Compact archive March 2008

Interesting Prague Fact: Do you want to buy really cheap car?

Monday 31 March 2008 17:59

ford-sierra I am simply going to assume you do. The obvious choice would be to go to a car pool, but in Prague, you can go also to a municipal hall. But first, you have to write them a letter, you are interested in buying a car, which was left on a street and nobody had claimed it.

For example a Alfa Romeo 1,8l was bought for 7 000 czk, or Ford Sierra for 2560 czk. Sounds really cheap, doesn’t it? The car sale works in a way the winner of the car is the one who offers the most. Probably can be lengthy, however if the prices are so low, I would suggest just bidding 7000 czk and wait, what happens… Not an easy way, but the cheapest one for sure.

Last year there was 300 cars for sale. Odbor dopravy magistrátu hlm. Prahy contacts are here

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Prague is 12th Most Popular Tourist City

Monday 31 March 2008 14:14

st vitus cathedral Prague was visited by more than four million foreign tourists in 07, which puts it into ‘TOP 5’ of Europe. The travellers’ web TripAdvisor.com made a research, which outcome revealed New York, Paris and London with more than 200 000 votes proved they really form the world’s most tourist – famous places.

Prague got more votes than Florence, Madrid, Vienna, Budapest or Krakow. Tourists positively evaluated Prague cultural and nature sights, quality of accommodation and other services, prices or native citizen behaviour.

What the tourists have evaluated negatively? Especially rip-offs at money exchanges (calculate, how much you should get, before you hand the money over! If you see you pay way too much, chancel the trade and find another place!) and other rip-offs at taxis ( how to avoid?) or souvenir sellers (do you really need that many souvenirs anyway?)

Prague with its 4 millions tourists/year got in the first five of Europe. The most visited is London with its 14 millions, Paris with 10 millions and Roma with 6 millions.

Skoda Cars cheaper outside the Czech Republic

Monday 31 March 2008 12:02

Skoda Cars are dominating the Czech Market, they don’t need to reduce their prices, there are buyers anyway. This is the reason why it is possible to save up to 100t Czech coronas (3,7t €) when buying a Czech car anywhere but in the Czech Republic.

skoda octavia Skoda Octavia Classic with 1,6 MPI Classic sells in the Czech Republic for 459 900 czk. In Germany in is 50 thousands cheaper, similar prices are in Poland or Slovakia.

If you go for your Octavia to Russia or Latvia, it can get even more cheaper. In Russia, Octavia in basic equip costs 386t czk, in Litvia even 350t czk.

Lesser differences are with Fabias or other models. There is also a little catch- the version ‘Classic’ means something different, as you get more equipment in the version sold in the CR. Anyway for Czechs it is a good reason for going shopping to the east.

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Paris' Hilton visit in Prague became a news-reporter hunt of her person.

Monday 31 March 2008 10:16

paris 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.

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Alleged accomplice of Prochazka arrested

Monday 31 March 2008 08:08

Solution of the famous case of the biggest one-time theft in the Czech Republic may move closer. The police have arrested 51 yo Milan Cermak, who reportedly help Fratisek Prochazka in his banknote hunt.

The quiet house, reconstructed in the inside but left modest on the outside, could have provided them with enough quiet for their plans. The criminal police found unexpected things that may work as proofs in future case, including many hundreds of thousands czk or blood trace.

The police talks about Milan Cermak as a possible accomplice, but according to his defense lawyer he disposed the millions czk even before the theft.

Kylie Minoque Prepares Big Surprise for her Prague Concert

Friday 28 March 2008 15:42

kylie 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.

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Very Important Painter Exhibition at Prague Castle

Friday 28 March 2008 15:40

Mikolas Ales is one of the most important and well-known Czech artists. Now you have a change to see his works at the big retrospective exhibition called Mikolas Ales 1852 – 2007, which is being held in the Prague Castle Riding School until 20th of April 2008.

In the exhibition you can see representative overview of Ales´ work, mostly he was inspired by the Czech history and traditions. There are drawings and paintings on the theme of the life of Old Slavonic people, who lived in Bohemia in ancient times, scenes of important moments of the Czech history, pictures depicting the idyllic life of Czech lands inhabitants or illustrating national stories, proverbs and legends.

The complete information is here. You know you want to know more!

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Pete Doyle in Prague

Friday 28 March 2008 15:29

doyle Another star from London; This edition of Prague´s legendary Meccamix party will introduce a real dance music icon from Defected – DJ Pete Doyle. His genuine love for dance music took him to more than 30 different countries during an extremely eventful roller coaster career.

Pete is playing frequently alongside the DJ’s he rates highly like Erick Morillo, Sasha, Armand van Helden, Roger Sanchez, Dimitri From Paris a amongst so many others … basically has played with everyone from Sasha, Tong, Roger Sanchez, Sandi Rivera and Defected’s own Simon Dunmore.

Beefeater, the proud partner of Meccamix, brings you a special prices of the drinks starting on 69 CZK. Meccamix Warm Up Party always starts at 8PM just infront of Mecca in the new bar-restaurant MOLO 22. The resident DJs of Meccamix a the main internetional guest play here till midnight, entry is free, so do not forget!

Entry: 290 czk, vip: 990 czk. Warm-up start at 20:00, Club Mecca, U Pruhonu street 3, Prague 7

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Prague centre to start collecting toll again

Friday 28 March 2008 13:39

According to the Prague Mayor Pavel Bem, entering the Prague historic center by car should be paid in 2011-2012. How much? It should be 2-3 euros. Toll won’t be paid at night, during weekends and locals should get discount.

Prague is packed with cars, and this proposal could literally bring some fresh air to the centre areas. The narrow streets of the historic city, proclaimed a world relic by UNESCO, are not build for automobile expansion.

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Czech Anti-communists Made Zizka wear Logo T-shirt

Friday 28 March 2008 11:23

Another Totality? Not in my name! This may be the translation of ‘Nechni mit na triku dalsi totalitu’ which was the slogan on the 2 metre t-shirt, into which was dressed famous Czech army-leader’s statue at Zizkov.

“We hoped the the banner will last long enough, so the people have an opportunity to realize, that it is necessary to stand up against communism and do anything for the totality ideology won’t become reality again.” Said a member of the anti – communist movement.

“We have chosen Jan Zizka, because he is the greatest – the biggest equestrian statue in the world.” The ititiative web is www.dekomunizace.cz, where is also an artist competition of the best anti-communist t-shirt logo going on right now.

Prague Airport Prepares a Map of Its Expensive Restaurants

Thursday 27 March 2008 17:41

If you ever landed on the Letiste Ruzyne airport in Prague, it may have happened to you too – you ordered a coffee or a meal and you paid a price that is normal…maybe in hotel Hilton. Of course the restaurants placed there do not intend to reduce their prices; only the Airport wants to print a brochure with a map, differencing restaurants placed in the hall according to prices.

The reason, why the prices of meals and drinks at Prague Airport are so high, is half of them are owned by the same company. Lots of people complain on the net about the fact that London or Frankfurt airports are cheaper then the one in Prague, which should correspond to the rest of prices at Czech market, which are just much lower.

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Klaus' reason for not going to Olympics

Thursday 27 March 2008 15:45

The re-elected president of Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus have previously announced that he is not going to the Olympic games in China. But it is not a boycott against China atrocities, like in the case of other Czech politicians, like Ondrej Liska; MF Dnes informed he is going to a hip operation at the time of Olympics.

The other thing is, such long-term planned orthopedic operations can be postponed. What was the real reason? “I don’t intend to go Olympic Games in China” he wrote at his web. “As a sportsmen I am against politicization of sports and against competing in who is going to make the Olympics more monumental.”

Czech thief of the century might get killed

Thursday 27 March 2008 13:28

The man who stole a half of billion czk could be, according to TV Prima, already dead. The television has broadcast information, that the police found Procházka’s blood in the flat of his accomplice yesterday.

There was also treportedly 8000czk found at the same place. The TV station refers to unnamed detective, who works on the case. However a police deputy have resolutely negated the news yesterday. But it is quite possible they did it only from safety reasons.

Catching of ‘Accomplice’ is the first provable step in the police investigation, which has been going on since 1st February 08, when Prochazka disappeared with 500 millions czk from Prague security agency G4S.

Serbian Government appealing: Do not Recognise Kosovo

Thursday 27 March 2008 11:05

“The Czech Republic is our friend. So we hope, it will not recognise Kosovo.” Bozidar Djelic told Czech vice-prime minister Alexandr Vondra, who came to Serbia on official visit. His Serbian counterpart also said: “I talked with Alexandr Vondra about the negative influence which would Kosovo recognition have.”

Serbia media have transmitted information of what are plans of Belegrad regarding its former province. The plan suggest splitting Kosovo according to ethnic borders among majority Albanians and minority Serbians. This way, Serbians could overtake political and administrative controlů over the Northern territory of Kosovo. Bozidar Djelic however disapproves this: “Serbia doesn’t want to split Kosovo. But we want to split Serbia neither.”

Source: LN

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Paris Hilton heading to Prague

Thursday 27 March 2008 09:30

paris-hilton 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.

G.I. Joe: To Be Shot at Prague's Barrandov Studio

Wednesday 26 March 2008 17:27

Prague´s Barrandov Studio announced the $170 million film based on the action commando toy and comic-book hero G.I. Joe will be filmed there in May. Production of the large, elaborate sets has already started.

G.I. Joe, directed by Stephen Sommers (The Mummy Returns, Van Helsing) will be one of the most expensive productions ever made at Barrandov, Chreneková said. Paramount Pictures, Di Bonaventura Pictures and American toy company Hasbro, Inc., which created the popular character, are co-producing the movie.

The cast includes Sienna Miller, Channing Tatum, Rachel Nichols and Dennis Quaid. The film concerns an elite military unit, comprising special operatives known as G.I. Joe, operating out of The Pit, which takes on an evil organization led by a notorious arms dealer.

Previous films filmed at Barrandov included:
Babylon A.D. (Van Diesel movie)
both Chronicles of Narnia movies
Casino Royal (the 007 agent James Bond movie)
Harts War (Bruce Willis movie)
Tristan and Isolde
The Bourne Identity
Bad company

Inspiration for this article provide by czechmatediary.com

By Wheelchir in Prague

Wednesday 26 March 2008 15:33

If you are interested in Prague, you want to go here, but you are dependent on wheelchair accessibility, there are places you can go, don’t worry. Czech Republic used to be a part of the USSR, but the times are over, and there were many improvements in the quality of services provided for the disabled.

For example public transport has special link buses for disabled, but you don’t have to rely on that; there are many regular new tramways and buses, which wheelchair users can use.

Regarding sightseeing, some buildings were build as un-accessible, however the most important sights, like the Prague Castle or the National Museum are fine. Check the list.

World Music in Prague

Wednesday 26 March 2008 13:09

The music group, originating similarly as Gogol Bordello or Balkan Beat Box from the New York music melting pot, joints together eastern Roma music, klezmer, Russian folklore or Bollywood with Wait’s chanson, cabaret songs and wild rock.

They are known for their excellent concerts full of emotions and energy. They will introduce their new album The Golden Hour, which was mostly inspired by the front-man’s, Tod A (ex Cop Shoot Cop) travels in India, Pakistan, Turkey and Indonesia.

14th March 2008, FIREWATER (USA), support: SELFBRUSH start 19.00 tickets: 350,- Rock Café, Narodni 20, Prague 1

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Kosovo recognision on hold

Wednesday 26 March 2008 11:35

kosovo position in europe The KDU-CSL (Christian democratic union) came with the proposal: the Czech Republic should wait with Kosovo recognition. They doubt its legal status.

Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg proposed the government recognised independent Kosovo next week, however The Prime minister Topolanek surprisingly announced his cabinet is going to further discuss the matter.

Pavel Severa, the head of the KDU-CSL have stated: “We are afraid of another unstable place on the map, because the independence proclamation in Kosovo wasn’t completely according to international law.

KDU-CSL taken Topolanek by surprise, however he agreed on further debates. Social Democrats (CSSD) are completely against the recognition, the Communist party (KSCM) as well. The other opposer is also Vaclav Klaus. Meanwhile 30 world countries have recognised Kosovo already, the Czech Republic still haven’t, as well as Russia and Slovakia.

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Ztohoven are free

Wednesday 26 March 2008 09:55

According to the yesterday court decision, members of the Ztohoven group did not break any law, when they broadcasted a fictive atomic bomb explosion. All the seven young artists got off the ‘false alarm‘ charges.

“The pictures of explosion weren’t able to make the population anxious. Most of people were entertained and surprised, how easy was to get to a tv broadcasting.” the judge explained.

Charges were lifted also because they weren’t able to find one person, who would be scared by the broadcast. So the impact on psyche wasn’t proved. At the end, the only one who disagrees with the decision is the Czech Television, which still feels violated. But the truth is the verdict seems very rightful.

Leonard Cohen to play at Prague Castle

Tuesday 25 March 2008 15:56

Leonard_Cohen_years_ago The fresh member of rock’n‘roll hall of fame, Canadian singer, poet and composer Leonard Cohen, goes on tour after fifteen years. He should also visit Prague, according to unofficial news. One of the most renowned authors of popular music should introduce to Czech audience 10th August at Prague Castle.

The concert wasn’t acknowledged by any organizing agency, however www.showtimetickets.com server is already offering tickets to his concert in Prague. The Prague term is not even at the artist’s web-page. The 74yo musician placed only officially confirmed stops of his tour on his web, which begins on 6th June in Toronto and ends on 29th July in Athens.

Source: MF Dnes

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Ztohoven Art Group Trial Started

Tuesday 25 March 2008 15:47

They had their ‘art crime’ well prepared – Czech television transmits a kind of weather show every morning, during which you can watch Czech countryside live and see whether its raining etc. it is called Panorama. Art group Ztohoven got an idea – to break in one camera tower, and to plug in a laptop with adjusted film from the very same camera- the countryside was the same, but… there was a new mushroom, an atomic bomb explosion mushroom to be precise.

Members of Ztohoven are now at the court, defending their point of view: “Medial reality is made up by substitute signs, and those substitutes doesn’t have to correspond with reality” They also won the 333 prize of the Czech National Gallery. According to them is was a warning ‘the only reality is the reality you live’

They are pressed charges against because of their unauthorized access to the transmitting tower and also because of spreading false alarm information.

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Ragga de luxe show in Prague

Tuesday 25 March 2008 13:58

Prague Club Roxy will became a place where you can hear true Jamaican Regge. Czech audience can hear Darry Rings, one of the most talented Jamaican artists of te present, who is world-succesfun with his last record The Most High. Together with him will be performing House of Riddim from Austria and home-formation Afrodisiak.

Daddy Rings is one of the most talented Jamaican Reggae artists. Born and raised in Jamaica he developed his Sing-Jay Style while working on his Uncle´s Sound-System. In 1991 he started to carry his talent out to the world. Since then his unique style of performing and his brilliant lyrics are leaving a deep impression on those who hear him. His music is touching the hearts and souls of Reggae- and Music-Fans all over the world.

Pre-sale: 270 czk in Ticketpro, at the door 350 czk. Show starts at 19:00, Roxy, Dlouha 33, Prague 1

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Havel: Yes to Radar.

Tuesday 25 March 2008 11:59

We owe the US. That is the ex-president Vaclav Havel opinion in the matter of the US radar base in the Czech Republic. Havel have stated it is a chance to assist our ally. According to his words in a TV debate, without the assistance of the USA, independent Czechoslovakia would never arise and the Iron Curtain would still be here in the first place. “This is the first time Americans want something from us. We have always wanted something from them. They want a detail. And we start to be reluctant.”

Havel’s positive words have collided at the ex-Soviet president Michail Gorbachev. He said in the Czech Television the whole anti-radar system is aimed against Russia and China. This is a wide-spread opinion of Russian politics, even when Czech negotiators do a lot of gestures to demonstrate it is not.

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