Secret Life of Pets (review)

 The Secret Life of Pets is a clever, engaging adventure. It's a film by Universal Pictures which was written by Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney. This film takes place in New York City in 2015 which is about what your domesticated animals do while you're not around. Main characters Max (voiced by Louis C.K.) and Duke (Eric Stonestreet) 

The film involves some dangerous adventures in which the main characters are Max and his friends. Max, who is Katie´s adorable dog, loves spending time with Katie and she loves him because he is a well-educated dog. The drama starts when Katie adopts Duke, who is a larger mutt. Obviously, Max doesn´t like Duke and he is jealous. One day, Max and Duke go out with their dog walker but he is distracted by his cell phone so an animal control officer catches them. The adventure begins when Snowball, who is a lovely rabbit that was disappointed by humans, helps them to escape with the condition to join his revenge plans against humans pointing out that he hates domesticated animals, Max and Duke accept, even when they are domesticated animals, but they only want to go back home with Katie. So the impossible mission starts but Snowball mustn't discover their real identity

Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney, directors, have made this film something memorable, in which with some help from Universal Studios has done extraordinary animation work. You can see a lot of details in every moment (shapes, light, etc.). My favorite character is Snowball who has an uncontrollable temperament. He is so cute and funny. There´s no doubt that Chris and Yarrow are talented directors. 

This film has a lot of hilarious scenes, which you won't stop laughing at. There are also romantic scenes and more. However, for me, the most fascinating contrast is the Duke and Max friendship, in which you can see the evolution of how they became brothers. The Secret Life of Pets is a light, delightful film which I´d thoroughly recommend. 

DON'T LOOK UP

Dont’t Look Up is set in America in the 21st century digital world. It stars Jennifer Lawrence as Kate Dibiasky, an astronomy grad student, and Leonardo DiCaprio as her professor Dr. Randall Mindy. 

As the film opens, Kate makes an astounding discovery of a comet orbiting within the solar system. What is supposed to be a ground-breaking discovery for her career, soon becomes the worst nightmare for the pair of scientists, who realize that the comet is headed towards the Earth, triggering what they estimate to be an extinction-level event. In an attempt to warn mankind of the approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth, the two low-level astronomers must go on a giant media tour that will face them with the sad reality of society today: No one really seems to care. Starting from the office of an indifferent President Orlean (Meryl Streep) and her sycophantic son and Chief of Staff, Jason (Jonah Hill), to the airwaves of The Daily Rip, an upbeat morning show hosted by Brie (Cate Blanchett) and Jack (Tyler Perry), we see them meeting the famous pop star Ariana Grande. With only a six-month interval before the comet impacts the Earth, taking control over the 24-hour news cycle and gaining the attention of the social media obsessed public before it's too late, shockingly comically proves what it takes to get the people all over the world just to look up.

Skilfully directed by Adam McKay, the film captures the essence of the culture of banality in a humorous and entertaining way, focusing on the shallowness and tackiness of today’s humanity. The script is gripping, with a pretty dark theme and timely hilarious moments. The performances of DiCaprio, Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett are flawless, all of them do a brilliant job. However, in my opinion, the character of Kate, convincingly acted by Jennifer Lawrence, is the most amusing of all and made me realise how much I missed watching her in films. 

With such a big cast of absolute talent, the skill of the director and editors, and the story, mixing scientific facts and verbal garbage from political blowhards and tech giant psychos who have no idea what they're doing, Don’t Look Up is a family-friendly film which I thoroughly recommend. Satire at its best!

Canadian behaviors for rookies.

 

The Canadian people are friendly, but here I give you some important things that every visitor should know when spending time in the country and its people.

When you meet a local for the first time, it’s common to shake hands to introduce themselves, and may shake hands before departing, as well. This greeting can be used in formal or informal situation. But don’t be surprised if your local friend gives you a short hug, especially women. The kissing remains are reserved for family or lovers. It could be considered extremely rude and offensive to no respond to shake hands with someone after they extend their hand to you.

In terms of social coexistence Canadian people feel uncomfortable if don’t keep a personal space, so be prudent and try to keep your distance, they are known as a very polite person so gestures mean a lot for them, so when you are talking with someone, it's perfectly acceptable to make eye contact, and can consider rude if you don’t do it , Canada is not a nation with a lot of obscene or offensive gestures. In general, most rude hand or body gestures are done knowingly, and can be easily avoided as a result.

If you keep these points in mind, you’ll have much fun and comfortable visit.

Short tips to have a good trip to Japan by Abraham

Like Korea, Japan is a country with a very unique culture, visitors can feel uncomfortable by the rules, social norms, and interpersonal relations that exist there. 

Foreigners visiting Japan are not expected to be familiar with Japanese etiquette, but knowing a few basics will go a long way in helping you adapt to local customs and avoid making cultural gaffes. So If you're planning to travel to Japan, here are a few cultural faux pas you should know.

1. Visit during cherry blossom season

You might be surprised to learn that the glorious cherry blossom, seen adorning postcards and tourist brochures from across Japan, actually only blooms in the country during the sakura (cherry blossom) season. 

Running roughly from the end of March to early May, it can be the most expensive time to visit, but it’s also when Japan is at its most enchanting and vibrant. Sakura is so prized that there’s even a word for enjoying looking at it (and other flowers): hanami. Walking through parks, you’ll notice crowds gathered for hanami parties, picnicking under trees.

2. There’s no need to tip

In fact, it can be seen as rude, and if you do tip, you may find yourself being chased by a waiter, thinking you've left your change by mistake. An alternative, if you take a guided tour or cookery class, for example, is to bring a small present from your country as a token of your appreciation.

3. Be polite

Foreigners have a reputation for being noisy in Japan, especially on public transport, so be respectful; it’s impolite to answer your phone, and, if you’re listening to music, turn the volume down low. It’s ruder in Japan to blow your nose in public than a sniff, and avoid eating on the go.

And now, Things you should never do in Japan.

1. Don't break the rules of chopstick etiquette.

You should never stick your chopsticks vertically in your bowl of rice because in their culture do this resembles a funeral ritual. another piece of advice for this action is when you want to pass food to another person, never do it with your chopsticks because this is another taboo for them.

2. Don't wear shoes indoors. 

If you're visiting a Japanese home, your shoes should be immediately removed once you're through the door. “Outdoor” shoes are considered unclean.

3. Don't blow your nose in public.

Blowing your nose in public in Japan is considered to be uncouth. Find a bathroom or another private place if you have to do it.

4. Avoid loud phone conversations while on public transit.

Japan is not frequently seen people using their phones on public transport because they are so quiet so it's not common for them, but If you have to use your phone in a public area, move to a quiet place with few people around.

5. Don't point.

Pointing at people or things is considered rude in Japan. Instead of using a finger to point at something, the Japanese use a hand to gently wave at what they would like to indicate. When referring to themselves, people will use their forefinger to touch their noses instead of pointing at themselves.

And that's it, remember always be polite and don't disturb them.

Osorno the best experience for you

 Party never stop 

    If you want to visit Chile in a few months there are some important things that every visitor should know about it. 

    When Chilean people meet someone for the first time, it's normal to receive a warm welcome; they´ll make you feel comfortable and confident so if you´re ready to eat a lot and catch attention from everyone this is your country. 

    Osorno is a little city next to Rahue´s lake where you can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Christmas is near so if you´re not used to being warm, it can seem strange because in Osorno it is uncommon for people to be quiet and calm. People used to be very kind and warm. You will receive a “Hi” or a “good morning” from everyone even if they don´t know you. You will find Christmas decorations in every house of the city and it's probable that you will receive an invitation for thanksgiving dinner.

    When you arrive for dinner, be on time, keep eye contact, posture, and enjoy the party. Don´t worry about paying for something or vandalism, Osorno is one of the safest cities in Chile. 

If you keep these points in mind, you´ll have a much more comfortable, enjoyable visit to Osorno, Chile

British Pub Etiquette

Round It Out 

Those travelling to the United Kingdom for the first time will discover that pubs are a central aspect of British culture. So if you plan to board a plane to the UK in the coming months, you should go to a pub at least once, but make sure to follow the rules of pub etiquette in order to enjoy your time there.

 The first thing you have to know is that pubs do not provide table service: orders and payments are made at the bar. So you have to go up to the bar to buy your drinks, and carry them back to your table. If you are part of a large group, then it is common to ask someone to help you bring back the drinks without spilling them. But you’ll have to find out what everyone wants before you approach the bar to purchase drinks for the group. Tipping bartenders at pubs is not expected and is quite unusual.

 When asking for a draught beer it will be assumed you want a pint unless you say otherwise - you can also ask for a half pint. But you have to specify exactly the type of beer you want. If you’re not sure what to ask for, a lager is a safe, middle-of-the-road choice. Or, you can ask for a ‘soft drink’ if you don’t drink alcohol.

 One un-British aspect of pub etiquette is the lack of queuing. To get served, you must attract the attention of the bartender without yelling or making any too-obvious gesticulation like waving wildly. You can simply make eye contact and smile to catch the barman’s eye. That’s all that is necessary to ensure that you have been noticed and will be served in your turn. Because, although there is no visible queue at the bar, there is a virtual queue in the head of the bartender seeing who arrived in what order.

 If you’re drinking with British people this is very important: Buying a round of drinks. It is common practice, for groups of friends or work colleagues to take turns buying rounds of drinks for everyone at the table. If someone has bought a round for the group, including a drink for you, you’ll be expected to reciprocate the gesture by buying at least one round for the people you’re drinking with. This is an unspoken rule that should ever be broken.

 If you keep these points in mind, you’ll have a more enjoyable visit to pubs in Britain, and, even if you don’t drink alcohol, you may come to like them and go again. Cheers!

HOW TO WORK AS A TEAM

When we are talking about having a good team, how do you imagine or think a good team and functional is? Well, I'll present to you my own opinions about being a good team.

First I have to clarify something about having a good team; 1. Is not difficult and it's because sometimes we are not into it, we imagine that, oh they're so different to me and how can I work as a team if they're not the same as me, well it's normal in a team to have a different kind of minds and the fact is when you and your team think about how to make something, you need to have different opinions to choose the best way and then do it as a professional team.

2. Communicate, every day, everywhere, good communication is at the heart of great teamwork. Great teams communicate well and often, their members are happy to share ideas, brainstorm together, ask for feedback, and be contradicted. But be careful in the case you contradicted them, you should be polite and sensitive with them because they have feelings and don't get frustrated if their ideas are not good, it's very important to your team to have different opinions.

3. Establish team rules “Rules?” I hear you thinking, “that doesn’t sound fun at all.” Think again. Rules don’t have to be a dampener, but they do have to exist to keep everyone aligned. How can we forward together if we don’t know where we stand? Rules will safeguard the success and productivity of a team.

4. Celebrate. Like recognition and gratitude, celebrations don’t have to be big, but they should be frequent. By doing this, you’re weaving them into your team’s culture and the benefits will become lasting and more impactful.

You’re also reminding people that your goals are achievable and worth striving for, which will keep motivation high. For example, you can go out for dinner or drink in a bar on Fridays, go to a place that makes them feel peacefulness and happiness.

To sum up, having a good team is a challenge where you and your partners have to create a good relationship strong and respectful, is constant action and sometimes can't be possible but is an adventure.

So are you ready to work as a good team?