Archive of articles - May 2004, page 6

Painter Fila wins literature prize

THE PRESTIGIOUS Slovak literature award the Dominik Tatarka Prize for 2003 went to the artist, professor, and writer Rudolf Fila on May 14 for his essay-book cestou (on the road).According to the award's jury, Fila's book reaches a high scholarly and artistic level, and significantly contributes to the idea of developing human freedoms, mainly the freedom of creation.As is the tradition, Fila received a piece of art along with the main prize: 21st sonata for piano Questions Without Answers, composed by Ilja Zeljenka, Fila's friend, and performed by pianist Magdaléna Bajuszová. Last year's laureate of the Tatarka Prize, Ján Johanides, delivered an appreciation of Fila, who presented an essay on Dominik Tatarka.

Surviving Slovakia

THOUGH staying in Slovakia has become easier for foreigners than it was 10 or 20 years ago, there are still some problems and nuances one might come across. But these can be avoided if the right questions are answered.Therefore, The Slovak Spectator is introducing a regular column called "Surviving Slovakia" in cooperation with Ivona Telekiová, general manager of the Bratislava-based company Relocation (www.relo.sk).

Reader feedback: Ask the Roma families

Sailing back to the sea

SLOVAK Lodenice Komárno Bratislava (SLKB) shipyard ceremonially christened two sea-going cargo vessels of the type NL Ryn on May 15. Named Rodau and Mühlenau, the ships were ordered by the German firm Reederei Erwin Strahlmann and are part of a larger contract for eight vessels totalling Sk1.5 billion (€37.3 million)."The contract is the result of good cooperation and customer satisfaction with the high quality and utilitarian value of the first three ships delivered in 2003," said Christopher van der Stelt, the director general of the shipyard.

The cuisine of integration and a view of the Mound

Propeler CaféWhere: Rázusovo nábr. 1, BratislavaWhen:daily 10:30-23:00Reservations: YesEnglish menu: YesTel: 02/5443-5651Rating: 2 out of 10ONE of Bratislava's newest attractions is a pile of dirt. That's right, there is a pile of dirt down on the riverbank a stone's throw from Hviezdoslavovo Square and the National Gallery.

MPs pass Slovenská pošta transformation

Dutch Zentiva increases stake in drug firm

Šariš nets profit of Sk133.5 million

Schuster pushes for Slovak arms companies

Fruit sellers should know about EP

FORMER TV Markíza reporter Eva Černá was among Slovakia's most popular television faces before deciding to run for parliament in the 2002 general elections with the New Citizen's Alliance (ANO).Černá, who had little political ambition, made no secret that it was at the plea of ANO founder and former Markíza boss Pavol Rusko, currently the country's economy minister, that she conceded to join politics.The former TV journalist is second on ANO's ballot for elections to the European Parliament (EP).

Knights joust at Trenčín

ON SUNNY days, one of the oldest castles in Slovakia will beckon visitors to climb its hill with the promise of an ancient story lying behind its gates. It will be a story of love and entertainment, one of the many with a woman as its centrepiece that ends up in fierce combat."Tournaments in the Middle Ages were a large economic driving force. It was something like Formula 1 today; money was passed around, accommodation was sold out for days...

Fact or fiction in writing contest

THE BRITISH Czech and Slovak Association (BCSA) is running a competition for the best pieces of original writing related to the links between Britain and the Slovak and Czech Republics or describing society in transition in the republics since the Velvet Revolution in 1989.

Russia expels Slovak diplomat

Quote of the Week

Chinese hospitality could come to Bratislava

Slovakia's real estate storm subsides

AT THE BEGINNING of 2003, real estate prices were climbing almost every month. In response, people panicked and rushed to grab the mortgage loans that banks had begun to offer under favourable conditions. People feared that if they did not purchase a place to live right away, they would not be able to afford doing so tomorrow.

Bishops criticise pirating of Gibson's Passion

Free Forum stays outside cabinet

Finance minister says Slovakia should forgive Iraq's debt