of South Africa say Goeie more in the morning, Goeie middag in the afternoon, and Goeie naand  in the evening. (to find your partner say the appropiate greeting).

Cyprus

Telephone greeting : In Cyprus, people answer the phone with Ano (Yes). To find your partner, ring your phone and listen for Ano.

Czech Republich

Telephone greeting : In Czech Republich, people answer the phone with Prosim (ready). (to find your partner, listen for a phone ring and say Prosim).

Germany

Telephone greeting : In Germany, people answer the phone by saying their last name. to find your partner, listen for a phone ring and say your last name.

Greece

In the exotic Greek language, Kalimera (Good morning) is said. (To find your partner, say Kalimera)

Vietnam

Hello in Viatnamese is different depending on whom you are addressing. To an older man it is Cha ong.  To an older woman it is Chao da. To a younger man it is Chao anh. To a younger woman it is Chao co. To small children it is Chao chau. (To find your partner, use an appropriate greeting, you probably have to try different greetings)

Vietnam

Since hello in Vietnamese varies depending on whom you are addressing, say Bach co khoe kong? (How are you) to find your partner.

(Adapted from www. Hawaii.edu)

THUMBELINA

There was once a woman who wanted a small child but didn’t know where to get one. So she went to a witch for help.

“ A little child? “ said the witch, “That’s easy. Here’s a magic seed. Plant it in a flower pot and see what happens!”

The woman thanked the witch, paid her with a piece of silver, and went home to plant the magic seed. As soon as it touched the sol, the seed grow into a tulip, whose flower opened with a pop. In the middle of the flower sat a tiny girl.

“Why, the pretty little thing is hardly as big as my thum!” cried the woman. “I am going to call her Thumbelina.”

The woman made Thumbelina a bed from a walnut shell. Instead of going out, Thumbelina played on the kitchen table. Her favorite game was sailing across a bowl of water in a boat made from a tulip leaf. As she sailed, she sang in a high, sweet voice.

One night, an old toad got in through an open window and hopped down onto the kitchen table. “Just the wife for my son!” the toad declared when it saw Thumbelina sleeping in her tiny bed. The toad picked up the walnut shell and hopped out through the window into the garden, there was a stream with muddy banks, and that was where the old toad lived with her son. He was even damper and uglier than his mother. When saw the pretty little girl asleep in the walnut shell, all he could say was, “Ribbik! Ribbik!”. “Not so loud!” whispered the old toad. “If you wake her up, she’ll run away. We’ll put her on a water-lily leaf in the middle of the stream so se won’t be able to escape. The we can clear out the best room for the wedding.”

In the morning, when she woke up, Thumbelina was starteled to find herself on a big green leaf in the middle of a stream

(Taken from; www.storytotell.com)