The Czech Republic is a red-hot European destination, and the charms of Slovakia are slowly being discovered by Westerners as well. The two countries share fundamental similarities in language and culture, but they never really managed to create a common national Czechoslovak identity, after being merged in 1918 when the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed. With the lifting of the Iron Curtain in 1989 through the Velvet Revolution and the final breakup of Czechoslovakia in to two countries in 1993, this up-to-date, substantive insight is much needed. This volume overviews the current social, cultural, and political scene of both countries, so that general readers come away with a solid understanding of where the Czechs and Slovaks have been and where they are going. The land, people, and history chapter lays the groundwork for the rest of the narrative. In the chapter on religion and thought, the reasons for the widespread atheism of the Czechs and the contrasting religiosity of the Slovaks are explained. Both peoples are shown to have relaxed attitude toward life and a love of celebrations, with a strong beer culture. The state of women and family and feminism in the post-Soviet era is also discussed and readers will learn about the role of romance novels and the Czech Cosmopolitan. The literature chapter emphasizes the Czech sense of humor and the lack of translations of Slovakian works. The crises in journalism and cinema are other important topics. Finally, the strong traditions of theater and music, which have always been part of the Czech national consciousness, are seen to be as alive and vibrant as in any place in the world.
The Czech Republic is a red-hot European destination, and the charms of Slovakia are slowly being discovered by Westerners as well. The two countries share fundamental similarities in language and culture, but they never really managed to create a common national Czechoslovak identity, after being merged in 1918 when the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed. With the lifting of the Iron Curtain in 1989 through the Velvet Revolution and the final breakup of Czechoslovakia in to two countries in 1993, this up-to-date, substantive insight is much needed. This volume overviews the current social, cultural, and political scene of both countries, so that general readers come away with a solid understanding of where the Czechs and Slovaks have been and where they are going. The land, people, and history chapter lays the groundwork for the rest of the narrative. In the chapter on religion and thought, the reasons for the widespread atheism of the Czechs and the contrasting religiosity of the Slovaks are explained. Both peoples are shown to have relaxed attitude toward life and a love of celebrations, with a strong beer culture. The state of women and family and feminism in the post-Soviet era is also discussed and readers will learn about the role of romance novels and the Czech Cosmopolitan. The literature chapter emphasizes the Czech sense of humor and the lack of translations of Slovakian works. The crises in journalism and cinema are other important topics. Finally, the strong traditions of theater and music, which have always been part of the Czech national consciousness, are seen to be as alive and vibrant as in any place in the world.
Started by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company in 1925, WSM became one of the most influential and exceptional radio stations in the history of broadcasting and country music. WSM gave Nashville the moniker “Music City USA” as well as a rich tradition of music, news, and broad-based entertainment. With the rise of country music broadcasting and recording between the 1920s and ‘50s, WSM, Nashville, and country music became inseparable, stemming from WSM’s launch of the Grand Ole Opry, popular daily shows like Noontime Neighbors, and early morning artist-driven shows such as Hank Williams on Mother’s Best Flour. Sparked by public outcry following a proposal to pull country music and the Opry from WSM-AM in 2002, Craig Havighurst scoured new and existing sources to document the station’s profound effect on the character and self-image of Nashville. Introducing the reader to colorful artists and businessmen from the station’s history, including Owen Bradley, Minnie Pearl, Jim Denny, Edwin Craig, and Dinah Shore, the volume invites the reader to reflect on the status of Nashville, radio, and country music in American culture.
Psychologist/historian Wyn Craig Wade traces the Ku Klux Klan from its beginnings after the Civil War to its present day activities, aligning with various neo-fascist and right-wing groups in the American West. THE FIERY CROSS provides an exhaustive analysis and long overdue perspective on this dark shadow of American society. Photos.
Ninety photos starting from 1963, including maybe the rarest one ever, 33 interviews, 266 questions and answers and a look at 121 live shows and sixty unreleased studio treasures.
From every corner of the globe—and beyond—Guinness World Records™ 2009gathers the most amazing, inspirational, and even bizarre record breakers yet! From don’t-try-this-at-home human achievements to natural and technological wonders, incredible feats in sports and entertainment, and much more, this latest edition introduces important new records and fascinating facts that will captivate every imagination. Did you know . . . At 2 feet 5.37 inches, the shortest (mobile) living man is 19-year-old He Pingping of China, who was measured on March 22, 2008. The world’s most expensive cocktail is offered at the Skyview Bar in Dubai, UAE. It costs $7,439 (27,321 dirham) and consists of 55-year-old Macallan whisky from Scotland, ice made from the water used at their distillery, a drop of exclusive dried fruit bitters, and passion-fruit-scented sugar. Jeanne Stawiecki of the United States became the oldest female to climb the Seven Summits, including Mount Kosciuszko, when she completed her last climb (Mount Everest, Nepal) on May 22, 2007, at the age of 57 years, 36 days. And that’s just a hint of what you’ll find inside this mind-blowing book, including striking photos, exclusive interviews, special sections on the year’s milestones—plus information on how you too can join the Guinness family of world-record breakers!
As organizations and end users continue to upgrade to NT Workstation and Windows 95, a surge in 32-bit productivity applications, including Microsoft Office 97, is expected. Using an easy-to-follow approach, this book teaches the fundamentals of a key component in the Microsoft Office 97 package, Access 97. Users will learn how to use and manipulate existing databases, create database with wizards, and build databases from scratch in twenty-four one-hour lessons.
With Simple Pleasures Jenny strives to make your life less complicated and more enjoyable. By encouraging you to appreciate life's simple pleasures, she's laying the foundation for you to take charge of your own life and gain self-confidence and inner peace." "In this book, nearly 150 healthfully lightened recipes and scores of insightful tips help you plan, shop, prepare, and present Jenny's personal favorites. Whether you're preparing Simple Beef Stroganoff (page 114) or Malibu Brownie Torte (page 86), taking a relaxing bath by candlelight, or expressing your thoughts in a personal journal, Simple Pleasures can be your guide to self-fulfillment."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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