Pauza Magazine Fall 2005 | Seite 14

U.F.O. # 4 – “The Grab Bag” Well, dechki, it’s about that time again…when we go hunting for the Unidentified Foreign Object of the month. For this issue of Pau3a!, we will discuss several unrelated U.F.O.s, just a smattering of what the Balkans has to offer. Exhibit #1 – Batteries Many times since coming to Macedonia, I have seen excellent quality batteries from reputable companies such as Duracell, Energizer, and Sony. However, I have also nearly been ripped off by…IMPOSTERS! Allow me to illustrate. The picture on top is a photo of legitimate Sony Batteries. However, the picture on the bottom is of fake, cheaper quality (I mean, 2 seconds working time, tops) Chinese batteries. The same colors, even the VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 same font is used in the production of the Chinese batteries, all the more to lull you into a false sense of security that, yes, you are buying “Sony” batteries. Just don’t look at the packaging for more than 0.5 seconds. Exhibit #2 – A Mall in Struga Perhaps going into this lovely airconditioned mall in Struga is not the smartest thing…I mean, they must have named it “coma” for a reason, yes? But, wait, what’s that you say? You won’t go into a real coma? It’s just a transliteration misunderstanding? Whew! That was a close one. Well, what are we waiting for? I’ve heard they’re having some hot summer sales inside, so let’s get down to some serious shopping! Exhibit #3 - A Store Inside the Mall in Struga Here we are at the ultra-popular “Bimbo Teens Club” clothing store! This is the place for buying outfits you see celebrities wearing! Do you want Paris Hilton’s latest pink velvet mini-dress? Or how about 50 Cent’s whiter-than-white linen beach shirt (with matching bling, of course)? Well, this is the place to come. And, as a special bonus for those power-shoppers, you can “Join the Club” and become a card holding “Bimbo” or “Bimbette” and receive 5% off any purchase (as long as the total exceeds 575 Euro). Hurry, we only have so much in stock! Our supply of Beyonce’s sequined disco tank tops won’t last forever! Come early and spend freely. And that concludes this edition of the U.F.O. As always, feel free to submit your own pictures of unidentifiable things, and next time, you’ll be the lucky one to describe to us what it really is! Page 14