What makes the Albanians ALBANIAN: A witty guide to the airs and affectations that affirm the Albanian attitude. - See more at: http://www.xenophobes.com/the-Albanians/#sthash.dhnOHBuj.dpuf
Straight laced and straight faced A good Kiwi bloke plays things down and does not stand on ceremony. The rugby player who scores a try is no longer expected to look as if he is bravely accepting a death sentence but, other than in sport, emotion is not something to be shown in public, and not much in private either. A blokess is allowed more latitude. She is even expected by men to "carry on a bit." Optimists one and all Whether or not there is a need to worry about something, the obliging Kiwis tell one another that it will be "good as gold," "right as rain," and "no prob" (short for problem), usually qualified by one of those great reassurers in any situation, "She'll be right," or "Piece of cake." Good citizenship To Kiwis, politeness is synonymous with warmth and generosity of spirit. Thus North Islanders, when complimented by visitors on their scenery, will ask anxiously, "But have you seen the South Island yet?" They do not want to be seen as hogging the best bits for themselves. Even handed Kiwis love receiving praise about their country. However, since self-deprecation is wired deeply into the national psyche, praise is looked upon suspiciously. Kiwis fear they are being buttered up, or somebody is having them on. Both praise and criticism are reported by the media, and are hotly debated.
A guide to understanding the Greeks which takes an insightful, irreverent look at their character and attitudes"Xenophobia: an irrational fear of foreigners, probably justified, always understandable." "Xenophobe's Guides: an irreverent look at the beliefs and foibles of nations, almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia." Individuality is the chief feature that characterizes the Greeks, which precludes any attempt to box and label them as a people. After that comes their temperament which flourishes uninhibited throughout their waking hours. This is probably why the ancient sages saw fit to carve their maxims "Nothing in excess" and "Know thyself" on the portals of the Delphic Oracle in an attempt to persuade their fellow Greeks to curb their emotionsthey were not heeded then any more than they are now."