Petr B., Author at Prague Morning

Jojo Rabbit, which was filmed in Prague and other locations in the Czech Republic last summer, won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

The move by Taika Waititi beat out The Irishman, Joker, Little Women, and The Two Popes. Waititi’s main competitor in the Best Adapted Screenplay category was thought to be Little Women.

The New York Times‘ Kyle Buchanan notes with Waititi’s win, he becomes the first indigenous director to win an Oscar.

Based on the Christine Leunens book Caging Skies, Jojo Rabbit centres upon Hitler youth Jojo (played by Roman Griffin Davis) whose devotion to the Führer is thrown into question when he discovers his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their home.

Throughout the film, there are a number of comedic sequences with Jojo’s imaginary friend who takes the form of Adolf Hitler. Of course, this is very tricky territory.

It’s incredibly risky to attempt comedy when dealing with the atrocities of war, but for the most part, this anti-war satire is a success.

Apart from Prague Jojo Rabbit was filmed in Ustek (street scenes), Chcebuz (exterior scenes) and Žatec (exterior – main square).

Waititi was previously nominated at the Oscars in 2005, when his short Two Cars, One Night was up for Best Live Action Short Film. Prior to the Academy Awards, Jojo Rabbit took screenplay prizes from the Writers Guild of America Awards and the British Academy Film Awards. It also won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, the same prize Best Picture winner Green Book took last year.

The Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) has released a list of the more unusual things that have turned up in its lost and found office.

The number of items left behind has been growing steadily in recent years: in 2017, passengers left some 6,453 items behind, and about 35 percent were returned. In 2016, 5,601 items were left behind and 2,170 were returned. In 2015, out of 4,746 lost items, 1,704 owners were found.

In 2019, passengers forgot 8,100 things on public transport (8.5% more than 2018). 2597 items were returned to the owners.

The list of items included travel documents, bags, backpacks, wallets, mobile phones, keys but also many stranger things ranging from live animals to musical instruments.

Among the most curious: denture, crutches, mandolin, saxophone, billiard cue, horse blinkers, boomerang, portable grill, frying pan, bra, pillow, and a bag with sawdust.

Someone managed to forget a French bulldog, a collie, and a few curs.

The DPP holds on to items for up to a week and then each Thursday gives them to the city’s lost and found.

People looking for lost items that are not still in the possession of the DPP can contact the lost and found at Karoliny Světlé 5. The phone number is 224 235 085, and there is an online form as well.

Opening hours

Monday and Wednesday: from 08:00 to 17:30,
Tuesday and Thursday: from 08:00 to 16:00;
Friday: from 08:00 to 14:00.
Lunch break from 12:00 to 12:30.

Lost animals are taken to shelters, and not the lost and found.

Items on which the owner is demonstrably known, such as ID papers and insurance cards, are transferred to the DPP’s Central Registry at Sokolovská 217/42, Prague 9.

For more information visit the lost and found website

Free Citymove app calculates the best route, enables different means of transport to be booked and helps to find parking spaces in Prague.

The app – developed by ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab – finds and compares various modes of transport – walking, bike-sharing, taxi, and public transport. The app also enables to book and pay for the ride right from the app.

And if you decide to go by car, Citymove enables paying for on-street parking as well.

Following a free download, available for Android and iOS, the user just has to set up an account to book any of the services. E-bikes are paid for directly using the credit card details saved in the account, taxi rides are settled in the car and the text message tickets for urban traffic will be included in the phone bill.

The new Citymove app also promises easy and efficient parking in Prague’s city centre. From now on, drivers can use it to find parking spaces and zones, as well as pay their parking fees by credit card via their phone.

You can also pay for parking in shopping malls, parking houses and P + R car parks. The user can check the number of free spots and the price for parking before entering. Payment is made before leaving the parking lot by scanning the QR code from the parking ticket or copying its code.

Citymove has currently 20,000 users who can access services through Facebook, Google or e-mail and now even more securely on the iPhone through Apple Sign-In.

Prague’s Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) is the largest transplant center in Europe, transplanting 540 organs to 486 patients in 2019 and carrying out roughly 70% of all transplants in the Czech Republic.

IKEM focuses on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, organ transplants, diabetology, and metabolic disorders,

According to Ondřej Viklický, the head of the IKEM Transplant Center, neither the largest center in the United Kingdom located in Birmingham nor the other centers in Northern Europe or the surrounding countries are achieving results as positive as those at IKEM.

Last year’s number of operations was achieved due to a record increase in the number of deceased donors. There were 288 Czech donors with organs from 155 of them being used in IKEM.

In the Czech Republic, the law requires consent to donate organs either by the donor or the donor’s family.

Other transplant clinics are in university hospitals in Prague’s Motol Hospital, in Brno, Hradec Králové, Plzen, Ostrava, and Olomouc.

What is IKEM?

The largest Czech medical research and clinical hospital managed directly by the Ministry of Health which was established in 1971.

The Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) is made up of 3 specialist centers, 8 departments, 15 specialist departments, work bases and laboratories, and 1450 members of staff. There are a total of 312 beds available, of which 83 beds are in intensive care units.

For almost 40 years, IKEM has provided healthcare services at the highest level. The main objective of the institute is to continually improve healthcare for patients, to perfect medical procedures and apply the newest scientific findings in practice.

Jáchymov is a lonely mining town in the Ore Mountains which has played an important role in the history of modern man.

At the beginning of the 16th century, a rich silver deposit was found in the local valley, so in 1516 the owner of the Ostrov estate, Count Štěpán Šlik, decided to establish the town of Thaler.

It was here in the 16th century that the first “Joachimsthaler” coins were minted; nicknamed “tolars” by the Czechs, the popular solid silver coins spread across the Hapsburg Empire and into the New World, where they eventually became the currency of the fledgling United States.

A rich silver deposit was discovered in the area in the early 16th century and the town was founded by Štěpán Šlik as St. Joachim’s Town on the site of the settlement known as Konradsgrün in 1516. The rich deposits of high-quality silver soon lured many prospectors and miners from Bohemia, Saxony, Tyrol, or Rhineland.

In 1524, there were 613 silver mines and adits in the town, with yields amounting to 166,023 tolars.

In 1530, there were 1,000 silver mines employing 8,000 miners. By 1533, Joachimsthal was the second-largest city in Bohemia after Prague. In 1534, there were 18,200 inhabitants. In the early 17th century, silver ores was exhausted, and attention turned to nickel, cobalt, bismuth and arsenic.

The local coins were called in German “joachimsthaler silber groß Denar” – in translation “Jáchymov silver big denarius”. The impractically long name was gradually shortened – first to “joachimsthaler”, then to “thaler”, and finally to the “tolar” in Czech. Everybody – at home and abroad – tried to imitate the successful standard introduced by the Schlick dynasty in the following centuries.

The dollar became the US’ official currency in 1792.

The town lost heavily in wealth and population during the Thirty Years’ War (1618–48), and in the mid-19th century it was ravaged by fire. The local mining of uranium began in 1908 and reached its peak immediately after World War II, but it has since ceased.

Uber has recently launched a pilot stage of a new product option in Prague – Uber Taxi. From December 23 onwards you’ll be able to request a taxi ride via Uber app.

If you enjoy riding with a traditional metered taxi, but are not a big fan of hailing taxis in the middle of the street or carrying cash with you all the time in case you want to pay your driver, you can now try Uber Taxi.

Once you open the Uber app, select “Taxi” among other available products and your taxi driver will take you wherever you want to go.

How does Uber Taxi work?

Set your preferred destination in the Uber App, select the Taxi option and request a ride.
Once your driver arrives to pick you up, he will start the trip in the driver app and initiate the taximeter.
When reaching the final destination, the driver will stop the taximeter and enter the fare price into the driver app.
Depending on your preferred payment option, you will either pay the driver in cash or your credit card will be charged.

How does Uber Taxi differ from other Uber products?

Licensed local taxi drivers equipped with a taximeter
Trip flexibility – you can change the end destination during the duration of the ride
No surge prices – the fare structure is set by the price regulations for taxi and remains the same regardless of demand levels during peak hours
Taxi drivers can drive in dedicated fast lanes – it might help you to avoid traffic jams, so there is no need to worry about the arrival time during busy hours

With Uber Taxi, you can also share your whereabouts and trip status with friends and family, all right from the app. If you are riding with friends, you can also split the fares through the app.

Volkswagen Group’s plant in Bratislava witnessed the rollout of the first-ever Skoda CITIGOe iV.

The electric hatchback is the first all-electric model from the Czech brand. Initially unveiled in May 2019, the mini hatchback is capable of delivering a driving range of 260km while also providing high torque and potent dynamic traits.

The CITIGOe iV production commences shortly after parent Volkswagen recently began production of the ID.3 electric vehicle (EV) at their Zwickau plant.

Being a small, zero-emission vehicle featuring an above-average amount of space for occupants and their luggage, the CITIGOe iV is suited for inner-city journeys.

Its real-life range allows drivers to cover up to 260 km.

Despite its compact external dimensions with a length of 3,597 mm and a height of 1,645 mm, there is plenty of room in the interior for four people.

The city car uses a 32.2kWh lithium-ion battery that powers an electric motor pushing out 83PS and 212Nm of torque. These figures are transmitted to the front wheels helping the CITIGOe iV achieve 0 to 100kmph in 12.3 seconds.

The hatchback can also be charged to 80 percent in an hour using a 40kW DC fast charger.

Although fairly small, the hatchback comes with a boot space of 250 litres, which can also be extended to 923 litres by folding the rear seats.

Skoda will offer the CITIGOe iV in two trim options: Ambition and Style trim. Meanwhile, Skoda will also offer four optional packages: Function 1 package, Comfort package, Comfort PLUS package and EXTRA package (exclusive for Czech customers).

Also this year the sweet scent of mulled wine and trdelník will waft around Prague Castle.

The tradition of holding a Christmas market at the seat of the Czech presidents began four years ago when the Christmas markets finally used the space of the largest castle complex in the world and began attracting visitors with a high-quality range of carefully selected products.

Dozens of stalls will be pitched on Náměstí u Sv. Jiří (St. George’s Square) and Stájový dvůr which can be reached on foot from U Prašného mostu Street. It is also just a few steps away from Golden Lane.

From St. George’s Square you can witness the monumental St. Vitus Cathedral, as well as St. George’s Basilica with its beautiful Baroque facade and the lesser-known All Saints Church.

The market offers more than 70 wooden stalls with both traditional and unconventional products and various kinds of hot food and drinks.

You will avoid the endless crowds, which belong inherently to the Old Town Square Christmas Market, and, moreover, you will spend your time in one of the most remarkable places that Prague can offer.

Opening hours

Mo – Thu 9:00 – 18:00
Fr – Su 9:00 – 19:00

24. 12. 2019 9.00 – 15.00
1. 1. 2020 11.00 – 18.00

Venue: náměstí U Svatého Jiří, access from U Prašného mostu Street.

More information here

Photo: trhynahrade.cz

Photo: trhynahrade.cz

Photo: trhynahrade.cz

The Czech government has approved a plan to adopt a tax on internet giants like Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple.

Joining France and some other countries, the measure would impose a 7% annual tax on companies’ digital business revenues in the Czech Republic. It would apply to companies with global sales worth more than 750 million euros and Czech revenue exceeding 100 million Czech crowns.

The proposed tax covers revenue gained from targeted advertising, providing digital market places, and user data sales.

The finance ministry has estimated the tax could bring in some 5 billion crowns ($216 million) a year, starting in 2020.

“Internet giants do not pay taxes in our country to an extent that would match their profits, which is unfair to other companies in the Czech Republic that pay taxes,” said Finance Minister Alena Schillerová. “We have long supported the search for a common international solution, but unfortunately negotiations at EU and OECD levels will take some time. And because we can no longer wait and see the unequal competition of global giants with other entrepreneurs, we come up with our own temporary digital tax adjustment until an international compromise will be found.”

The Czech Republic is following the example of Austria, which introduced a five per cent digital tax to come into force by 2020, and France, whose national assembly has approved a three per cent digital tax.

The OECD is conducting multilateral discussions over how to tax international technology companies. The US said it would continue those discussions while conducting its own examination.

The Czech Republic secured their place at next year’s European Championship finals with a 2-1 against Kosovo on Thursday.

The Czechs dominated possession but failed to convert their chances in the first half before falling behind when striker Atdhe Nuhiu scored against the run of play in the 50th minute.

But the home side roared back and levelled in the 71st minute when midfielder Kral pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a fierce strike that gave t he Kosovo keeper no chance.

The goal energised the Czechs who hit the woodwork twice in quick succession before 21-year-old Kral directed a header towards Ondrej Celustka who guided the ball home in the 79th.

The Czechs, who play Bulgaria on Sunday, have 15 points and will finish second in the group behind England who have 18 after thrashed Montenegro 7-0 at Wembley to secure runners-up spot.

The tournament is scheduled to be held in 12 cities in 12 European countries from 12 June to 12 July 2020. Portugal are the defending champions, having won the 2016 edition. For the first time, the video assistant referee (VAR) system will be used at the UEFA European Championship.

Group A

	P	W	D	L	Pts
England	7	6	0	1	18
Czech Republic	7	5	0	2	15
Kosovo	7	3	2	2	11
Montenegro	8	0	3	5	3
Bulgaria	7	0	3	4	3

A new residential project in Prague 6 appears to be going beyond the usual boundaries of what is seen as a luxury, with its total value estimated at over CZK 1bn.

“The price of hyper-luxury real estate starts at around CZK 150m,” the project’s architect Jakub Masak told Hospodářské noviny. “There are very few of these properties on the Czech market, though interest in them is growing at a far faster tempo.”

The most expensive of the new villas will likely cost CZK 350m, with the construction of the first phase due to begin next year.

The three-floor building will offer 750 sqm of space, including a glass stairway, a private park and an elevator.

Five mansions of between 430 sqm and 530 sqm will then be built worth CZK 750m, each of which will feature a historic stone fireplace and hand-worked beams. The project also calls for a 4,300 sqm common area.

Future owners should be able to use the area with almost half a hectare of common areas in addition to their own garden. Up to five horses can be stabled and an outdoor riding hall is also planned. The names of the houses will be Secrets, Desire, Nobles, Freedom, and Purity.

The house also has a private park with 50-year-old trees, which come from a renowned Belgium horticulture, the Netherlands and Germany. Ateliér Krejčiřík took care of the landscape solution.

Masák & Partner Group studio has been on the market since 1996. A significant part of their architectural and design activities focuses on heritage sites preservation.

Source: Masák & Partner

Source: Masák & Partner

Source: Masák & Partner

Source: Masák & Partner

Source: Masák & Partner

Source: Masák & Partner

Source: Masák & Partner

Source: Masák & Partner

Light, sound, but mainly stories related to the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. A stunning light show will take place along Národní třída on November 17th.

The screening, which is part of the event Korzo Národní: 30 Years of Freedom, will be presented by Memory of the nation: 1989 produced in cooperation with Post Bellum nad 3dsense.

About Korzo Národní

Korzo Národní is the biggest and longest continually organized celebration of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day in Prague. Since 2014, it takes place on Národní street, where a massive student demonstration started the Velvet Revolution on the 17th of November 1989, which subsequently led to the fall of the communist regime.

The festival program consists of various artistic performances on the street, such as music concerts, theater performances for children and adults, photography exhibitions, educational events, authors‘ readings, representation of NGOs and much more. All events run from 10 am to 10 pm and are followed by an afterparty in the music club Rock Café. This year will perform David Koller, Aneta Langerová, Tata Bojs, Prago Union, Dagmar Pecková, Michael Kocáb, Dagmar Havlová, Václav Marhoul and more.

Velvet Parade

Let’s walk along the route of the student manifestation which triggered the events of the Velvet Revolution exactly 30 years ago! On 17th November we will reconstruct the student parade from Albertov to Národní St. Everybody can join us. Along the way, you will experience the atmosphere and learn what and where happened on that fateful day.

You can find the official program here

Group A

Tell more about your business

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Tell us about your.

Thank You, It`s All Good

Tell us about your.