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One of the most expected concerts of this year draws nearer and the organizers have released more tickets. More place was gained thanks to adjustment of the stage. The news of her preparing a big surprise added publicity to the already very intensely watched event. The tickets were sold out very soon, now there is a second round – second possibility for those who would like to see her live.

In a week, the world-famous Australian pop-songstress and sex-idol comes to Prague. She brings a spectacular show with lights, lasers, mists, gushers and confetti. Kylie also promises the music will be more electro-style than usual.

The new album KylieX will surely form a part of her repertoire, according to her words there won’t be missing old songs and cover-versions in new arranges too. Costumes is a chapter for itself. Prague O2 Arena hosts Kylie on 12th May 2008.

Rocker Lenny Kravitz unexpectedly concerted in the centre of Prague close to Rudolfinum. He sung to flamed out fans on an improvised stage. The surroundings of the stage were however closely watched by a security agency and everything closely shoot by cameras.

That was why Kravitz came in the first place – to shoot an advertisement for a clothing company. The New-York singer and musician Lenny Kravitz appeared in Prague just for two days. He was accommodated in Four Seasons hotel, and his clothes ad has Rudolfinum as a background.

Petr Cech became the global Adidas face. The German sportswear company announced yesterday that the goalkeeper of the Czech Football representation Petr Cech becomes a member of the global team of football stars of the company. That means, Czech will now be, for at least 5 years, a member of the “stall”, together with David Beckham, Kaká, Lionel Messi or Steven Gerrard. Adidas prepares a special series of products with Cech’s name.

The old Klementinum, placed before the Charles Bridge piles historical, hundreds of years old books in undignified conditions, with the prospect of running definitely out of place in two years. The plan of the new national library Blob, which won the international contest and so should be already under construction so the librarians could finally be relieved of never-ending space problems, should have been their solution. But the matter is everything but solved. Klaus can be satisfied, though – he gets full media coverage, whenever he decides to drop a line on account of the award-winning project.

Vaclav Havel was a president of a different kind – the media just loved him, he made himself into a symbol of tolerance, peace, and liberation of ideas. He lost many years, health, and a possibility of conform live to communism, during which Klaus was already politically active, but on the other side. We know Klaus’ attitude for those long 20 years he has been at power; the only two topics he deals with are: Himself and critique of those who actually achieved something in the world.

When Klaus talks about himself, he praises. When about others, he throws dirt. Like this week, when he gave an interview for Grand Biblo: “I suspect a part of Kaplicky’s supporters of this bizarre project not because of love for the project, but because of hate for Vaclav Klaus, which is in the context of what could grow up in the centre, really an error.”

Allow me to now go through this sample a little bid. ‘I suspect a part of Kaplicky’s supporters’ – he refers only to a part, only a rhetorical device here ‘this bizarre project’ – the project won the international contest like e.g. the NATO central building, and it is bizarre? ‘not because of love for the project’ – who could love something he labelled as unfitting ‘their hate for Vaclav Klaus’ – me me me! Notice me, I am important! ‘in the context what should grow up in the centre’ – because of Klaus’ political pressure, there is high possibility the library (any project of the library) will be at the suburb, out of reach, which is just bad, but that doesn’t form a burden for him.

Klaus would like to shape the history, but the true is, a politician of his qualities will be forgotten as soon as he retires – he will leave behind no scripts like Havel, no schools like Masaryk, no great losses like Benes. This is Klaus’ greatest fear. History is written by winners, but to fight at local fights one starts is not the way it is done on presidential level of the 21st century. President is expected to fight for his country, not for his ego.

Added: How could I forgot! Of course there is something Klaus will be remembered for! During his era as The Finance Minister, when he reformed by privatization, the term ‘tunneling’ originated. So I apology, Klaus may be remembered for his failure as an ecconomist.

-point of view section doesn’t necessarily reflect opinions of the whole abcprague board

The Czech Prime minister Mirek Topolanek wasn’t let in a discotheque at Cyprus at first. Topolanek’s group didn’t have any girls with them, so they weren’t let in.

Topolanek than came with the argumentation: “You know who I am?” But the bouncer only laughed, didn’t believe him to be the prime minister, and still the programme of the party, after the official visit at the President of Cyprus, was quite in danger.

Finally, Topolanek needed to call the owner of the club, who eventually let them in. Such problems at the same place had the French football player Zinedine Zidane. Rather surprising for a man with such a famous face. Or is it an intention of the club to create the air of VIPivity?

Speculations on whether Jan Svejnar will become a member of the Czech senate proved as wrong, as Svejnar announced the LN he finally wants not to go to senate. Instead, he is going to found non-profit association, so called ‘think tank’. “What we are missing is sometning called think tank, or an institution which is independent, non-profit, above parties, not included into any political party, but acts in public life by gathering and analyzing information, studying analysis.” Svejnar describes.

Concerning the next presidential vote, he said (for LN again) he would ‘pack it in’ again. He didn’t meet with Klaus again, but when they parted, “We shake each other hand and said we will see each other in the future.” and even when they talked indiscriminately about each other, he doesn’t feel hate for the present president; “It was a normal competitive load.”

A think tank (also called a policy institute) is an organization, institute, corporation, or group that conducts research and engages in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economy, science or technology issues, industrial or business policies, or military advice. Many think tanks are non-profit organizations, which in some countries such as the US and Canada provides them with tax exempt status. While many think tanks are funded by governments, interest groups, or businesses, some think tanks also derive income from consulting or research work related to their mandate. (Wikipedia)

Paris Hilton came to Prague on Sunday, she was accompanying the guitarist Benji Madden of the group Good Charlotte. As there were news-hunters running after her since the moment she got out of the group’s bus, she tripped over and hurt her chin, in one moment when she run from the pack chasing her.

It happened close to the Old Town Square. When the couple saw Astronomical Clock, they went for a meal. During the time they were in the restaurant, reporters formed a massive group in front of the building. When the couple tried to escape, Paris tripped.

The famous blonde, who didn’t quite charmed critiques by her acting and singing, accompanies her boyfriend the whole march on his tour. When they were in Germany, German tabloid Bild wrote they are planning a baby during the tour. The child should get its name according to the place of its conception. So maybe it’s name could be Prague.

The first newspaper to inform about this was MF Dnes. According to their post, their trustworthy source informed she could get engaged during her Prague concert. Does it seem unreal? What about possibility of marriage in Prague, the ‘mother of all cities’? We can’t tell for sure, but definitely her concert on 12th May in O2 Arena will be special.

“Kylie always dreamed of being married on stage” said her sister some time ago. Kylie’s chosen one is a French actor Olivier Martinez, with whom she has been for five years. He took care about the Australian singer, when she was recovering from cancer, there were speculations of their marriage from 2006. Last year the couple separated for some time, because of Oliver’s cheating. But they got together again.

Kylie Minogue arrives to Prague on the night from 10 to 11 May, and will stay in Prague until 14th. The length of singer’s planned stay is quite lengthy, and also, the concert starts at 21:00, but her concerts in other European cities start at eight.

One of the World’s most watched celebrities, a heir of the hotel empire Paris Hilton is heading to Prague, where she should arrive on Saturday, according to international celebrities webpages information.

Hilton comes to the concert of the American post-punk group Good Charlotte, which guitarist and vocalist is dating Paris right now. Her presence is expected on the Good Charlotte concert in Prague Congress centre, here further plans in Prague are not known. She should fly to Budapest on Monday.

Information of the party-queen got to the public through a photography, on which she is going through her documents with her plans.

The most favorite politician is, according to the STEM research the Prague Mayor, Pavel Bem (ODS). He gains trust of 54% of Czech citizens. He won just narrowly, followed by Karel Schwarzenberg, the Foreign Secretary (53%). The third is the vice-head of Social Democrats, Bohuslav Sobotka (52%).

Compared to the January STEM research, representatives of Strana Zelenych (Green Party) notably rise in popularity. The most prominent is Schwarzenberg, who got to the second place from the fourth one, gained more than 10%. Schwarzenberg comes from the House of Schwarzenberg, he is the eldest son of Prince Karl VI of Schwarzenberg and Princess Antonie von Fürstenberg.

We could call her the most famous female tennis player of all times, and now she gained citizenship of the country, she was born in.

She got it in silence, the same way communist functionalists took it away from her years ago. When she, in 1975, didn’t come back from US Open, and asked for a political asylum there, the communists labeled her as a ‘traitor of the country’.

Now, the legendary tennis player will have both Czech and American citizenship. The owner of 59 Grand Slam tittles, who didn’t end her career until last year, is going to live on in the USA, but she comes back to the CR often. Last year, she introduced her idea to start a tennis academy in the CR.

The fresh owner of Oscar, Marketa Irglova, flew home first time from the festive ceremony in Los Angeles. She is going to spend about a week in Valasske Mezirici, her home-town in Moravia. Her partner, Glen Hansard, with whom she sings the Falling Slowly anthem, stays in New York.

Marketa, who just turned 20, goes on tour of 25 concerts at American cities. The Oscar success lifted sales of Once soundtrack even higher, and we are talking about a record, which became golden (half a million sold copies) before getting the Oscar.

It is a common presidential duty, not to miss the opportunity to show up in the company of renowned artists and sportsmen. Meanwhile Irish President McAleese congratulated Glen on his success the very evening, Klaus keeps silent towards Marketa. The last Czech person to get an Oscar was Jan Sverak for his Movie Kolja in 1996. Oscar is an equivalent for a World Championship trophy in sports. If Klaus passes this fact, the reason is clear – his ego, as always.

Marketa Igrlova said last year for an interview in Pravo: “I am really ashamed of our president, who always speaks so arrogantly about ecologic problems. I can’t understand, how a president of a country can doubt something that is scientifically proved and everybody knows about … it is a great shame to have him the president.”

Here we go. We would ask Vaclav Klaus too much to swallow this and admit somebody who criticises him is actually quite successful. And I personally think Martina Irglova doesn’t long for getting congratulations from Klaus.

The Sunday Oscar ceremony was commented by international media, especially the acceptance speech by Martina Irglova got a lot of approvals.

“… No matter how far out your dreams are, they can become true…fair play to those who dare to dream and don’t give up… ”

This is an often quoted sentence from the short speech by Iglova, which the British Mirror labelled a one of the most inspirational Oscar speeches. Mirror recalled, that before the movie gained fan base, Hansard with Irglova were practically unknown.

USA Today pointed out a scene from the backstage; Glen and Marketa played with the gained statues. Glen said: “Let’s put them together, like if they are kissing each other.” Marketa: “But they are two boys!” Glen: “But this is Hollywood!”

Server New Musical Express stated Hansard gained a sms from Bono: “From the streets directly to the Oscars. Congratulations.”

The incredible dream of two independent artists became true; the message of the movie Once, filmed in three weeks, but speaking with the power of emotions that are ageless, moved hearts and rejoiced souls so much Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard won the Oscar for the best film song, Falling slowly.

Glen Hansard, gave the acceptance speech as the first one:

“Thanks! This is amazing. What are we doing here? This is mad. We made this film two years ago. We shot on two Handicams. It took us three weeks to make. We made it for a hundred grand. We never thought we would come into a room like this and be in front of you people. It’s been an amazing thing. Thanks for taking this film seriously, all of you. It means a lot to us. Thanks to the Academy, thanks to all the people who’ve helped us, they know who they are, we don’t need to say them. This is amazing. Make art. Make art. Thanks.”

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Because of directing confusion, after Glansard finished his speech, they were taken off stage, and after advertisements, Marketa Irglova was called back, which was against Oscar regulations, but really emotional. As she is a really shy person, to see her like this was moving for real.

“Hi everyone. I just want to thank you so much. This is such a big deal, not only for us, but for all other independent musicians and artists that spend most of their time struggling, and this, the fact that we’re standing here tonight, the fact that we’re able to hold this, it’s just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it’s possible. And, you know, fair play to those who dare to dream and don’t give up. And this song was written from a perspective of hope, and hope at the end of the day connects us all, no matter how different we are. And so thank you so much, who helped us along the way. Thank you.”

What to say more? Congratulations, Marketa and Glen, you have became legends. Good Luck.

Two days after the presidential vote, Jan Svejnar had a press conference in the Congress Centre, which he managed in a relaxed and professional way. “Do you want to know how I am? I’m fine. I had a long, good sleep.” He joked. The question, what is he going to do in the Czech Republic now, remains unanswered.

In cooperation with Svejnar, who gained in a very short period of time a part of the public on his side, are interested CSSD and SZ, but if he wants to run for the president in five years again, he shouldn’t get too involved with any political party. The only thing he revealed from his future is he is not going to enter any political party.

What is seen as the most possible course of action is Svejnar will enter the Senate. “I don’t exclude my Senate candidacy. I could do other things in the position, too.” What did he think by it? Possibly his science career in the Michigan uni, as to fly to Senate meetings wouldn’t be too difficult. He flies to Prague anyway, as he has other responsibilities here – he is the leader of CERGE institute and also is a member of the supervisory board of CSOB.

The Museum of Modern Art in NY presents a complete retrospective of the films of Milos Forman, one of contemporary cinema’s most acclaimed directors.

17-film exhibition spanning the director’s career from 1963 to the present, is presented and includes major critical and commercial successes such as Amadeus (1984) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), as well as early film and TV work made in his native Czechoslovakia.

Milos Forman is one of Famous Czechs, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia, to escape from the communist regime, and became permanent jewels of other countries.

The Czech songster Marketa Irglova with the Irish musician Glen Hansard will perform at the Oscar Ceremony on 24 February 2008. They will sing their hit Falling Slowly, nominated in the ‘Best Film Music’ Category.

Everyone who is their fan, keep yours fingers crossed. They lost the Emmy to Amy Winehouse recently, but it’s not the end of the world. The ceremony will host also Jessica Alba, Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, Pénelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz and others. Also other songs competing for the Oscar will sound in the evening. Like Happy Working Song from the Magical Romance movie, sing by Amy Adams.

The moderator of the gala evening will be a comedian Jon Stewart. As the with a group of scenarist, who will write jokes and sketches to his role. The Hollywood scriptwriter strike is over.

British soul star Amy Winehouse has overmastered the Grammies by gaining five “little gramophones”, but she didn’t fetch them, as she wasn’t given American visa until it was too late. Czech nominee, Marketa Irglova with Glen Hansard, with their song Falling Slowly, which vibrated romantic hearts of not only those who have seen the film ONCE, have lost.

Amy Winehouse won not only the best film song category, her other awards were for best new artist, song of the year, pop vocal album and female pop vocal performance.
The vibrant Amy Winehouse dominated the Grammys on Sunday night, winning five awards and delivering her ‘Rehab’ song performance via satellite from London.

Herbie Hancock took album of the year for River: The Joni Letters; “You know it’s been 43 years since the first and only time that a jazz artist got the album of the year award,” Hancock said, then proceeded to honor “the giants upon whose shoulders I stand, some of whom like Miles Davis, John Coltrane … unquestionably deserved the award in the past. But this is a new day, that proves that the impossible can be made possible.”

A-18-year-old high school student Eliska Buckova from the most Eastern part of the Czech Republic likes to drink Slivovice (traditional plump spirit) and wear the folk costume. The young beauty got her sash at the Prague Airport from Allain Delon.

The show was probably somehow different from the past years – First, to get a sash at the airport, second – instead of free disciplines there were promenades with animals, and Eliska balloted a falcon she was scared of, third – Straznice, the city she comes from, is the same city which miss candidate won also last year.