Month: October 2004

  • Look & Listen

    movies In the Name of the Rose Jean-Jacques Annaud’s adaptation of Umberto Eco’s best-seller, set in a 14th-century Benedictine abbey, emerges onscreen as an engrossing murder-mystery. As the Franciscan Sherlock Holmes, Sean Connery is apprenticed by a young Christian Slater, and surrounded by a Fellini-esque cast. Good bye, Lenin! Wolfgang Becker’s superbly crafted film centers…

  • October 2004

    Compiled by Anita Lišková “To be straightforward: when we used tear gas, it handicapped both sides, because everyone cried. On the other hand, using gas on the demonstration is the most human intervention. You cry, then you wash your eyes with eye drops and it’s over.” – stated Jan Slezák, Prague town hall councillor (ČSSD).…

  • Petra Vitoušová: “I’m a demanding perfectionist”

    Written by: Monika Mudranincová Photo: David Holas Murders, rapes, abuse. Volunteers at the White Circle of Safety and the DONA hotline for victims of domestic violence deal with those affected by such crimes every day. Director Petra Vitoušová spoke about this work and leading the team of volunteers. The White Circle of Safety is a…

  • Auto innovations 2005

    Written by: Jan TučekThe Paris Mondial de l’Automobile auto show (25 September to 10 October) has begun in style with the 2005 Car of the Year. Of the numerous novelties, we chose a few stand-outs that illustrate the increasing trend towards multiformity. While renowned automakers are opting for unusual paths, others try to create at…

  • ISSUE #106

    Written by: Todd F. Shaw Smart, sleek, simple With its futuristic design, smooth contours and special lens-barrier, Olympus’s four-million pixel ?-mini is full of innovations. The ultra-compact, weather-resistant body comes in six striking colors, and fits easily into a pocket or purse. A 1.8-inch, high-contrast LCD delivers vivid colors and wide viewing angles. Other examples…

  • Digital domestic help

    Written by: Jiří Vašek The internet is not solely the domain of high-tech industries and international name brands. When it comes to everyday services, especially chores for households, the range of online help is extensive. A quick bit of surfing can take care of everything from dinner to dog-walking. http://www.agenturaboruvka.cz/sluzby.htm Many experiences bear out that…

  • A binding enterprise

    Written by: David Creighton Photo by: Jan Vágner When Jan Kanzelsberger launched what was then the Czech Republic’s largest bookshop, critics said it wouldn’t survive. Not only did it survive, but it has become one of the most successful businesses in the country. Jan Kanzelsberger, Jr. JAN KANZELSBERGER was always ahead of his time. When…

  • Lifestyles of the rich…

    Written by: Jason Hovet, Monika Mudranincová, Petr Vykoukal The wealthy class in this country is growing – and growing up. From objets d’art to luxury trips, the rich are becoming more sophisticated in terms of how they spend their money, and are working to change a common Czech stereotype. Marek Šebesťák – my kingdom for…

  • Karol Sidon: “The gap between civilizations is widening”

    Written by: Anita Lišková & Klára Smolová Photo by: Vojtěch Vlk He was a dissident, laborer, writer, and screenplay writer. Thanks to his experiences, this Czech country rabbi has authority beyond the Jewish community, so we spoke with him about the roles of religion, values, and the war on terrorism. Judaism remains surrounded by many…

  • ISSUE #106

    Written by: Klára Smolová Photo: Věroslav Sixt, Aleš Vlachovský Diplomatic Carmen – 9.9.2004 Thematic parties are always popular. Vienna International, owner of several top hotels in the Czech Republic, chose “Carmen” as a theme. Although apart from the employees only a few wore costumes, the ambience in hotel Diplomat was pleasantly “hot”. Eric van Daal…