The origins of the phrase “TGIF” 

As noted in an online post, the origins of the phrase “TGIF” have been disputed over the years. But, it singles in on a 1941 entry in the Encyclopedia of Slang as being the first to use “TGIF” in print.

The post includes a quote from The Marion Star (local Ohio newspaper) that reads:

"I thought I’d heard of everything in the way of booster clubs, alumni organization and the like, but this city, home of the Ohio State university Buckeyes […] has come up with one that tops them all. It’s the “Thank God It’s Friday” Club, composed entirely of undergraduates here at State. […] A typical meeting of the TGIF club goes something like this…."

This does help prove that "TGIF" did not originate with the TGI Friday’s restaurant chain, which opened in New York in 1965. According to Not One-Off Britishisms, the TGI Friday's restaurateur is said to have named his very first establishment based on the expression, “Thank God! It’s Friday!,” which he heard during his time spent at Bucknell University, which is located in Lewisburg, Penn.

The mainstream usage of the phrase “TGIF” 

Today, I’d say you’re more likely to hear people use the abbreviated version of the saying - “TGIF.” But, when saying the whole phrase, some may choose to either say “Thank Goodness It’s Friday” or “Thank God It’s Friday” - based on their personal preference and/or beliefs.

As with so many popular phrases, it's not surprising that “TGIF” has made its way into pop culture over the years.

A 1978 movie on disco culture was called, “Thank God It’s Friday.” The movie starred Donna Summer and Jeff Goldblum, and featured a Love & Kisses song with the same name.

In 1989, ABC aired a family-friendly primetime TV block called TGIF. While it was based on the phrase, “Thank God It’s Friday,” ABC TV stars are said to have referred to the block as “Thank Goodness It’s Funny.”

In 1996, R. Kelly released a song, “Thank God It’s Friday.” The abbreviated version of the phrase later made its way into another song in 1989 - Katy Perry’s "Last Friday Night (TGIF).”

The use of the phrase TGIF in other languages  

While the phrase “TGIF” may trace its origin to the heartland of the US, there are slight variations or other equivalents used by people around the world. Each one serves to celebrate the end of the work week – and the fun and relaxation associated with the weekend.

Across the border, in Canada, you’ll also hear the phrase “TGIF” happily shared on Fridays. According to Poppy of Expat Mama, you’ll likely hear “TGIF” across the pond in England, too. But, according to Not One-off Britishisms, it's "not a Britishism at all."

In the Netherlands, Annemarie of Dutch Alien Lands in the US says that people do use "TGIF," but they also say “Het is bijna weekend!” (“the weekend is almost there!”).

According to Ilze of Let the Journey Begin, in Latvian, you would say, “Paldies Dievam piektdiena ir klat!,” which directly translates to “Thank God It’s Friday!”

Among Tagalog speakers in the Philippines, you are likely to hear them say "Salamat diyos ko biyerenes na," which literally translates as "Thank you my god, it's already Friday!"

According to Audrey of Espanolita, in Spanish, people say "¡Feliz viernes!" ("Happy Friday!") or "¡Buen fin de!" ("Happy weekend!").

The start of the weekend is celebrated in Portuguese with the phrase, "Fim-de-Semana!" According to Catarina of CraftieMum, the phrase can be translated as "End of the week!"

No matter where you live or which language(s) you speak, Here's wishing you a happy “TGIF” and a great start to your weekend.

“Yasasin! Yann Tatil!” Learn more »

In spring a young man’s fancy may turn to thoughts of love, but it’s in summer that his semen is more likely to send him on the path to fatherhood.

New research shows that sperm is more active in the middle months of the year, and twice as active in July and August compared to January, according to a study based on 11 years of data on more than 5,000 men being treated for fertility problems.

Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of trying, affects around 15 to 20 per cent of couples and progressively increases with age. Male infertility is responsible for about half of cases, and one of the main factors is poor sperm motility.

To reach and fertilise an egg, sperm must wriggle and swim through a woman’s cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes. This movement is known as motility, and men are most likely to be fertile when at least 40 per cent of sperm are moving.

In the study, doctors analysed data collected from 5,188 men attending the Centre for Reproductive Incapacity of the University Hospital of Parma, in northern Italy, looking for possible seasonal pattern in sperm quality.

Results show that motility peaked in the summer, and was lowest in the winter. They also show that the number of men with a motility or movement greater than 40 per cent was 65.3 per cent in summer, and only 50 per cent in winter.

“We have shown the existence of a seasonal variation in some functional aspects of human semen,” confirmed Dr Alfredo De Giorgi, who led the study.

Seasonal changes in levels of hormones including testosterone may be responsible, according to the study published in the journal Chronobiology International.

In seasonal breeders – animals that successfully mate only during certain times of the year – light plays a part in the regulation of reproduction, to ensure that birth occurs at the most favourable time of the year.

In humans, there are also seasonal variations in the sleep cycle as well as in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, teosterone, vitamin D and cholesterol.

Credit: The Independent UK

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In EU countries winter time starts on the last Sunday of October and lasts until the last Sunday of March the following year.

Summer time officially ends in the early hours of Sunday morning and clocks should be turned back an hour.

At 04.00 hours clocks will turn back to 03.00 hours.

This means that you will notice it get darker earlier in the evenings. The upside is that it's lighter in the mornings.

Click Here to learn the current time

Most of our modern devices, such as mobiles or tablets should update automatically.

But the rationale behind the change is to give us extra daylight when we need it most.

Credit: Kibris Postasi Learn more »

Eastern Mediterranean University [EMU] 2014-15 Summer Semester, Final Exams will be starting this September according to recently updated students portal of EMU. The Final Exam will start on 17th September and possibly end on 21 September.

From all of us at Scanty Gela BLOG, here's wishing the summer students the best success in the exams. GOODLUCK.

POINTS TO BE OBSERVED DURING EXAMINATIONS

1.      Be at the examination hall at least 5 minutes before the commencement of the examination.
2.       Any student who is at most 20 minutes late and before any student leaving the examination hall will be accepted to take the examination. Such students will not be given extra time.
3.       Do not forget to bring your Student Identity Cards to the exam, you may not be allowed to sit for the exam without the student ID.
4.       Write your identity details in INK on your exam paper, as shown on your Student ID card at the beginning of the exam.
5.       Sign the attendance paper using a ball point or ink.
6.       Mobile phones and other communication devices can not be used in the exam hall for any reason.
7.       Items such as pencils, pens, erasers, and any other item permitted by the instructor for the purpose of the exam must be brought to the examination hall. Exchanging of these items between students during the examination is not permitted.
8.       Do not ask any questions related with the examination to the invigilators.
9.       Adhere to the instructions of the invigilator issued to maintain the peaceful conducting of the examination.
10.   Do not attempt to any kind of cheating plagiarism or sitting in place of someone else in the examination. [For further information follow the link [ http://mevzuat.emu.edu.tr ].

*Click to view or download the Time Table

Credit: EMU

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Monday September 7th will be marked by significantly higher than average temperatures for the season with an anticipated high of 41°C for inland areas.

According to Weather Service officials, the usual average inland temperature for early September is 35°C. On Monday it will also be a 35°C on the west and north coasts and 33°C on the west and north ones. A cooler 31°C will be reached in the mountains.

Similar temperatures are expected to continue on Tuesday with a small drop to 38°C or 39/40°C inland on Wednesday while remaining at similar levels on Thursday and Friday. Georgiou said humidity levels were at average levels for the season but noted there was a chance of light dust in the air.

Cyprus experienced the first heat wave of this summer in July with temperatures up to 42°C

Credit: In-Cyprus Learn more »

July was the warmest month ever on record worldwide and 2015 has been so far the hottest year, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said on 20 August, just over three months to go before world leaders seek to reach a climate agreement in Paris.

In its monthly global climate report released online on Thursday, NOAA said many countries and the world's oceans experienced heatwaves, with the Earth's oceans temperature also hitting record highs last month.

This July was the all-time highest monthly temperature in the records that date back to 1880, at 16.61C, according to NOAA.

The first seven months of 2015 comprised the warmest such period on record globally at 0.85C above the 20th century average, it said.

The record comes after NOAA and the US space agency Nasa said in January that 2014 was the Earth's hottest on record, a fact used by the White House and the United Nations to make the case for immediate action to combat climate change.

One of the goals of the UN climate talks is to stop global temperatures from rising more than 2C above pre-industrial levels, which scientists say is the limit beyond which the world will suffer ever worsening floods, droughts, storms and rising seas. The NOAA says that the rapid rise is mainly attributable to humans burning fossil fuels.

Credit: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ Learn more »

This game feature is a part of series of activities to make the stay of the summer school international students worthwhile.

There will be games in MARATHON, RELAY RACE, WATER BALLOON and SACK RACE.

Venue: EMU STADIUM
Date: 29th July 2015
Time: 8pm

Credit: EMU International Summer School Learn more »

Global giant Coca-Cola, has reportedly given the go ahead for investments to be made in the TRNC and is planning to start its production in North Cyprus as of next month.

According to Turkish daily ‘Milliyet’, the CEO of Turkey’s Coca-Cola Muhtar Kent, said that the company has already found a factory in Alsancak and is planning to begin production next month since there have been no objections from the Greek Cypriot side. This investment has cost approximately 10 million TL, writes the paper.

Kaner Grup was until so far responsible for the imports of the drink via Turkey and the distributor of Coca-Cola in the TRNC.

Speaking to the paper about the Coca-Cola investment, Economy Minister Sunat Atun said that a very big step by a globally known firm to make investments in the TRNC. “This investment is very important and we are delighted. North Cyprus is the appropriate place for investments”, he said.

Credit: Milliyet Newspaper Learn more »

North Cyprus will come alive on the 26th of July as world renowned reggae maestro storms TRNC with his Live Jamaican band and dancers in a show billed to be exhilarating as well as controversial.

Whatever the case, It's Official, Sean Paul performs LIVE at Cornaro Beach Club in Girne, Cyprus on Sunday, July 26, 2015.

More details below:

Date: Sunday, July 26
Venue: Cornaro Beach Club 99370 Çatalköy TRNC
Time: 9:00pm

REGULAR: 80TL/Person
VIP'S; Call numbers below

Ticket sale point:
*Gloria Jean's Coffees

Online Tickets: www.firsatada.com

Bookings and Info: 0542-877-7879 | 0533-823-7410 | 0533-862-8640

*Follow Event on Facebook

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Organised by Eastern Mediterranean University, Vice Rector’s Office for Promotion, the International Summer School is hosting hundreds of students from different countries of the world.

The official opening of EMU’s International Summer School took place at EMU Beach Club at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, 9 July 2015. Within the framework of the summer school, participants will be offered courses for a period ranging between two weeks and two months, depending on the students’ choices.

Offering short-term academic programs to hundreds of students over 12,  EMU International Summer School has been providing both study and entertainment opportunities to the participants during the summer period.

Representatives of the Turkish Airlines TRNC and North Cyprus Turkcell also attended the ceremony. Coordinator for EMU International Summer School and Short Term Internship Programs  Ulaş Gökçe delivered a speech and stated the importance of the International Summer School for EMU’s, Famagusta’s and the TRNC’s promotion. Highlighting the large number of students hosted by the International Summer School, Gökçe extended his appreciation and gratitutde to the Turkish Airlines and North Cyprus Turkcell for their contributions and support.

In his address, North Cyprus Turkcell Deputy General Director Ayhan expressed their happiness in collaborating with EMU as the best institution of higher education within the country.  Director of the Turkish Airlines Uzun stated that they will continue to support the tourism and education within the island with their services. EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Osam thanked the representatives of the Turkish Airilines and North Cyprus Turkcell for their contributions and expressed his hope that the guest students leave the island with good memories at the end of their summer courses.

The opening ceremony also hosted the musical performance of EMU Education Faculty, Fine Arts Education Department, Music Teaching Program students as well as folk dancing shows of different student groups.

Credit: EMU Learn more »

View pictures below:

Eastern Mediterranean University organised a graduation reception for the 2014-2015 Academic Year Spring Semester graduates and their families at the Rector’s Office at 7:30 p.m. on 13 July 2015. The event was attended by large numbers of graduating students and families as well as the Rector of EMU, Vice Rectors, Deans, Department Chairs and academic and administrative staff members.

The reception which started with a cinevision screening entitled “A Memory, A Smile” continued with the musical performance of EMU Fine Arts Education Department, Music Teaching Program academic staff members. During the event visual messages of 1990 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department graduate and Palestinian Minister of Transportation, Communication and Information Allam MOUSA, 1989 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department Graduate and NETAŞ International Markets General Director Ali Kuralkan and C-Section Creative Director, Journalism Department 2005 graduate Fatih Tüylüoğlu were displayed.

Following the screening of the messages of the aforesaid graduates, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam welcomed all graduates and families and expressed the university’s honor and pride in bringing the graduates to this meaningful day. Stressing his confidence in the new graduates, Prof. Dr. Osam added that graduation is the point where students’ efforts bear fruit. At the end of his address, Prof. Dr. Osam wished all graduates and families a pleasant night.

During the reception, former graduates who have completed their 25th anniversary following their graduation were presented medals by Prof. Dr. Osam. At the end of the event, a graduation cake was cut by Prof. Dr. Osam and Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Hıfsiye Pulhan.

Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam Hosted Silver Anniversary Graduates in the Senate Hall


Graduates who were invited to EMU on the silver anniversary of their graduation came together with EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Osam in the Senate Hall. During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Osam provided information on the faculties, departments, accreditations as well as student and faculty profile and infrastructural qualities of the university. Stating that each graduate of EMU is an ambassador of EMU and the TRNC, Prof. Dr. Osam added that EMU has a good reputation worldwide, thanks to the graduates who pursue successful career opportunities in different corners of the world. At the end of the meeting, Prof. Dr. Osam presented gifts to silver anniversary graduates.

More pictures below:

Credit: EMU Learn more »

Eastern Mediterranean University administration organised a promotional meeting for International Summer  School in EMU Senate Room at 4:00 p.m. on 12 June 2015. During the meeting, detailed information about 2015 International Summer School was provided in line with the administration’s adopted principles of transparency and accountability.

Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam: “EMU is a Strong University”

During the meeting, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Osam stated that since the first day of their appointment, they have been working in line with the rules and regulations of the university. Putting forth that anyone wishing to obtain information about the International Summer School may do so, Prof. Dr. Osam added that “EMU is a strong university. Success is achievable in places where determined and strong individuals exist. EMU administration acts in line with this principle. Hence, whatever we do, we will do it correctly, by sharing accurate information and respecting individuals. At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Osam thanked all those who have contributed to 2015 International Summer School.

Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca: “International Summer School is a Huge Promotional Tool.” 

Vice Rector for Promotion Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca stated that the International Summer School is a self-financed promotional tool as it reaches many different countries and brings together thousands of students from different cultures. Around 1000-1500 students are expected to attend this year’s International Summer School.

Following Prof. Dr. Amca and Prof. Dr. Osam, coordinator of International Summer School Ulaş Gökçe delivered a presentation about the summer school. Gökçe stated that during the summer term, individuals older than 12 will take part in short term academic programs ranging between 2 weeks to 4 months. During the morning period, summer school participants will be receiving education while during the remaining period of time, they will be taking part in social activities some of which will be taking place at EMU Beach Club. The International Summer School will also host multicultural nights as well as city tours. 2015 International Summer School which will finish at the end of September, has hosted around 150 students in June  2015.

Putting forth that the university has included Turkey and England as their next target in attracting students to EMU’s International Summer School, Gökçe added that during the upcoming years, they are expecting high number of participants from these areas. Gökçe also stated that brochures, posters and internet pages in Turkish, English and Russian have been prepared and anyone interested may access information about the summer school through the online registration program and webpage. Gökçe concluded his presentation by stating that all purchases within the framework of the summer school are carried out in line with rules and regulations and through tender offers carried out by EMU Purchasing Directorate.

Following Ulaş Gökçe’s informatory presentation, Prof. Dr. Osam and Prof. Dr. Amca presented certificates of appreciation to all staff members who have contributed to EMU’s International Summer School. The meeting ended with a cocktail.

Credit: EMU Learn more »

Girne American University [GAU] releases new Summer Semester Bus Routes. The information was released to assist students in knowing the new times and schedule stops on the Bus routes for GAU, starting from 15.06.2015

More information below:

Click to view larger size

Credit: GAU Learn more »

A large number of hotels and swimming pools in the TRNC fail to employ lifeguards, despite there being a legal obligation to do so. In some cases where establishments do employ lifeguards, many of them do not have the required certification. In order to address the issue, 15 lifeguards are being trained to work in the sector, but it seems that this summer, protection will still be lacking at many beaches and pools.

Speaking to Eniz Orakçıoğlu of Kıbrıs Postası on the issue, the Kyrenia District Governor Mehmet Envergil said that he was not convinced municipalities were carrying out necessary inspection at the beaches. “We have given our warnings to the municipalities. This is a serious issue, we advise people to opt for establishments where there is a certified lifeguard on board”, said Envergil.

According to Famagusta District Governor Çolakoğlu, compared to last year there are more lifeguards working in the sector this year. He also urged the businesses in the sector to make efforts to have lifeguards on duty.

Elsewhere, District Governors of İskele and Güzelyurt said that in their regions no beach or pool will be left without lifeguards.

Credit: Kibris Postasi

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As of the 1st of June, pharmacies across the TRNC will be open between 8am-1pm and 3pm-7pm.

While Pharmacies will be open between 8am and 1:30pm on Saturdays, on duty pharmacies will be open between 8am and 12pm.

The summertime working hours for pharmacies will continue until the 13th of September.

Credit: KP Daily news

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Coming up on Friday May 30th is the first well organized Boat Cruise for the Summer "PARTY TO ARTEMIS"

Music by DJ Skylighter
Friday 30th May 2015.

Photography by R3VD Photography

Time is 9:00pm

50TL with 1st drink
100TL with 1st drink and BBQ and Pepper Soup and Fish.

ONLY 50 People. Tickets are limited!

Reservations: 05338769681 | 05338766023
Or Contact DJ Skylighter on FB

*Follow event on FB

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1.       Our breath smells GREAT
For mosquitoes, “any type of carbon dioxide is attractive, even over a long distance,” according to Joe Conlon PhD, technical advisor to the American Mosquito Control Association – so it is almost inevitable that we will attract the occasional insect.
Mosquitoes use an organ called the maxillary palp to detect carbon dioxide, and can detect it from over 150 feet away. So animals who exhale more CO2 naturally have an increased likelihood of attracting insects.

2.       The more active, the more attractive

Exercise produces more sweat, body heat and increases our CO2 emission, so we're more obvious to mozzies and our blood is tastier.

Not only is there more delectable detritus (organic material made up of dead skin and other waste products) building up on the skin when we exercise, but our increased breathing rate means our CO2 emission is higher.

Mozzies also hunt down their victims by detecting lactic acid, uric acid and ammonia, all of which are produced through intense exercise.

3.       They like beer
Evidence suggests that those who enjoy a boozy drink or two are more likely to be bitten by insects – this is because it affects your sweat production and skin temperature.

4. You're lovely and warm
Pregnant women attract double the amount of mosquitoes as they are about a degree warmer than other people, and they exhale roughly 20% more carbon dioxide. Tasty.

5. You have great taste in clothes
Wearing dark clothing can make you stand out to a mosquito; reds and purples are particularly vibrant for mosquitoes. To reduce your chance of being bitten, simply wear light coloured clothing.

Wanderlust

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