The Dalai Lama paid his sixth visit to Prague, this time on the occasion of the 70th birthday of former Czech Republic president Václav Havel.

Our friend Kamal attended the Dalai Lama’s speech at the Žofín Palace and wrote an interesting article about it. Among other things, she points out the general Czech population’s lack of understanding of the world’s religions as it became apparent at the event. That of course may have to do with the fact that almost 60% of Czechs consider themselves atheist or agnostic, which in itself is fine. What is embarassing and alarming are the survey results that Kamal included. Should not believing be an acceptable excuse for not knowing?

Read Kamal’s article on My Czech Republic

 CAUTION! Dangerous crossing

This is in Benešov where the only way to get from the main entrance of a large public park into town is to cross a busy thoroughfare. There’s no crosswalk here. Just an opening in the wall on the other side.

Young Wine an Old Custom
Burčák is tasty and refreshing, but don’t drink too much!

Czechs cruise in Liberec
Easy win over San Marino, good start to EURO 2008 qualifying

Svankmajer’s Lunacy selected for Oscar nominations
Nominations will be announced on January 23

Czech jobless rate drops to 7.8 pct in Sept
Big disparity with Prague-east at 2.3% and Most at 20.3%

Czech-ing into culture
Welcome to Moravia … Oklahoma

The world-renowned fashion designer Blanka Matragi who is Czech by origin and lives in Lebanon with her husband is currently exhibiting her latest collection in the Municipal House in Prague. The exhibition was preceded by an evening fashion show on September 22, the proceeds from which were contributed to the reconstruction of Lebanon damaged in the recent Israel/Lebanon conflict.

The exhibition runs from September 24 to October 15 and has been extremely successful.