Jutut kategoriassa In English - Page 29 of 30

Foods of Power

Finland is known for its climate and love of sauna. Finland, however, is not particularly known for its cuisine. Finnish traditional food does not seem to appeal to the globalized audience. Some even dare to say it is not very tasty. But it does tend to be very healthy. Why? Well, because it is prepared with love, obviously. And because of Superfoods.

In English

TEKSTI Marcelo Goldmann

KUVAT Alisa Tciriulnikova

What? You haven’t heard of superfoods? Surely you’ve heard of Superfoods. Those fancy dancy foods, which are supposed to be extremely healthy and make you younger and stronger and faster, and give you the ability to fly.

All right, so I might be exaggerating just a tiny bit. Depending whom you ask and if the Internet is to be believed (as if the internet would lie), superfoods are foods with supposed superior health benefits and those, which have such a high concentration of nutrients that just a relatively small amount of it can provide nutrition comparable to larger amounts of other foods.

Some say “superfood” is just a glamorous word for exotic food to increase sales and price. You may have heard of (or seen in the supermarket) chia seeds, algae, almonds, cherries, coconut, raw cacao, berries; you know, the usual suspects. Perhaps, the most well-known Finnish superfoods are its berries, some of which are: blueberry (mustikka), sea buckthorne (tyrni), cloudberry (lakka), lingonberry (puolukka), cranberry (karpalo), crowberry (variksenmarja), and blackcurrant (mustaherukka).

The truth is a bit of column A, and a bit of column B; but isn’t it always? Suffice to say, there is some truth to both claims: superfoods tend to provide high density of nutrition, having a high amount of vitamins and minerals, and some of them tend to be rather pricey.

The Rural Women’s Advisory Organisation (Maa- ja kotitalousnaiset) has begun a project called Superruokkaa Pohjolasta (Superfood from the North) in which they are raising awareness of the availability of superfoods right here in the North that we perhaps had not paid enough attention to. These are foods which you might be ignoring every time you go to the shop!

By rebranding these foods as Superfoods, they hope to increase our awareness of these very nutritional and readily available foods.

For example, oats (kaura), rye (ruis), as well as fish like the whitefish (siika), vendance (muikku), and pike (hauki); not to mention the delicious mushrooms like the chantarelle (kantarelli) and trumpets (suppilovahvero). And what about root veggies and stem veggies, didn’t you know they are very high on nutrients? There is beetroot (punajuuri), rutabaga (lanttu), radish (retiisi), broccoli (parsakaali), and cauliflower (kukkakaali), brussel sprouts (ruusukaali), and ginger (inkivääri).

All of these are “Nordicly” available, at decent prices, and just so happen to be Superfoods.

Don’t be missing out – get some Nordic superfoods and give your body some well-deserved nutrition. You can find more information at maajakotitalousnaiset.fi, where you will also find recipes for preparation of meals with superfood (only in Finnish so far). Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to have me some sieni-juusto-pippurikermamuhennos on top of some steamed parsakaali and kukkakaali. Nom nom nom!

Julkaistu 11.11.20151.2.2023

Marcelo Goldmann

A Doctor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Oulu. "Life is like a rubber duckie, you gotta keep it afloat to see its splendor." Instagram: @marcelogman

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New Solar System Research Opportunity At Our University

The International Space Station, the NASA New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Europa Multiple Flyby Mission - these are all international scientific collaborations that are considered humankind’s most ambitious experiments. And do you know that the University of Oulu is now taking an active part in NASA’s Mission to Moon Europa?

In English

TEKSTI Margarita Khartanovich

KUVAT Alisa Tciriulnikova

We asked Juergen Schmidt, Professor of Astronomy at the University of Oulu, how the university happened to become part of a NASA mission.

“I have been working with Sascha Kempf (a research associate at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, LASP, at the University of Colorado) for a long time in the team of the Cosmic Dust Analyser instrument on board the ESA/NASA Cassini spacecraft at Saturn,” said Schmidt.

“After Kempf had accepted a position at LASP, I became a Co-investigator of his proposal to NASA for the development and building of SUDA for future space missions. This instrument was recently selected by NASA for the forthcoming Jupiter mission.”

This exciting collaboration between the Faculty of Science of the University of Oulu and LASP of the University of Colorado is an obvious advantage of internationalization, fully supported by the administration of both universities. Just to understand the scale of the project we will tell you that in 2016 NASA will spend 30 million dollars to formulate the mission to Europa. It has already selected nine science instruments (and SUDA is one of them) to investigate whether the mysterious icy moon could harbour conditions suitable for life.

“This is a giant step in our search for oases that could support life in our own celestial backyard,” said Curt Niebur, Europa program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

“We’re confident that this versatile set of science instruments will produce exciting discoveries on a much-anticipated mission.”

Another interesting fact about this project is that students can make their contribution too.

“Students from the University of Oulu can participate in this project”, confirms Schmidt.

“I will begin to formulate tasks of Bachelor’s and Master’s theses related to the dust instrument on the mission. Besides, students may have an opportunity to do their doctoral studies in this context.”

According to Professor Schmidt, working on the international projects of this kind is an excellent reference for students, which can boost their chances in first-class research institutions. And for Finland it might be a good boost too, for its scientific recognition globally.

Julkaistu 21.10.20151.2.2023

Margarita Khartanovich

UUNI Editor, Master’s degree in Journalism (University of Tampere). Interested in politics, history, music, social issues and education. Twitter: @marthatcher

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I choose you!

With this autumn comes not only the falling of leaves and a renewed love for poofy jackets and cozy leggings, but also two major November elections. Our very own Student Union of the University of Oulu (OYY) will have a newly elected Student Council and a new Administration will also be elected

In English

TEKSTI Marcelo Goldmann

KUVAT Marcelo Goldmann

As a student of the University of Oulu and a member of the Student Union, you have the right to be represented and the privilege of being able to have a say on who will do it. You have the power. Your ballot counts. So, make your voice count. Go and catch them all! Okay, maybe just a few… the ones that you want to represent you.

“Why should I care?”

I’m glad you asked. Simply put, the Student Union advocates for your rights as a student and you should have a say on who will be representing you in it.
It is in every student’s best interest to be well informed about the candidates and vote for the ones they feel would do a better job in representing them.

Should you abstain from voting, the consequences would be dire indeed. Legend has it that one time a student forgot to vote. The very next morning the student woke up two minutes too late! And that was only the beginning. The student then noticed that the laces of her shoes were untied, which made her feel mildly inconvenienced. Her bread was a bit too toasted that morning, as her flatmate had placed the toaster number in 3 instead of 2. As the student rode her bike to school she realized her front tire was slightly deflated, which didn’t hinder her commute, but made her feel slightly uncomfortable at the thought of deflated bike tires. This student loved pizza, but during lunch time the person in the queue right in front of her took the last piece, and the student had to eat the non-pizza option.

When the poor student thought things could not get any worse, she received a phone call from her dentist, cancelling the cleaning appointment for the day and asking to please come the next day. The student would have to spend one more day with unclean teeth, truly a nightmare. Distraught at the news, she went back home and took a nap. That was when The Ghost Of The Voting Past visited her. The Ghost explained why everyone should vote and the student understood the importance of voting and having a voice. When she woke up, it was the Election Day again, and she still had one hour for paper voting. The student rushed to vote for the candidates, who best fit her criteria, and then treated herself to some cafeteria pizza.

But that’s just a legend. Truly no one can say with absolute certainty what would happen. What I can tell you is that giving up your vote is not something you should do if you want your voice and opinion to count.

A Council of Students, for Students

The Representative Student Council is formed by 37 elected student members of the Student Union; that is, any student who belongs to the Student Union of University of Oulu, which most likely includes you, dear reader. This council is the highest decision-making body in OYY and is tasked with the approbation of the budgets and the annual action plans of the Student Union.

The Student Council represents you, the Student, in the Student Union, and defines the policies of the Union, as well as deciding how the membership fees will be used. The council appoints the Board that wields the executive power of OYY, as well as the Secretary General who acts as the head of staff of the Union. Moreover, the Council also elects the Editor of the newspaper Oulun ylioppilaslehti, that you just so happen to be reading at the moment. The meetings of the Council are open for everyone so you are free to join in and learn what your membership fee is being used for.

The choice is yours

The voting will begin electronically on 28th of October 2015 at 9.00 and it will end on the Elections Day on Wednesday 4th of November 2015 at 15.00. Traditional ballot paper voting will be carried out during the Election Day in the main Lobby of the Linnanmaa Campus between 9.00 and 16.00.

It is up to you for whom you would like to vote; the vote is secret after all. But if you are willing to take the nonspecific advice of this humble writer, you might want to look for active candidates who have the best interests of the students in mind and who aren’t afraid of a challenge. Make sure they convey your opinions more or less adequately so you feel you are being well represented.

You will be able to find more information about the elections on the website of the Student Union at www.oyy.fi.

Julkaistu 21.10.20151.2.2023

Marcelo Goldmann

A Doctor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Oulu. "Life is like a rubber duckie, you gotta keep it afloat to see its splendor." Instagram: @marcelogman

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Hi 5, Myths About Sweden Busted

Our reporter has moved to Sweden, and here are her views on what it is like.

In English

TEKSTI Bianca Beyer

1. Swedes Are Less Distant – Superficially!

They say an introverted Finn looks at his shoes when talking to you; an extroverted Finn looks at your shoes. And it’s true! Unless you ask for something specific, they prefer to keep at a distance. On the contrary, Swedes would rather approach you with a smile, shake hands, introduce themselves and start a friendly small talk. So you get an impression that they are way more open. In fact, they only want to look more sociable while being as introverted as the Finns. At least in Finland you know right away where you are at.

2. “Royal” Clubbing Culture

Stockholm is twice the size of Helsinki when it comes to inhabitants, but is that really a reason to act all posh when it comes to clubbing? Firstly, you need to have your name on a guest-list to avoid spending a fortune on an entrance ticket. And if before approaching the overpriced wardrobe you don’t put all your belongings in the purse, they just take them in the blink of an eye and charge you for each of them separately. Secondly, having “drunk eyes” is already a criterion for being kicked out of a club – not imaginable in Finland. The only plus is that people dance in Swedish clubs instead of pushing each other.

3. All Swedes Are Gay? No Way, José!

Finns referring to Swedes as gay is a big misunderstanding, probably driven by the out-dated misconception of recognizing someone’s sexuality by clothing. Now here’s the breaking news: You can take good care of your outer appearance. Manliness is not related to dirty fingernails and long greasy hair. If you mean hipster beards, trench coats or smart-casual looks, they are simply fashion trends that come and go. And some of them are probably set in Sweden.

4. Tolerance Levels

When it comes to official measures taken against discrimination, Sweden is a few steps ahead of Finland. Only last year Finland managed to get enough votes to pass the law for same-sex marriage, while Sweden did that back in 2009. When it comes to immigrants, Sweden hosts almost four times the amount of Finland. When following the media, Finland seems to be more concerned about preserving its own culture than the neighboring country, which does not even keep track of ethnic groups in their statistics. And with a non-interchangeable parental leave also women’s rights are more secured in Sweden than in Finland.

5. 9-to-5? Not With The Swedes!

Recently, Swedish media have been discussing the uprising trend to shifting to a 6-hour workday. Even in the public sector this has been pulled off already: nurses work 6 instead of 8 hours for the same pay. This results in happier, less exhausted and, therefore, more productive employees, who have more time for their families, sports and hobbies now.

Julkaistu 21.10.20151.2.2023

Bianca Beyer

When I don’t sit over plans to erase all evil and meet unicorns, or dream of eating cotton candy, I believe in hard facts and science, doing my PhD in Accounting at the University of Oulu. Using writing as an information transmitter, outlet for creativity or simply for mere entertainment, I believe I am totally living the dream with all my current jobs. Blog: beapproved.wordpress.com

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Hi 5, Companies in Oulu You Would Like to Work For

Normally companies which are steadily growing are also the ones hiring, whether they are young and perky rising companies or older, experienced, and expanding into new ventures.

In English Työelämä

TEKSTI Marcelo Goldmann

Siili Solutions

Siili means ‘hedgehog’ in Finnish. However, this company has nothing to do with actual living, breathing, prancing hedgehogs. What Siili Solutions specializes in is digital services, from design to implementation and data management. At the time of writing this, there are sadly no open positions for recently graduates in Oulu but they still encourage you to drop them your CV. And what do hedgehogs have to do with digital services? Why don’t you ask them? Your interest might pique theirs.

VTT

VTT is a leading research and technology company. They are constantly looking for talented and innovative people (I assume). They even have PhD programs. Their areas range from Chemical Synthesis, Chemical Process Engineering, Software, and Applied Mathematics. VTT’s webpage explains that they are looking for trainees and thesis workers. By starting as either of those positions you can gain a solid platform to launch your career.

Elektrobit

Elektrobit is a company which deals with embedded software for the automotive industry and is a child company of Continental AG, an automotive manufacturing company. Elektrobit is hiring at the moment, looking for both experienced and newly graduated individuals, provided they know a thing or two about programming, security in software development, or software testing. So if you are like Neo and think you are the One, why don’t you apply? Deadline is 30th of September, so chop chop.

The Big Four (PwC, KPMG, EY, Deloitte)

Let’s get down to business! Heh, “business”. Get it? Because they are busin- no? Okay… Ahem, the so-called Big Four are the most prominent auditing companies in the world, and won’t you know it, three of them have offices right here in Oulu. Every year they hire people in the business and law areas. Granted, not so many, but if you got what it takes, you should look into applying for their traineeship programs.

Technopolis

Technopolis offers networking services and office space services, among other things. At the moment of writing this piece, Technopolis has no open positions in Oulu, but you may send them an open application through their website. Office and working space is something that is and may always be in demand, so it is likely that this company will continue to grow and hire more personnel in Oulu as new companies are formed.

Julkaistu 23.9.20151.2.2023

Marcelo Goldmann

A Doctor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Oulu. "Life is like a rubber duckie, you gotta keep it afloat to see its splendor." Instagram: @marcelogman

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Staying In Oulu After Graduation?

Finish school, learn a profession, find a job. Easier said than done. The traditional ways of getting employed don’t seem to work anymore, which evokes despair and scares the living daylights out of university graduates. We talked to Oulu students and learnt how they saw their future.

In English

TEKSTI Bianca Beyer

KUVAT Anni Hyypiö

When you ask people close to their graduation what they plan to do next, the answer is straightforward: Find a job. But what kind of a job and, more importantly, how, and where? Does everybody have to start as an unpaid intern? Are all these years of grinding away at the university assignments and thesis not supposed to be a free ticket into the first best manager position?

It’s true that the unemployment rate has increased in Finland in the recent years, especially among the young people*. In the North of the country the chances of finding a job are particularly scarce, last but not least due to the less dense population up here. “Northern graduates” choose to move south even before exploring and experiencing the local labor market. It’s hard to find a student in Oulu, who does not instantly plan a move to Helsinki.

From Oulu to the big world

Johanna Tolonen has graduated from the University of Oulu this year and is currently employed by her alma mater as a research assistant. Working at the university was never part of her plan but she enjoys the experience. Even though she could stay and continue her job, she is sure to move south when the contract ends in October.

“I always wanted to move south after graduating. I have lived in Oulu my whole life, and it’s time to see something new!” she explains.

Besides, the vacancies in her field, marketing, tend to be open mostly in the Helsinki area. She does not exclude a comeback to Oulu, perhaps for a PhD, but now she feels it’s high time to explore different regions.

So, the Finns escape from Oulu to the south. What about those who come from abroad and pick Oulu as a place to study and live? Do they actually plan to stay?

Puya Purbaba has just moved to Oulu from Iran to do his Master’s in Wireless Communications Engineering. He says that his life so far is exactly how he planned it. He has chosen this university because it has a great reputation in his field, and he wants to work in the industry after finishing his studies. Most probably not in Oulu though – he is used to living in bigger cities.

While for Purbaba our beloved city seems to be just a stepping-stone, Endrit Dosti from Albania, who coincidently starts studying in the same program this year, is more open for staying. He has already adjusted his plan by adding a possibility of working at the university and, if he decides for Academia, Oulu is definitely his first choice.

Back to the roots

Oulu does get some plus points on the students’ evaluation list but quite few show their interest in settling here. Probably, for young people this place is too small to satisfy their hunger for adventures, their ambitions and to fulfill their life-long dreams. The thing is that the situation can change once they experience the world, pay their dues and grow older.

Petteri Keinänen graduated from the University of Oulu with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked in Helsinki and occasionally all over Finland for years, and is planting his trees in Oulu again by opening his own business here – Exit Oulu, an “escape room”. Those of you who watch Big Bang Theory know what this is about – solving riddles in a closed room in order to get out of there.

He could have done it in any other city but Oulu is his sweet home. Even though he has lived in Helsinki for quite a while, he never really felt like he belonged there. Nevertheless, if you ask him now whether he has planned this all along, he’ll definitely answer with a “No”. He came up with this idea just a year ago. It wasn’t part of his “plans for the future” when he graduated.

Traveling around and seeing lots of places might bring us back to the one we’d like to settle in, as in Keinänen’s case. Being flexible and open for opportunities, like in Johanna Tolonen’s case, might bring us valuable experience. After all, life doesn’t really care much about your plans. It has been well said that if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.

*Source: Statistics Finland, 25 August 2015.

Julkaistu 23.9.20151.2.2023