Problematic Youth It was 1987. In the Soviet Union, a political and economic reform programme called “Perestroika” had been underway for two years, aiming to liberalise the rigid socialist system in a desperate attempt to save its bare existence. The Soviets, who had previously controlled everything, suddenly stopped dictating to their satellite states and, to…
With the passing year, after 28 years, the pub U Buldoka is closing. Following the closure of Újezd club, this is another major loss not only for the social life of Smíchov but for the whole of Prague. Both venues were among my favorites during the years I lived in the city. I started going…
I left platform “X” almost a year ago and moved to the decentralized Bluesky. What Musk has turned “X” into after taking it over is nothing but a cesspool full of racism, homophobia, and hatred of all kinds. No wonder that under his leadership, “X” has become a loudspeaker for every imaginable far-right extremist. The…
When I launched this blog, my head was full of questions. Would anyone care? Does the written word still have power? Can we even pause for text in the age of TikTok, podcasts, and YouTubers? Five months in, I have my answer: YES. And that’s thanks to YOU! Your reactions, shares, and quiet presence have…
