In this final issue of 2009, Lifestyles Magazine takes a look at
holiday traditions and suggests a few new ones. Too often we tend
to view the season with dread: the frantic search for the perfect
gift in overcrowded malls; the loss of privacy from hosting relatives
or when we are the visitors; the hours spent in the kitchen for a
family meal that with an ill-timed comment rehashes memories
of past holiday dinners best forgotten.

It’s no wonder that we forget what these last days of the
year are truly about: Celebrating joy and giving thanks. This
year, try looking at the season with fresh eyes or make it a point
to create new memories. Luckily, breathing new life into your
holiday routine is an easy feat: Just look around you—the Czech
Republic is brimming with joyful activities to get you started with
accumulating holiday cheer. We explore a few of these in ‘Tis the
Season and in this issue’s New Year’s Eve guide.

One surefire way to express gratitude for a year well-lived and
for our good fortunes is to give back to our communities. In Gifting
with a Purpose, we highlight four charities that are helping others
who are less fortunate. And while on the topic of creating new
holiday traditions, why not consider charitable gifting? Donate to
a cause in the name of a loved one, or in lieu of gifts.

We are looking forward to many wonderful things in 2010,
including the National Theatre’s January production of Swan Lake
and Causa Carmen. With two world-class ballet directors at the
helms, and native son and acclaimed ballet star Lukáš Slavický
in a lead role, both shows promise to take love to beautiful new
heights.

Finally, we at Lifestyles Magazine offer our gratitude to you,
our readers, for your continued patronage. We have many great
stories in store for you in 2010 and hope that you will look to us
again to be your guide to living stylishly in the Czech Republic.

We wish you a Happy Holiday and New Year.

In this issue of Lifestyles Magazine®, our regional focus is on Central Bohemia, and we’re sure you will find some new things about this large region of our country.

Further north, you will learn about the best ski-areas from former competitive skier Jaroslav Zeman. In the process, you will discover he has done quite well in business, too. We also offer a second feature on green automotive alternatives. The Riversimple car looks more like a frog, and shares other amazing similarities. If one drives from London to Aberdeen, the net emission is less than a litre… of water. Norway is our featured country profile, accompanied by an entertaining interview with H.E. Peter Raeder, the former Norwegian ambassador. May his net be full of butterflies.To your health, you will learn about how to avoid the flu from our friends at Santé, as well as some food and wine possibilities.

The Dox Centre for Contemporary Art teaches us about American Bohemia in a preview of Julia Calfee’s photography of the legendary Chelsea Hotel in New York. Jazz singer Diana Krall is also profiled.

We are introducing a new feature – “Diversions”, in which people offer observations on any subject other than their current profession. I asked Dr. Pavel Barsa to begin this series, because of events taking place this month marking the first generation following the Soviet occupation. Accompanying his thoughts is an image featured by the Czech Centres in Berlin as part of an exhibition paying tribute to photgrapher Dana Kyndrová. (See www.czechcentres.cz for more details. )

Twenty years ago, Dr. Barsa was part of a group of college students travelling the country during the “revolution” like mischievous henchmen, their mission to disrupt parts of the State’s apparatus. Since then, Dr. Barsa has proven himself a renaissance man, a gifted photographer (see “Afterthoughts”), and as a member of Dr. Petr Suchomel’s “Dream Team” in Liberec, a world class neurosurgeon. They quite literary save lives on a daily basis, both here and around the world; they also saved mine.

Like others we have written about in the past years, they have chosen the harder path without the rewards and ease of Western standards and expectations, and kept the perspective and promise of change from 1989. For me, “Decisions and Duties” offers thoughts on how to make the next twenty years better. http://www.lifestylesmagazine.eu/2010/01/diversions-decisions-and-duties-3/

Thank you, Pavel. May your beard and life grow long, so to speak.

John Brooks Lobkowicz

It is a common complaint by many that we never get to explore the treasures in our own backyard. Recently, I had the opportunity to see a few examples of what many of us have been missing, and my guide was the lady responsible for bringing them back to life. Eva Krepčíková, art historian, architect and mystical interpreter of centuries past, shares two of her hidden gems in the Josefov quarter. You will be enjoying her journeys across Prague, and the Czech Lands, in issues to come, since Eva has become a regular contributor to our publications.
Looking beyond Prague, Lifestyles Magazine® explores the city of Liberec, and the surrounding region. Its rich history continues today with a healthy mix of good business, welcoming communities, solid governance and abundant natural resources. Liberec also lays claim to a top-tier technical university, and perhaps the finest neurological staff and facilities in Central Europe. You will hear more about that in our next issue.
We continue our series on the equestrian life with the arrival of polo in the Czech Lands, and the information you need to know as a spectator or prospective player of the sport. Our automotive section explores pollution-free travel on two wheels. Whether you are interested in an easier trip to the office, or riding the fastest electric motorcycle on the planet, we believe you will see the green in this story.
On the cultural front, The Czech Centres created a truly inspired “Night of Literature”. The event featured well known artists and personalities reading passages all over Prague. (These readings were simultaneously organized across Europe, and showcased Czech literature to the broader, international community.) At one of the readings I attended, Taťjána Medvecká was performing. We have an interview with this legend from the National Theatre, as well.
In closing, we wish to offer special thanks to Karin Lauková. While neither a photographer nor journalist by training, her photos can be seen, and her words can be read, in this issue.
Karin stepped in to help us with a broad range of issues, most of which are less visible and all of a much greater urgency. She resolved those with equal success. It is no surprise that the cover image is her work, as well. We are all grateful for her contribution.

In the December issue of Lifestyles Magazine®, our cover story offers a personal perspective of the man behind the voice of  José Carreras. In addition, our Arts & Culture section features stories on Prague International Ballet and Prague International Jazz. Since creativity is by no means confined to Prague, you will see in the work of three gifted talents we have showcased in the third profile. In 2009, we will have expanded coverage of arts and culture, as well as some useful information tools in our print and on-line formats..

Enjoy a visit with H.E. Catherine von Heidenstam, the Swedish Ambassador, and a quick trip to Sweden through the eyes of a Czech student. We offer some other unusual travel ideas for the holidays and the new year- at home and abroad. Unusual? You have several choices, including “The House that Sings” in Mexico and a Kenyan safari on the Masai Mara. Both offer 5 star luxury, but only one delivers that claim with a tent instead of a traditional suite.

Our education feature explores how private educators are meeting the challenge of delivering the “three R’s”, and includes an examination from Prof. Matz, our Associate Publisher. As they all learned, she doesn’t use a sliding scale. For the best students, or business people, Holiday Passions offers some ways to reward you may not have considered.

As this year closes, I wish to make an observation that those students of either Voltaire or Swift would label pure Pangloss. Normally, I prefer the satirical and darkly ironic tone that they served up so well, and is still evidenced in Czech black humor so perfectly today.

For the past few months, we have been deluged – globally, and now locally– with a stream of doomsday scenarios and bleak perspectives, including global economic meltdown. The media, in every form, has been feeding this on a “hypertime” basis, and, in large part, fueling some extreme reactions to a bad situation. Bad news sells.

This is not to suggest that times are not difficult, nor that change isn’t necessary; rather, that we might all be better served with perspective instead of panic. I believe that the overall present situation is in fact nothing new, and that the possibilities of change before us hold many positive opportunities. History is a good barometer of this point, even over the last 20 short years, and certainly farther beyond.

I remember the day when the market crashed in 1987 – 20 years ago in New York. “Black Monday”. Some of the general terms: ‘Worse than the Great Depression’, ‘Panic’, ‘doomsday’, ‘meltdown’, and such. Pangloss can be heard: “All is for the best!”. The beauty of their satire can be found in the similarity of the root causes for the1987 maelstroms and our present situation..

I also recall one of my first childhood memories: A black and white television flickering as Jack Kennedy’s caisson was drawn through the streets of Washington, before the landmark legislation of change he had championed could see the light of day. I believe I have read the quotation that these were the days that hope died, especially when adding MLK and RFK.

It was Lyndon Johnson, thereafter, who signed the Civil Rights Act that began the end of apartheid in the United States. Lyndon Johnson, an ultra-conservative Texan; two generations later, a black American will assume the presidency.

I had the accident of history, and the extraordinary privilege, to be born in the United States. One of the truly unique “American” qualities is the unshakable belief that anything is possible; related to that is America’s ability to reinvent itself.

Observe the reactions in Berlin, and then around the world, as the turbulent period of the past few years is finally drawing to an end. Voices of tolerance, change, and hope are finally emerging in America, and in fact, around the world. If history is an indication, these voices will carry us again; indeed, the journey is under way, and as before, not just for America.

Hope and change. Like the light of Bethlehem.

Happy Christmas, and New Year.

John Brooks Lobkowicz
Publisher

I can do anything … if I’m organized. That’s why I was beginning to panic when I stepped into the Lifestyles Editor-in-Chief position and couldn’t find a shop stocking one of my essentials for getting organized: a big wall calendar.

Luckily, at the sixth stationery store I ransacked, I met a cheery, helpful young salesman. No, he didn’t have the calendar in stock, but he would check the warehouse and call me back. And an amazing thing happened: That afternoon, he called. Yes, they would have the calendar in the shop tomorrow. The salesman promised to call the next day between noon and 2 pm to confirm.

And then another amazing thing: at 1:17 pm the next day he called. The calendar would be ready for pickup after 4 pm.

It is such a tiny thing, calling when you say you’ll call. Caring enough about a customer to track down a needed item. And doing it all with an attitude that says “it’s a pleasure for me.”

Yet, such tiny things are the way to build a great nation.

Former Czech President Václav Havel has a lot to say– has always had a lot to say – about nation-building. Some of his comments from a decade ago are still fresh and even more urgent today. That’s why in this issue we’ve dedicated our cover story and the following pages to some of his ideas.

And there are others who manifest a positive message about nation-building in the Czech Republic. They’re doing it in a quiet way, for example by supporting the arts and emerging Czech artists. The advertising messages from Glaverbel/AGC Flat Glass Europe in our magazine help us tell you the exciting news about the history of Czech glass and new glass products; information from Galerie Pokorná has helped us bring you a three-part story of Czech glass art and to introduce you to some of the youngest Czech glass artists.

And you’ll find some interesting comments about the contributions of Czechs to Canadian (and Czech) society, in our interview with His Excellency Michael Calcott, the Canadian Ambassador to the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

There are many other positive and interesting examples of nation-building in the pages of this issue. We’ll leave it to you to find them for yourself.

Happy reading.

In this issue of Lifestyles Magazine®, we begin with diplomatic perspectives, our regular feature highlighting the views and personalities that shape the valuable and “quiet” service of the art of diplomacy. The “new millennium” has demonstrated the global consequences of periodic foreign policy decisions based on unilateralism and self-right, instead of dialogue and compromise; the individuals representing their country’s interests here very often contribute their personal character, set of interests, and most of all, humility, which makes their contributions that much richer.

This time we visit with two familiar faces on Prague’s embassy row, H.E. Vasilios Eikosipentarchos of Greece, and H.E. Alberto Salas of Peru, whose diverse land is our featured Country Profile. The Deputy President of South Africa, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, shares her life experiences.

Her story is reminiscent of the interview with H.E. Nomusa Dube in our October 2006 edition. No excuses offered for the hardships endured, or limitations imposed by being a woman. Instead, determination, excellence, and success, all demonstrated with natural grace and good humor.

Next we visit with a real Czech war hero, Jan Horak, who joined the famous Czech contingent of the RAF, flying Spitfires during World War II, and whose life reads like a world-class novel. Best of all, he landed in a bed of roses.

Our cover story begins a series on the equestrian life in the Czech Lands; you can be sure that there’s much more to it than an afternoon at Chukle. We are grateful for Karolina Chelbergová’s gracious assistance and contribution to this installment.

Our wealth management special feature leads with corporate giving, and Preciosa’s pioneering steps. However, in order to give it away, you have to make it first… at least most of the time. So Martin Kolmhofer offers two alternatives to the anemic, and sometimes chaotic, stock market.

We visit kitchens, vineyards and wine cellars, explore the bio foods boom, and the good taste (and great results) of the Prague power breakfast. There are new links to play, new toys to consider, different ways to travel, and some unusual places to visit.

In closing, I am pleased to inform you that Mary Matz has assumed the additional role of Associate Publisher. For our regular readers, you know her hand, and can understand the decision. I describe her role as the keeper of a multinational, multi-polar collection of gifted and eccentric talents requiring nurturing and periodic discipline. Imagine Madeline Albright with a blue pencil in one hand, and a bull whip hidden in a box of chocolates in the other. Her only consolation is enjoying the easy going nature and flexible spirit of the present publisher. Saint Mary is an understatement.

One of the worst kept secrets is the beauty of Czech autumns, and this year is proving no exception. The grandeur of the forests, rich in smells and light refracting through the trees, mixes with the silence and solitude disturbed only by an occasional family of deer. And then there are the colors, the dry blue skies, and the cool air that tells of change that usually signals mushroom season, a Czech national pastime. Mushrooms… Czech truffles!

With over 60 years’ of practice, my mother-in-law should know that this has been the biggest season ever. Besides, she is always right. The fact that we harvested more than a kilo on one warm afternoon in late January of this year says it all, and the rest of the year has seen equal bounty. If this is climate change, life could be worse.

In this issue of Lifestyles Magazine®, we have three recipes from Chef Weisner of the Brasserie designed to capture the essence of our beloved houby, including Kulajda. We also have the next installment in our series on Czech Glass, with a story on Stanislav Libenský who passed away a few years ago. I had the privilege of spending an afternoon with him and & Jaroslava Brychtová in the early ‘90s at their studio. Aside from being the most important engine of Czech art glass, they were modest and focused on teaching the next generation at Železný Brod. That same modesty is evident in our interview with Roman Šebrle, the internationally recognized sports star who keeps his focus on the family – not fame or fortune.

There’s more of our best of city and country living, too. We detail unique living in the Czech Lands, and our sports section chronicles the extraordinary expansion of golf within the Bohemian borders. Things are changing, indeed.

Recently, some may have noticed that a few publications are now trying to emulate our format. To that, we say “Imitation is the highest form of flattery”. It bears repeating that Lifestyles Magazine® does not charge for editorial. We are supported by clearly marked advertising and special advertising features, and we encourage you to support their businesses. We believe that clean reportage and informative articles are what our readers expect. It is also, in our opinion, correct journalism.

With a name like Vinohrady, it’s not difficult to imagine the area’s beautiful slopes covered with stepped vineyards, tended by the local habitants’ loving hands. Envisioning that same gentle scene in Smíchov, however, surely would test the imagination of most. Prague 5, including parts of Smíchov, has only recently lifted its perception as a tough, working class district and is now one of the most desirable, and lucrative real estate locations in Prague. Even more suprising, Smichov shared Vinohrady’s tradition of vineyards in the city. Our Best of City Living has a special feature on the new luxury project from Satpo, The Švédská Residence. This small and exclusive opportunity pays respect to that tradition with some exceptional living quarters where the historic vineyards once stood.

In that vein, we take a look at the work of Max Švabinský. This is a story of easy choice (especially when you are the publisher). Every Czech of 50 years or older knows the name and the hand. His pastoral landscapes, enormous collection of portraits, and range of allegories and perspectives, help define the national identity; his self portrait in his garden leads the story. Just as it is difficult to imagine vineyards in Smíchov, Švabinsky’s extraordinary series of 24 lithographs from 1948 were created in his Chodov garden; indeed, this same garden was inspration for much of his nature settings up until his death in the early 1960’s. The following explosion of housing estates of the 70’s have evolved into the thriving commercial and residential suburb of present day Chodov. Švabinský was at the head of an extraordinary generation of gifted artists, many of whom he shaped during his lengthy tenure at the Prague Academy of Fine Arts.

Our cover features another gifted talent, Josef Pleskot, and his deer tunnel at Prague Castle. I finally had the opportunity to visit the ČSOB building last fall, another Pleskot prize. From the wooden floors to the light refracting on the ceiling in the atrium, it was an impressive experience. Our business meeting, like a number of others at the time, was held in this extraordinary space with small clutches of privacy. Forget the office or a conference room; Pleskot’s work draws people in a most unusual way.

We also have a design story on Laufen, the iconic B&O, and some other forces to be reckoned with, while Martin Kolmhofer explains the world of real estate investment trusts. In addition we have some interesting properties for your consideration .

We trust you will enjoy the stories, and we welcome suggestions for future editions.

In this issue of Lifestyles Magazine®, our cover story chronicles the rich history of ballet in the Czech Lands. Following the revolution, many of this country’s best talents went West to enjoy greater opportunities.

Jana Kůrová, the prima ballerina of the Prague National Theatre for 14 years, followed this path and enjoyed international success. Since 2005, Jana Kůrová has infused her passion for dance in The Prague International Ballet, and, to the delight of Prague audiences, is rebuilding the culture of traditional ballet.

Our food and wine section boasts the history of chocolate (once used as currency by the Aztecs, and more precious than gold), the art of chef Milan Pešek from the President Hotel, and quality Hungarian wines. Our country profile fits naturally, with our neighbor Hungary in the spotlight; H.E. Istvan Zabo offers his diplomatic perspective, as well.

You will learn about auctioneering, both here and abroad, and we are introducing a new feature within our travel section that highlights little known gems. Our regular feature of five trips in the Czech Lands will continue, and we welcome suggestions for future stories.

In our sports section take a ride on the The Streif at 140 km per hour before turning to culture where you can enjoy an overview of Prague’s jazz scene and the history of Albrecht of Waldstein.

Finally, we welcome Canadian Medical Care to Lifestyles Magazine. Throughout the year, CMC will offer expert advice on a range of health issues for our readers and their families. We appreciate their support.