NYU in Prague

John Lennon Wall

Hey! This is Aadit again. One of the least known monuments in Prague is the John Lennon Wall. Although everyone does not know it, the significance it carries is great. John Lennon was a hero to the pacifist youth of Central and Eastern Europe during the totalitarian era. During the Communist times, there was a lot of censorship with pop songs. Because of the theme of freedom and peace, the Communist regime thought this sort of music was a threat to them. Some musicians were actually jailed for playing it! 

                After Lennon was murdered in 1980, many young Prague enthusiasts made a wall dedicated to him. They even painted his face on it and wanted to show the world what he meant to them. His words and his love for music carried with them. Also back then the Czech people had few opportunities to express their feelings with their lack of freedom.  By doing this, these youngsters risked their lives and prison time.

            The Lennon Wall represented not only a memorial to John Lennon and his ideas for peace, but also a monument to free speech and the non-violent rebellion of Czech youth against the regime. It was a small war of Czech people against the communist police who cleaned the wall. Although it is not as famous as other buildings, the wall was a place of refuge for the people of Prague at this dark time. It was a way for them to have hope as well as share their hope with the world. It is not big around the world, but means the world to the people here and the people who lived through all this.

Prague Stock Exchange

Hey, this is Mital again. Today, I will inform you about Prague's Stock Exchange. The Prague Stock Exchange (PSE) is the Czech Republic's main securities market and currently the second biggest stock exchange in Central and Eastern Europe. The Exchange is based on a membership principle that means only licensed securities traders who are Exchange members have access to the Exchange trading system. Through its members the Exchange organizes the supply of and demand for listed securities, investment instruments, and other capital market instruments allowed by the Securities Commission.

All activities of the Exchange and its members are under the regulation and surveillance of the Securities Commission. The security and reliability of Exchange trading is provided for by an internal legislative framework (Exchange rules) which are fully harmonized with European Union standards. The settlement of trades concluded on the Exchange is ensured by the Exchange subsidiary. Trading is secured by the Exchange Guarantee Fund.

 

The Exchange offers its clients two basic trading systems:

    1.Trading system SPAD for large and medium investors

    2.Trading modules auction and continual for small investors.

The Exchange trades from 09:15am to 04:00pm, Monday to Friday; it is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays declared by the Exchange in advance. 

Obama Comes to Prague!

    It was a historic day in the city of Prague. After so many years of solitude and being in imprisoned by other countries including Russia, Prague has now become a center in Europe. Its importance has risen and after year Barack Obama is here again but this time not for a public speech but to sign a treaty. The nuclear weapons cuts President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed on Thursday would shrink the Cold War superpowers' arsenals to the lowest point since the frightening arms race of the 1960s. But they won't touch the "loose nukes" and suitcase bombs seen as the real menace in today's age of terrorism.

    On Thursday, the two grinning presidents sat at a table in Prague Castle and put their signatures to a new and updated treaty. Nearly a year in the making, the "New START" signaled a bold opening in previously soured U.S.-Russia relations. If ratified by both nations' legislatures, it will shrink the limit of nuclear warheads to 1,550 each over seven years, down about a third from the current ceiling of 2,200. I am so impressed by this announcement and pleased by the progress of the US and Russia. It is about time they got together and shrink the threat of a nuclear arms war. It a new age and it is good to see how they came to Prague for such a historic event. It is a city with a lot of culture and background that also has started anew just like the relationship between these two countries.

-Aadit Parikh

Parks in Prague

 Hey this is Mital again. Now that the Spring season is arriving, I will be writing about the parks we can enjoy nowadays in Prague. Now, during nice and sunny days, the great thing to do is to take a walk in a lovely park. There are few of them in Prague and it is really worth it to go for a walk in one of them, to enjoy the fresh spring green of trees and grass and to admire different kinds of amazing blossoming flowers of various kinds and colors. Plus, you obviously do not need to walk all the time, you can take your bike, in-line skates, skate board or you can play some game in the park – whatever if it is a Frisbee or petangue. If you have kids, there are various playgrounds, which they should like. And if you are thirsty, in the best Czech parks there it is always close to a refreshment place where you can get your cold beer.

So which of Prague parks are the best? There is Stromovka – huge park, recently renovated. It was quite destroyed because of the flood, which was in Prague in the summer 2002. “Strom” means a tree in Czech language and there really are lots of trees, but there are also beds with flowers, water fountain, a lake with ducks… Stromovka was originally founded as a king´s hunting park, already in 1268, during the reign of Premysl Otaker II. In the turn of 15th and 16th century there was built a small castle, its today´s look comes from 19th century, where it was used as the summer residence of Czech vice-regents. But there are other interesting buildings in Stromovka, for example in 1961 was built here an astronomical observatory. But the park is mainly the favorite place, where Prague inhabitants spend their free time in the fresh air, surrounded by trees.

But probably the most famous of Prague parks are Petrinske Sady (Petrin Gardens) according to the tradition, the ideal place for lovers. There is even a statue of their “patron” – a Czech poet Karel Hynek Macha, an author of very well-known poem Maj (May), which is an obligatory reading in almost all Czech high schools´ literature lessons. In Petrin is also a beautiful Rose Garden and popular mirror maze, lookout tower, Stafanik´s observatory, Memorial to the victims of Communism. And if you do not want to climb up on the Petrin hill, you can use Petrin funicular, a special mean of Prague public transport. Those mentioned above are obviously not the only Prague parks, but are definitely the most famous. 

Prague Symphony Orchestra

Hey! This is Aadit again. Today's main blog will be about one of the most important the Czech Republic is known for and that is its art and music. They play at Prague's Municipal Hall.The Prague Symphony Orchestra is a leading Czech music production that has been running for over 70 years. It is located at Prague because of how famous and influential the pieces are.

In 1934, conductor and musical organizer, Rudolf Pekárek had founded this orchestra and wanted to teach the people of Prague how to appreciate music at its finest. Within a very short time Dr. Smetáček, the main promoter, managed to grow on the popular orchestra and make it even stronger and larger. In 1942 he became the orchestra's chief conductor, and he stood at its head for a full thirty years. He devoted his time towards its excellence, and it did not fail him. Over the course of the orchestra's history many important conductors of the world have appeared with it as guests, as well as a remarkable range of soloists.

The orchestra will be promoting an Easter production in the beginning of April. The remarkable thing about the orchestra is how hard the people work and the time it takes for this type of production. The piece is fabulous here and it ranges from classical music to even jazz type of music. It is one of a kind and a main reason why so people have visited Prague the last century. Hope this gives you a glimpse to how unique and talented the city if Prague is.

Public Transportation in Prague

Hey guys, this is Mital Patel and I apologize for not acknowledging myself for my previous blog on the Prague Castle and its Architecture. This time, I writing to you about Prague's public transportation system, which is supposedly one of the best in all of Europe. And how could it not be? Two-thirds of the city's population is known to use the trams, metro, and buses as their primary means of getting around. 

First, I would like to inform you about my favorite one of these: the metro. The metro makes getting around town a breeze since it enables you to cover long distances in a matter of minutes. The Prague Metro comprises three lines, each of which is represented by its own colour on the maps and signs: Line A (green), Line B (yellow) and Line C (red). There are 57 stations in total (three of which are transfer stations). The metro system is laid-out as a triangle, with all three lines meeting in the center of the city at three interchange stations. Most stations have a single platform in the center of the station hall (tunnel) serving both directions. These subway stations lie over 100 meters underground, so they probably have some of the biggest escalators in the world. After doing tons of research to figure out why they are so reach, I have finally come up with the fact that its soil is so permeable that they tunnels had to be dug so deep to prevent flooding. 

 

On the other hand, the overground systems (trams and buses) are much more widespread, so they may be the favorite to the locals. But for us American students who have trouble understand the Czech language, subways are certainly much easier to follow. The day lines run from 4:30AM until 1:00AM the next day. Most of the lines run everyday from early morning to late night. Some lines also only run at selected times (usually workdays) and/or rush hours. Night Trams operate between midnight and 5:00 or 6:00. Apart from two lines, their routes are distinct from the day network. Below is a map of the tram system to give you an indication of how widespread these trams are in Prague. Thank you and we'll further keep you posted on our beautiful sightings in Prague...

 

Prague Castle and Charles Bridge

After being at Prague for a month and a day, I finally was able to see two of more important architectural achievements in the city: Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. First a little history on the two monuments and how they were made.

The construction of Charles Bridge started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century. he need for building a new bridge emerged after the old Romanesque Judith Bridge(was destroyed 1342. The building began in 1357, was supervised by Peter Parler. There is a modern legend saying that the foundation stone was laid in 1357 on the 9th day of the 7th month at 5:31 AM and that Charles IV chose this time so that when one writes out the opening time, one writes the sequence of odd numbers, 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1. When I saw the bridge at first I was not really surprised by the structure or the size. But after hearing about its history, I learned that not all architecture is measured by size, but also what it meant at the time. The bridge was first built as a connection between Old Town and the Prague Castle, which I will talk about later. The bridge was a connection and at the time was a very important achievement.

The Prague Castle on the other hand is just beautiful. In the 14th century, under the reign of Charles IV the royal palace was rebuilt in Gothic style and the castle fortifications were strengthened. In place of rotunda and basilica of St. Vitus began building of a vast Gothic church, that have been completed almost six centuries later. Today, Prague Castle is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic and serves as the historical and political center for both city and state. Gardens surround the Castle. Although the garden was not full blown because of the weather, it just seemed very grand. The Gazebo is a beautiful example of Italian Renaissance. In the end, the castle is a very important achievement in the past and present whereas the Charles Bridge is something that was important to the past. Until next time.

Aadit Parikh

Prague Castle and its Architecture

                                        

    In my class, Czech Art & Architecture, we got to visit the most popular site in all of Czech Republic: The Prague Castle. Built in the 9th century, the castle stands as the largest medieval caste complex in Europe. The St. Vitus Cathedral in the castle essentially brings out the emphasis placed on Christianity by those in the Czech Republic centuries ago. Although the weather was terribly cold that day, we had expected to be warmed up upon entering in the castle. Little did we know, the interior was not heated whatsoever. 

 

    Although I was disappointed by the temperature in the building, what I saw before my eyes completely diverted my attention away from numb feet. Inside the castle we were able to explore the different styles of architecture that had been transformed throughout history. From the Romanesque Basilica of St. George to the Gothic Cathedral of St. Vitus, the intellect and physical labor put into these monuments was unimaginable.  

The Culture and Lifestyle in Prague

Hey! This is Aadit Parikh from NYU in Prague. I know I am coming a bit late to the party, but after a few weeks here in Prague I have many experiences I have to share. The weather in Prague has been very unpredictable to say the least. This is first time in 17 years that it has snowed this much, so it has been a little tougher to go around the city. But once it clears up, I hopefully will be able to go everywhere. Now let us talk about the locals. People in Prague tend to be very nice and helpful, who try to help tourists out, but there are some beliefs here I have to share. They do not like gypsies. Who are gypsies you ask? Well, gypsies are considered to be a "lower caste" here in Prague because when they first arrived here they only did the menial jobs. They are kind of related to the "untouchables" from the Indian caste system. The gypsies consist of the local Indian people. This can cause a lot of problems for me since I am also Indian, but so far I have not really felt any kind o hostility. We warned about this in our orientation here in Prague, but there are no real bad experiences that I have had. Beer plays a very important role in the lifestyle of the Czechs. It is a beer country for sure. The food here is terrific! They have restaurants ranging from Mexican food to Italian food to even local Czech food, especially the fried cheese. The fried cheese here is amazing and the city of Prague is known for it.

If there is one thing I do not have to worry about it is the food. Also another thing I have noticed is the public transportation. Like all other European countries, the public transportation here is terrific. It is is clean and the metros come very often. The only real problem is that it close at midnight which poses some concern for people who are traveling late at night coming back from a club or so. Then one has to use the tram which can be a tad bit confusing.

Although I have been here for three weeks so far, I have no seen all the architecture and building the city has to offer and is known for yet. I have gone to a Paris for one weekend and for another weekend I got a bad stomach virus.

Paris is a beautiful place to visit. The buildings and architecture is just a sight to see. Many people say that the Eiffel Tower is overrated, but it is not even close. At night, the Eiffel Tower is a sight to see and especially when they put the light show on. It is once in a lifetime experience.

All I have seen so far is the Astronomical Clock, which can be found in Old Square where the NYU Center is located. The clock is very interesting. The clock dial shows the earth at the center of the universe, surrounded by the planets. Below the clock is a calendar with symbols of the zodiac. Crowds of tourists often gather in the plaza to watch the astronomical clock strike the hour. When the bell in the tower tolls, windows above the clock fly open and mechanical apostles, skeletons, and sinners pop out and begin to dance. It is pretty cool!

Business of Beer

Beer is a big part of the Czech culture. Last weekend, I went on a trip sponsored by NYU to Plzen, a smaller city outside of Prague and the location of the Pilsner brewery headquarters.  We toured the brewery at the end of the day and saw the bottling process, learned about the ingredients of Pilsner beer, and tasted one of their fresh batches.

The entrance to the Pilsner Brewery

Inside the Brewery complex

As a sophomore, I took a class on operations management, and I saw the amazing results of meticulous operational improvement at this brewery. The making of Pilsner bottles is almost a completely automated process; even the defective bottles are picked out through a laser analysis. The only manual work was the employee taking those defective bottles away. The bottle caps were transported throughout the factory on magnetic strips that allowed them to travel up and over all the machines. With this combination of complex and simple solutions, the Pilsner brewery impressed everybody on the tour; it was definitely the highlight of the Plzen trip (besides the beer-tasting of course).

Other types of Czech beer include Budvar and Staropramen.

 

Speaker Event: Professor Jan Urban

On October 6, we organized our first International Business Association Speaker event. The following is a description of the speaker, Jan Urban:

Professor Jan Urban was one of the leading dissidents under the communist regime, working through communication and political channels. He was one of the founders of the Eastern European Information Agency, a dissident network. He also worked with underground newspapers and as a reporter for Radio Free Europe and the British Broadcasting Company. In November 1989, he helped found the Civic Forum, the movement that led to the eventual overthrow of the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia. He led the Civic Forum to its victory in the first free democratic elections in June 1990. After the electoral defeat of Communism, he returned to pursue his career in journalism. He studied post-conflict societies in Central America and won two international human rights awards from Humanitas, San Francisco, in 1991 and Centro Demos in San Salvador in 1995. Urban also served as a war correspondent in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1993 through 1996 and was the publisher of Transitions magazine from 1997 to 1999. Recently, he worked on several projects in Iraq training journalists and working on building reconciliation measures through the reconstruction of cultural heritage sites. He has also made two documentary films, one of them on the Kosovo conflict. He is the author of three books, two of them on the war in Bosnia and one on a major corruption case in the Czech Republic.

As you can see,  Professor Urban had an incredible professional and personal journey. He teaches a course called Modern Dissent: The Art of Defeat at NYU in Prague, but clearly students wanted to hear him outside of this one class too; we had over 40 attendees!

Based on his experiences, we received a vivid picture about the journalism business in the communist era.  The journalists had to use creative ways to spread the news, with heavy reliance on foreign media outlets (ex. Radio Free Europe). The need to check facts was much harsher at this time, as a mistake could be fatal. Being detained by the police was a regular part of the day: "As the nature of journalism is so threatening to the regime, the regime overreacts."

Professor Urban shared many experiences that showed the power of journalism in such a limited environment. If you were identified as a dissident, you were harassed even more in terms of interrogations and imprisonments. On the other hand, the quality of your calls were never better as the regime listened in!

We greatly valued Professor Urban’s time and insight into this business.