Interview: Nina Ađanin, mountain climber

In love with Himalayas

Unlike other sports, mountain climbing has no audience and no cameras. Ones who take mountain climbing as a competition, do not respect the mountain law and remain forever on the mountain slopes. The mountain respects you as much as you respect it. Yourself is the only person you should compete against... full story


By JOVANA GRUBAČ
from Belgrade, SERBIA

The smoking ban in The Netherlands

A real war

Owners of businesses in the catering industry are facing a difficult choice: leave the ashtrays and have customers come back but and risk a fine or remove the ashtray, declining sales, but get no fines. On the first sight the controls seem to be very strict, though many pub owners noticed that if they put the ashtrays back the income will grow. Some shops put a box in the bar with a message beside it: 'Dump some money for the fines'. They'll pay it altogether... full story


By GERBEN SOLLEVELD
from Wageningen, The NETHERLANDS

International Volunteer Day

Imagine a world without volunteers

It would be a world without at least 140 million people, the global economy would lose around 400 billion dollars, our GDP would diminish by 3-7% and millions third sector employees would lose their jobs. As the special day approaches on 5 December, we take a beat from John Lennon... full story


By KAMILA CZERWINSKA
from Brussels, BELGIUM