Archive of articles - January 2006, page 8

Building a new spirit of place

A PALACE-like house with balustrades and arch windows or a simple functionalist house, what would you prefer your home to look like? Many Slovaks may still be unable to distinguish fine architecture from kitsch, a renowned Slovak theorist of architecture says.

Culture Shorts

EU entry helps foreign trade

Quote of the Week:

Furniture muses meet in Nitra

THE LARGEST European furniture fairs in the German town of Köln and Italian Milan that take place in January and April, respectively, set the trends in furniture and interior design for the coming year. Producers closely follow what type of furniture the most renowned firms arrive with, what colours, materials and construction details they display.

Where the blind read their tea

THE AURA teahouse in Bratislava is the right place to relax from the daily rush. Like other teahouses it has a relaxing atmosphere with dimmed lights, a strong smell of herbs and Asian decorations. After a while, though, you begin to notice that the decorations at the entrance are hung somewhat higher than usual

Charges laid in alleged backdoor privatization

POLICE have launched criminal proceedings in the alleged covert privatization of national carrier Slovak Airlines (SA) by Austrian Airlines (AUA), based on a motion filed by MP Branislav Opaterný of the Free Forum party.

Reader feedback: Fico's huff and puff

Design fairs and exhibitions 2006

Around Slovakia

Ski update: Conditions are great

GENEROUS snow over several days in the mountains has led to great ski conditions. Everywhere you go conditions are ideal and with the current sunny weather skiing is simply fantastic.

Human traffickers preying on Slovak women

SLOVAK women are being sold abroad for prostitution and other forms of sexual abuse, claims a recent report by the Slovak Interior Ministry.

Social season starts with a flourish

THE SIXTH Opera Ball held at the Slovak National Theatre started the ball season this year in grand style on January 7.

Alpine Slovakia strikes deal with KIA

Lending a helping hand

AT the end of last year, Sierra Leone's acting Defence Minister Joe Blell received Lieutenant Colonel Miroslav Šoter of the General Staff of the Slovak Army, and military observer Captain Juraj Sepeši. Both officers served within the UNAMSIL (United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone) mission, which operated in this West African country from 1999 to December 2005.

Slovaks get to know themselves

AN EXHIBITION that explores the question of Slovak identity has aroused the interest of both locals and foreigners. It has been running in Bratislava and the nearby town of Pezinok since late last year under the title The Slovak Myth.

Synthetic ice falls flat with skaters

THE SKATING rink with synthetic ice, which the Old Town municipality built in Hviezdo-slavovo square this winter, has been a disappointment for many Bratislava citizens. They complain the artificial ice is slow and rough. The Old Town defends itself saying that the rink is more economical to run.

ÚĽUV Design Studio presents: The most visible talents

Etela Mitrová-Lučová (1975)She specializes in traditional inter-braiding techniques using natural materials. She creates wicker sofas, armchairs, bar stools and lamps.

Bátovce

THIS POSTCARD from the 1930s shows Bátovce: now a relatively little known village, but in the past the headquarters of Hont County.