Compact archive November 20, 2008

Tommy Emmanuel, c.g.p. returns after a few years to Prague. One of the most original guitarist nowadays returns after the last phenomenal success. For his inimitable play technique called finger-picking he is a unique figure of the guitar scene. He plays by left and right thumb, he picks by both hands on the finger-board, making countless effects. His concerts, of which he makes three hundreds worldwide a year belong, also thanks to his natural showmanship and sense of humor to an extraordinary experience.

The Eve Quartet Prague (CZ) is a all-girl group of Prague HAMU graduates, master studies at the top music personalities. They also belong to the top inland and abroad (like the symphonic orchestra FOK Prague) etc.

Kongresové centrum – Congress Centre Prague, tř. 5. května 65, Prague 4, Metro Vysehrad. Tickets: 1.310 – 650,- czk. Tommy Emmanuel C.G.P. & The Eve Quartet Prague on Friday Pá 21th November 2008, start at 20:00

He left to India on 19th May to a planned two month holiday, during which he wanted to collect larvae of beetles for his scientific research. Petr Svacha didn’t have an idea his staying is going to take half a year, from which a month is going to be in a prisoner’s cell.

He gave away an interview for Denik, so now we know he feels good, and is glad he is home and legally, by which he points to the other etymologist, who had to escape from India law which went wrong in this whole absurd case. Svach anyway congratulates the other one for making it, stating that to play fair is possible only if the other side plays fair as well.

When he describes India prison, it is something one would probably really like to escape from: 25 m long room, with Turkish toilet in one corner and a television in the other, and two-metre long benches with the prisoners – there is about 30 of them in each room.

So the story is over – the two etymologists are finally home in the Czech Republic, with a story to tell their grandchildren. However, it pointed out the absurdity of the local law we are not used to in Western countries.

… made from all the materials; from wood to gingerbread, from glass to paintings. The Christmas are coming again to the Highest Burgrave of the Prague Castle. The third year of the “Betlemy” – Betlehems exhibition has started. Betlem is what in Czech stands for the Nativity Scene. The artpieces were made by the ‘Betlemari’ – Union of Nativity Scene Makers

The visitors shouldn’t miss especially the replicas of an old Nativity Scene puppet theatre, which entertained Prague citizens more than a hundred years ago, the gingerbread pieces, or the ceramic one from the 1930’s, originally made for the St. Vitus Church. The exhibition is at the Highest Burgrave of the Prague Castle and it is opened until 4th January.

The charges for entering the old city centre in Prague could be more expensive, that was originally assumed. The representatives always talked about amounts usually stopping at 100 czk, but that is probably a history. According to the material of the counselling company Deloitte “When setting the charge to 120, the traffic is going to drop by 20% in the area” If the toll was 80 czk, the traffic would drop by 14%.

Surely that is a lot, but the total costs aren’t low either. The total, together with the necessary parking lots reaches above 4 billions czk. One of Prague representatives Witzany points out the system of one-way communication would be better, as the toll will only fill the city cash box with no effect on the traffic.

The Prague Mayor Bem is of the opinion it is too soon to jump to a conclusion. According to him, those 120 are just one of many proposals and didn’t want to comment it, which on the other hand means more yes than no. He concentrates more on defining who shouldn’t pay it, like locals etc.