The obvious and twisted statistics of unemployment

There are times when we make an argument by pointing out the obvious. There are two reasons why it is important that we still test the validity of these arguments. Firstly, obvious things (what we perceive as such) must be proven as obvious (true), and constantly re-evaluated. And, secondly, the devil is in the details and we must’ve been wrong about something somewhere along the way. So, we must do all these statistical and econometrical analyses to prove to you what you already knew while also showing you what you did not see.

And this is why I shortly want to reflect on one of my latest findings.

I was working on a paper about flexicurity analysis – surprise, surprise, I’ve been working on this for years. However, this time I wanted to look at it from the start-up and self-employment angle and argue that we should integrate basic business statistics in the analysis of labour market, because being self-employed or owning a business is the new form of employment.

Starting #travels 2016: 09.01.2016. Brugge, Belgium.

On 09.01.2016. I started my ‪#‎travels2016‬ . This time I had no flights and I did not cross any borders, but still I traveled – one hour by train took me to one of the most praised cities in Belgium – Brugge. I agree the city is beautiful. But for me the most impressive thing was The Old CURIOSITY Shop, which hold true treasures for me. I love postcards, but these are like 100 years old postcards they sell! And just 0,50euros each, seriously?! So I bought 10. Then the other funny thing was the white BlackBird caffe. It reminded me about the time when you’re 15 years old and you call your white friends also niggas (no racism, I love people no matter if they’re white, black or blue;) ). And finally I also got to know what is the real Belgium Design – no design. 

Check the pictures by clicking on Continue Reading:

Trinidad and Tobago

To start the New 2016 year, I had to finalise the 2015. And surprisingly or not, I was too busy (or forgetful or lazy) to publish my pictures from trip to Trinidad and Tobago, so here they are. I hope you will enjoy. Now it is middle of winter but watching these pics makes me warm and thirsty. This all wouldn’t be possible without the best friends in the world, so I really want to thank Travis and his family and friends, you made my travel AMAZING! Each of you! The trip to Trinidad and Tobago wasn’t only about the beaches, it was about the friendship we want to sustain and love to share!

There are a lot of stories to tell about lions roaring and parrots clamouring in the evenings, lizards living in gardens; about all the road and boat trips; about home made and street food… Oh, I got so hungry suddenly.

I wish you all and especially those in need to have true friendships this and all following years! Happy New Year!

Get to more than 60 pics by clicking on Continue Reading:

Strasbourg at the end of the year

The last trip of this year to Strasbourg was full with experience. First of all, it was my first time in France. Yes, I know – such a popular country, in the middle of Europe and I had never visited it before. I must say, it was worth waiting for it.

Is the divergence the ugly truth? Case of the EU from 2000 to 2014.

One of the ideology behind the European Union is the wish for all people to be equally wealthy. Countries with lower wealth are expected to “catch up” with more wealthy countries, as for example, the Baltic States catching up the Scandinavian countries. Unfortunately in existing Europe it does not hold true.

The “Life After [..]” Trap

Since we are little we all get questioned by others:

-What will you become when you grow up? // Life after childhood

-What will you study after you finish your school? // Life after school

-Where are you going to work after you graduate? // Life after university

-What will you do next, to get promoted? // Life after being in low position at your work

-Where are you going to travel next? // Life after work

-When are you going to have a baby? // Life after being just married

I never thought there could be so many future-oriented questions! But they are all around, all the time. And unfortunately this is not always helping us to become better or reach highest mountains. I see more and more people (including myself) struggling to answer these questions and not because they (and I) don’t know the answer, but because they (and I) are fed up with social pressure and standards of having one or the other way of living. As well as, the paradox – whatever you answer, others will always have comments on it!

Miami B[ea]ch

Miami South Beach surprised me mostly with the floods. When I was staying in Miami, it was also the time of full moon eclipse, which caused the gravity to push up the water from the land side (not the ocean side). At that day, when I was going back to hotel from dinner, I had water up to my knees even in the middle of the street. The streets were closed for the cars, no public transport. But I think this is especially big problem near the hotel I stayed (Freehand Miami). I really wish them to fix this as good as they can and I hope it is possible because the hotel itself was very nice, though rooms were tiny.

In the previous post about New York I mentioned that you need 4 – 6 days to explore the city, here you are enough with 1 or 2, I think. But this is particularly for the city! If you have budget and time, I assume to explore Florida more is a thing to do. Except if you’re really a party person, you won’t get fed up with bars /clubs / pubs / pool-parties in the Miami South Beach.

That’s all I have to say about Miami, you can only find a bunch of pictures in this post – click on Continue Reading:

New York New York Love Love New York

From time to time people have a problem called “expectations”. Because of this problem our relationship break, we dislike our new job etc. Also when traveling, it is very important to avoid “expectations”, but in case you still have them, I suggest you to go to New York. There your problem will be solved by meeting your expectations and exceeding them, if you want to surprise yourself by visiting the Brighton Beach and Coney Island Beach, which is nothing like what you see in movies with views of New York!

There is no such thing “I found myself” or 2 years of Solo-traveling

The great results often come with great sacrifices – that is the point a lot of people forget when being amazed by my pictures from cities I have visited. I will leave this story of sacrifices (like being in danger or depressed) behind the scene but I will tell you what else I have learned, while traveling.

I thought I will get hotel but I found myself waxing legs in airport at 3 am – – or my business trip to Bulgaria.

On 25th of August I left Riga to go to Albena, Bulgaria for a Social Science and Arts conference SGEM.