Today we honor Pravoslav. Happy name day, Pravoslav!
The name Pravoslav has its origins in the Slavonic language and is used mainly in Czech. The meaning of Pravoslav is "righteous glory".
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Happy Name Day, Bohdana! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!
Today we honor Bohdana. Happy name day, Bohdana!
The name Bohdana is of Slavonic origin and means "given by God".
Monday, January 9, 2017
Trading in my Human for a Robot
Who needs a human spouse when you can build one to your liking?
Hmmm, hang on, something about this is quite appealing. I envision romance and towels hung back up after showers and more romance and, "yes, my love..." Although it's just too artificial, One would surely get bored, no? One would surely realize said robot was programmed to their liking and that the entire relationship is a fake. But perhaps, for some, that would not matter. Perhaps, some would be happy, and isn't happiness what we all strive for?
For those of you in London, go see Love, sex and marriage...with a robot? at The British Academy on February 3rd "...for an evening of activities from talks to performances, as we explore the future of romantic relationships."
Is this REALLY our future??
Happy Name Day, Břetislav! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!
Today we honor Břetislav. Happy name day, Břetislav!
The name Břetislav is of Slovak origin and means "noisy glory".
Happy Name Day, Vladan! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!
Today we honor Vladan. Happy name day, Vladan!
The name Vladan is a short form of Slavic names beginning with the element volod/vlad meaning "to rule, ruler".
Again, another name where I don't personally know a single Vladan, and again another name I am digging. But there are Vladans out there, and to them I raise my glass on their special day.
Again, another name where I don't personally know a single Vladan, and again another name I am digging. But there are Vladans out there, and to them I raise my glass on their special day.
Happy Belated Name Day, Vilma & Čestmír! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!
On Saturday, Jan. 7th, we honored Vilma, and on Sunday, Jan. 8th, we honored Čestmír. Happy belated name day, Vilma & Čestmír!
The name Vilma is a form of Wilma, which is the short form of Wilhelmina, which is of Old German origin and means "will, helmet, protection". German settlers introduced the name Wilhelmina it to America in the 19th century.
A very famous Wilma...
The name Čestmír is of Czech origin and means "fortress". I have yet to meet a Čestmír, but I am digging the name.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Tears fall as the Christmas ends
Epiphany, commonly known as Three Kings' Day in the United States, is on January 6. Today. It celebrates the three wise men's visit to baby Jesus and also remembers his baptism.
A short history lesson:
In the Czech Republic, today is known as Svátek Tří králů, Three Kings Day. The Three Kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, also known as wise men from the east, saw a bright star on the night that Christ was born. They followed it to Bethlehem and met the baby Jesus, to whom they gave three gifts:gold, myrrh and frankincense. Based on Biblical stories, the three kings represented three life stages - history, presence, and future (young, middle-aged, and old king). The oldest man also had a dark face that represented the shadow of death.
Translates to:
Christmas is officially over and tears fall into my coffee.
In the Czech Republic, today is known as Svátek Tří králů, Three Kings Day. The Three Kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, also known as wise men from the east, saw a bright star on the night that Christ was born. They followed it to Bethlehem and met the baby Jesus, to whom they gave three gifts:gold, myrrh and frankincense. Based on Biblical stories, the three kings represented three life stages - history, presence, and future (young, middle-aged, and old king). The oldest man also had a dark face that represented the shadow of death.
Translates to:
Christmas is officially over and tears fall into my coffee.
My Solution:
Keep the tree up and pretend....
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Happy Name Day, Dalimil! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!
Today we honor Dalimil. Happy name day, Dalimil!
The name Dalimil is of Czech origin and is derived from the Slavic elements dal meaning "far away" and mil meaning "gracious, dear".
I don't know anyone named Dalimil, do you?
I don't know anyone named Dalimil, do you?
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Happy Name Day, Diana! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!
Today we honor Diana. Happy name day, Diana!
The name Diana is of Latin origin and means "divine". In mythology, Diana was an ancient Roman divinity who came to be associated with the Greek god Artemis. Noted for her beauty and fleetness, Diana is often depicted as a huntress. The name has been used since the 16th-century, and was popularized by the late Princess of Wales.
I tend to associate the name with a great song:
Oh, Michael & Diana, how me miss thee. Gone too soon.
Happy belated name day, Radmila!
Yesterday we honored Radmila. Happy belated name day, Radmila!
The name Radmila is a variant of Radmilla, which is of Slavic origin and means "industrious for the people".
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Pop the Bubbly in honor of Karina
Someone named Karina best be getting a bottle of champagne today. You see, in the Czech Republic, every day of the year is attached to a name, svátek as we like to call it. Today just happens to be Karina's svátek, thus be sure to wish a Karina you know a Happy Name Day.
That aforementioned bottle of champagne surely won't hurt either. Flowers will do as well... I mean, what female does not like to receive flowers? Champagne AND flowers, well you just earned yourself a little damn gold star.
So today we honor Karina. Happy name day, Karina! The name Karina is of Scandinavian origin and a variant of the name Katherine, which is of Greek origin and means "pure".
Šťastný nový rok!
Šťastný nový rok! Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a VERY Merry Christmas! May your hearts be light.
But moving on to severely important matters...superstitions and those dreaded New Year's Resolutions.
First things first though. Resolutions are null & void if we don't adhere to superstitions.
I hope I'm not reaching you too late, but whatever you do, don't eat chicken on New Year's Day. Why you ask? Well, it will make all the luck fly away. And if that isn't enough to keep you away from that plate of deep-fried hangover food goodness known as buffalo wings, then think about this: chickens scratch backwards, implying dwelling on the past and the need to scrape by for a living. Yeah, I think I'll pass on the chicken today.
Now, on to those resolutions. Did you make many? Any?
I did! Oh boy oh boy oh boy!
I vow to eat healthier, workout more, save more money, drink less beer, be nicer to other drivers on the road, blah blah blah BS. I don't vow any of those things because ...
But please don't let me sway you from making yours! Just remember to make one of those resolutions is HAPPINESS. Opt to be happy, because life is too short to not be happy.
So, with that we say good-bye to 2016, and welcome 2017 with open arms and optimism. Don't let us down 2017, don't let us down.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
"People who love to eat are always the best people." - Julia Child
The 6th annual Foodparade is coming up - on Sept. 3 & 4, more than 20 of Prague's restaurants and chefs will offer their wares...so come hungry!
There is, of course, beer & wine. We are Czechs after all.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at http://foodparade.cz/vstupenky/ OR http://www.ticketstream.cz/
Or even better yet, you can try to win tickets by answering the following question and emailing your answer to info@prague.tv by August 21st:
What's the value in CZK of the festivals currency "1 CHEF"?
Pssst...I'll give you a hint. 1 CHEF is 20 CZK. Shhhh, don't tell anyone! And good luck.
Oh, and did I mention... this event is being held at Troja Chateau ...a stunning Baroque structure located in the city's suburbs. Stunning views, vineyards, and the Prague Zoo is located right next door, thus you can make a day of your visit to Troja.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Romance is a Knight in Shining Armor
I am so bummed that I won't be able to attend this event. Then again, how would I choose just one castle or chateau?
On August 27th, several castles and chateaus throughout the Czech Republic will open their doors at night for Hradozámecká noc. AT NIGHT. Meaning candlelight and classical music and knights in shining armor.
One of the chataeus participating is Duchcov, where the stud Giacomo Casanova worked as a librarian in the late 1700's. Perhaps, on this night his spirit will roam the building flirting with women as they pass by. Will you be so lucky?
Duchcov Chateau
Read about the event here
Duchcov Chateau
Another participant is the baroque castle Žleby, which is particularly romantic in appearance.
Zámek Žleby
Zámek Žleby
Zámek Žleby
I can picture it... candle lit rooms, music playing softly in the background, the click-clap of horse hooves as they pass by on the cobble-stoned paths, and the knights. Oh, the knights...
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Mozart in Prague
Why not taking a walking tour of Prague and follow in the footsteps of Wolfgang. With its majestic charm, the city will surely take you back to days long ago...
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Here's a piece by the famous composer that made its debut in Prague in 1787:
Symphony No. 38 in D
Prague TV had a good article which will surely inspire you to explore Prague and visit the places that Mozart once did.
One of my favorite places associated with Mozart is the Estates Theatre. It holds a special place in my heart because it is where my father introduced me to opera by taking me to see Le nozze de Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), which just happens to be composed by Mozart.
Buy Tickets for Le nozze de Figaro at the Estates Theatre
The Estates Theatre
The Estates Theatre, better known for the premiere of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, which was performed here on October 29, 1787
Monday, April 25, 2016
Versatile Beer
Sometimes a girl just wants things.
This time, this girl needs this:
Now that we have that out of the way...
I just read a great article on Prague.TV's website entitled, "BEER COUNTRY EATS, SLEEPS, BREATHES (AND BATHES) BEER"
Ahem... yes. Is true.
The article is genius! Who knew that I can clean with beer, thus giving me even more reason to drink it throughout the day.
(PS...I have highlighted parts that spoke to me)
The construction of the
Charles Bridge started in the 14th century under Charles the IV. There are many
different rumors about what was used instead of cement – and it wasn't just
eggs. According to one website the
secret ingredients that helped hold the bridge together include various organic
products such as milk, blood, cottage cheese, wine and last but not least: beer.
Beer isn't just great for drinking and bridge-building; it has many amazing uses including beauty. Beer shampoo for one has many benefits that you can't find in your regular Head and Shoulders: it contains proteins and it guarantees a long-lasting shine. The only down side is the unappealing smell of beer that may linger after a wash.
Another way to reap the benefits but risk the smell is taking a beer bubble bath. Alternative of investing lots of money into aspa trip where your beer-soaking time is limited, buy a few bottles and enjoy the bubbles. The beer will soften your skin and give you a unique glow.
You can also use beer to make yourself beautiful from the inside out. Beer can be used to marinate meat because of it's acidic nature which makes the meat nice and tender. Unlike wine, beer won't alter the taste of the meat but will make leaner cuts less tough and more delicious. The marinated meat has to be left in the fridge ideally overnight – but keep in mind that you can NOT drink the marinade.
There are several other ways that you can use beer in the kitchen and not all of them require eating. The pots and pans won't clean themselves but luckily for you, just a few drops of beer will put a nice shine on anything metal. Don't forget to let it soak or sit before you start scrubbing!
Accidents can happen – it's not uncommon for beer to end up on the floor. If you're enjoying a beer outside, it may end up in the dirt. Apparently this has it's benefits too! Beer can not only help fix any brown spots in the grass but it can also eliminate various pests. The sugar in beer will help grass grow strong and you can use it to drown unwanted slugs who like beer almost as much as you do.
Spilling beer indoors isn't an issue either, especially when it comes to wooden floors. Not only does beer remove stains but it can also work to polish floors. Just make sure to dry it well and maybe use some soda or liquid cleaner after. This will keep your flat from reeking of stale beer.
Everyone knows that drinking alcohol can warm you up on a cold night. But there are other ways that beer can keep you stay warm without raising your alcohol level. If your heating system revolves around the temperature on a thermostat then all you need to do to heat things up is place a chilled beer on top of the box. This will trick an automatic thermostat into making things a little more toasty.
Next time you have an extra beer, don't let it just sit in your fridge: splash it in your hair, in your cooking pot and all over your household.
Beer isn't just great for drinking and bridge-building; it has many amazing uses including beauty. Beer shampoo for one has many benefits that you can't find in your regular Head and Shoulders: it contains proteins and it guarantees a long-lasting shine. The only down side is the unappealing smell of beer that may linger after a wash.
Another way to reap the benefits but risk the smell is taking a beer bubble bath. Alternative of investing lots of money into aspa trip where your beer-soaking time is limited, buy a few bottles and enjoy the bubbles. The beer will soften your skin and give you a unique glow.
You can also use beer to make yourself beautiful from the inside out. Beer can be used to marinate meat because of it's acidic nature which makes the meat nice and tender. Unlike wine, beer won't alter the taste of the meat but will make leaner cuts less tough and more delicious. The marinated meat has to be left in the fridge ideally overnight – but keep in mind that you can NOT drink the marinade.
There are several other ways that you can use beer in the kitchen and not all of them require eating. The pots and pans won't clean themselves but luckily for you, just a few drops of beer will put a nice shine on anything metal. Don't forget to let it soak or sit before you start scrubbing!
Accidents can happen – it's not uncommon for beer to end up on the floor. If you're enjoying a beer outside, it may end up in the dirt. Apparently this has it's benefits too! Beer can not only help fix any brown spots in the grass but it can also eliminate various pests. The sugar in beer will help grass grow strong and you can use it to drown unwanted slugs who like beer almost as much as you do.
Spilling beer indoors isn't an issue either, especially when it comes to wooden floors. Not only does beer remove stains but it can also work to polish floors. Just make sure to dry it well and maybe use some soda or liquid cleaner after. This will keep your flat from reeking of stale beer.
Everyone knows that drinking alcohol can warm you up on a cold night. But there are other ways that beer can keep you stay warm without raising your alcohol level. If your heating system revolves around the temperature on a thermostat then all you need to do to heat things up is place a chilled beer on top of the box. This will trick an automatic thermostat into making things a little more toasty.
Next time you have an extra beer, don't let it just sit in your fridge: splash it in your hair, in your cooking pot and all over your household.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Czech Republic No More
Welcome to Czechia
I don't like it. What are your thoughts on the proposed new name change?
Actually, the more I say it and hear it, the more I absolutely loathe it. You?
I am not opposed to change, not at all, but Czechia? And using the excuse that Czechia is better for marketing is just ridiculous. We are the Czech Republic... leave it be. Move on. Focus on more important issues.
Monday, November 23, 2015
ACK! Only 36 hours?!
36 hours in Prague would make me a very sad girl....the city has so much to see and do that I can't even begin to imagine only having 36 hours. But, alas, if this were the case, here is what The New York Times suggest one do:
I myself am not familiar with all of these places he suggests, except I do know the bar Zlý Časy quite well...and even posted about it a while back:
Bad Times Call for Great Beer
Bad Times Call for Great Beer
Must try these places suggested by Michael. Must post my own version of what to do with only 36 hours. Yeah, now there's an idea!
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Off the Beaten Path in Prague
Karlin is a great neighborhood in Prague... one that many tourists probably don't get to see unless they're curious and like to explore. I, for one, prefer to head off the beaten path and venture into neighborhoods that aren't filled with souvenir shops and folks shoving pamphlets into my face of tours they offer. If you don't venture out, you miss experiencing what life is like for those who live in the city... what the residential neighborhoods consist of... and what makes them special.
The New York Times had a good article on Karlin... a neighborhood in Prague 8
Another great article that will tell make you want to visit Karlin is
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
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