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 INTRO
Where Now?
We’re reaching the end of the year and heading towards (can you believe it) the end of the decade.
This December 2007/January 2008 edition of Think Again both concludes and begins things with
a sweet array of articles to keep you up to date. You’ll find an interesting interview with the German trio
of pixel heads known as eBoy (along with an eBoy poster in the middle of the magazine). There is also a chat
with Gregory Finn who is a member of the multimedia project Ghostmother. You’ll, of course, also find plenty
of things to think about doing or seeing, including a look at the upcoming Digitalism show, New Year’s parties
around Prague and a nice little slice of Japan in the form of an actual karaoke box right around the corner.
There are also all the usual reviews of books, including one of an interesting alternative to Prague travel
guides, and films and some poker advice just ahead of the biggest poker tournament to grace this graceful city.
So dig in and enjoy! Happy Holidays!

14-15 24-25

8-9 16-17 26-27

28-29 34-35 48-49

32-33 44-45

5
URBANITE

URBANITE
Live
in
9–14/12 The biggest poker event
Prague ever held in the Czech Republic, the
Golden Prague Poker
European Poker Tour 5,000 Euro buy in event
Hilton Prague Hotel will begin December 9th at the congress hall of Hilton
www.goldenpraguepoker.cz Hotel, open from 12:00 pm to 6:00 am. The event should
feature some of the biggest names in professional European
poker and might even attract a name US player or two. During
the even there will also be plenty of cash side games going, with
15 tables available with Hold’em, Stud, and Omaha high and
high/low at a variety of betting limits. The European Poker
Tour has been going since 2004 and has grown right along
with its American cousin in popularity and size. If you’ve
Projekt learned anything from our regular poker column
you should be ready to rake in the chips!
100
20/12, 9/01

Roxy The new play Her

www.roxy.cz Stepdaughter (Její Pastorkyně) is
coming to Švandovo theatre in December.
Known to some as Jenufa, the first of Janáček’s Four
EPT
The operas, this drama was written by Gabriela Preissova days this dark December Prague
(born1862), the woman recognized as perhaps the most will be lightened by the presence in
audio-visual series
significant female Czech playwright. Her Stepdaughter Prague of a festival of British live art going by
of themed parties Bulva Fabula is
attempts to display how a bourgeois, mill-owning family the moniker Live in Prague. The festival will introduce
without doubt the best monthly mid-week
10/1–31/5 in a narrow-minded Catholic community can get caught British live art personalities in presentations, home theater,
session you will find in Prague. And it’s certainly
up in the in a world of sexual betrayal and murder performances, and lectures. There will, for instance, be a lecture
www.projekt100.cz not because there’s not much else happening in the
middle of the week in this weekend-centric city. The and then work its way through it all to final by Lois Keidan talking about how and why live art evolved, and Stone
December installment of the “VJ vs. DJ” night—bearing the forgiveness. It may be an older work, but
much of it still resonates today.
the different kinds of practices and approaches the term represents
in the UK today. In addition there will be a number of shows and
Age
name Winter Solstice Edition—features Mimo TV’s audio
English subtitles. performances including Kira O ‘Reilly employing performance, video,
3–7/12 project Mythematica, “an audio breeding and cultivation lab
and photography as she uses the body to weave and unweave
Alfréd ve Dvoře of rock-crystal sounds”. Roll onto January, produced in
narrative threads. On the Scent will explore the reasons you
cooperation with Světozor and Aero cinemas, the VJ’s
ww.alfredvedvore.cz may have been transported to another place and time by an
will recontextualize art-house classics including
intangible but achingly familiar scent. All this and
Antonioni’s Zabriskie Point or Buñuel’s The
a lot more make Live in Prague something to
Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie.
spend some time exploring.
Been
put off recently by
poor service at a local hospoda?
The The newly opened Stone Age recreation in
14th annual Project the center of Prague at Sokolská 60, Prague 2 will
100 will feature a provocative and
diverse selection of films that have been Stone Age
Her have you running back begging for the rude waiters to
return. At Stone Age they literally don’t know the meaning
selected from the vast world of movies out there Sokolská 60, P2 of the word ‘manners’. You’ll be eating with your fingers as
for exceptional quality, historical significance, and Stepdaughter you share the prey ‘caught’ by your somewhat unusual ‘hosts’,
www.pravek.cz
to fill in those blank spaces that exist in the normal a friendly group that will even include a shaman! Dishes
world of film distribution. Some of the movies that include pork, beef, venison, turkey, and shark. Witness the
will be traveling together as a part of the project from sacrifice of virgins to native gods, ritual ceremonies with
January till May across the Czech Republic are You, drumming, painting, and all kinds of pre-medieval
15, 17, 19/12
the Living, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Zabriskie Bulva shenanigans. You’ll remember this evening;
Point, Andalusian Dog, The Discreet Charm of Švandovo Theatre
we can pretty much guarantee you
the Bourgeoisie, Turtles Can Fly, Holy www.svandovodivadlo.cz
Fabula that!
Mountain, Aguirre: The Wrath of
God and more.

6 7
THINK TANK
Palác Akropolis
20/12
thedigitalism.com
Text by Lucia Udvardyová

Unless you have been locked in an attic for the last two years, you’ve probably noticed the onslaught
of kids dressed in day-glo colors and bands like the Klaxons, Simian Mobile Disco, and, on the other
end of the spectrum, Justice and the Ed Banger and Kitsuné label posses. Kistuné artists Digitalism
(Jens “Jence” Moelle and İsmail “Isi” Tüfekçi)—who, unexpectedly for a band sporting a sound, come
from Germany—are associated with this scene, especially with the French side of it. “Most promoters
used to start talking to us in French,” said Jens Moelle in an interview with BBC. This French
association is not particularly surprising considering their indebtedness to Daft Punk, as can be heard
on tracks like Zdarlight. “But we did used to buy a lot of Crydamoure (Daft Punk’s label) back in the
day. We were really into records that didn’t take themselves too seriously and had some kind of punk
attitude. These records definitely had it, even though it wasn’t punk music.”

Digitalism began in 2004 and the boys have already left their mark on pop music, with remixes for
the likes of Depeche Mode, White Stripes, Tiga, Klaxons, and Tom Vek; they even delivered a re-edit of
The Cure’s Fire in Cairo. Their debut LP Idealism was released to much anticipation in May this year.
Currently they have other things to worry about, as is evident from an interview they gave the Resident
Advisor where they stated, “We are talking about moustaches quite a bit lately; that is our running
joke. I think a moustache will appear in the artwork for our next single. David Guetta is the real
moustache guy from the past. Watch out for our moustaches.”

8
THINK TANK

GHOSTMOTHER
Photo by Martina Šimková
Text by Lucia Udvardyová

If there’s one Czech band to watch out for in 2008, it could very well be Ghostmother. Established by
Gregory Finn (aka Jesus Chrysler) and Klára Nemravová (aka Jane Honda), the band was later joined
by Tadeáš Haager (R. Mutt) and Mikoláš Růžička (Prof Shalokim). Their music evokes old times while
possessing a thoroughly modern sound composed of bouncy beats and intriguing samples. We chatted
with Gregory Finn before their first ever live show at Palác Akropolis on December 22nd.
Palác Akropolis
Introduce us to Ghostmother. How do you divide your roles scene has been overdosed by modern
Ghostmother is a multimedia project in the band? trends and technology. We are 22/12
that encompasses elements of the We divided the roles in the band joining both worlds.
early 1900s industrial and hip hop. in such a way that we all don’t go www.myspace.com/ghostmother
We’ve been working on it for about crazy, and luckily, we all seem to Ghostmother is a multimedia
a year. complement each other. I write the project. How exactly?
music and songs most of the time, The music has the same importance
How did you all come but each member can influence and as the lyrics, costumes, graphics
together? change anything they like; Klárka and visuals, dance, as well as the
About 13 months ago, Jeroným looks after the web and R. Mutts tricks done by our young magician.
Janíček, who wrote a book about has just finished the first animated Ghostmother is a musical, visual, and
phobias, asked me to do a song music video and also helps Marielle, theatrical experience.
for him that would express fear. I who does the costumes and dances,
asked Klárka and Nironica whether with the visuals. The whole stage What will your live
they’d be interested; I found the set-up is prepared by all of us. performances be like?
combination of our three voices That will be revealed at the show,
appealing. Thus, our first song, Who or what are your major but you can expect plenty of
Obscene, was born. Eventually, we influences? surprises.
decided to do a project together, We are really inspired by music from
which we ended up calling Jesus the 1920s to the 1950s as well as What are your plans with
Chrysler and Jane Honda. Last contemporary music and have used Ghostmother?
winter, we went to the mountains elements from both times, mixing it We plan to perform live shows
and started writing songs together. with electronic beats, samples, and a few times a year. Each show
Everything evolved naturally from hip hop. will differ from the others like
that moment; we were joined by prof. chapters in a fairy tale. We are
Shalokim and R. Mutt and gradually Why did you choose the 1930s not interested in traditional
developed the visual side of the as your main inspiration? performances such as at clubs
project as well thanks to Marielle and Well, it’s not just the 30s; the or at rock festivals. We will be
performance by Alessiny. We then inspiration also comes from much recording our first album in the
changed the name to Ghostmother. older times. We think the music summer of 2008.

10 9
NYE 07/08

NYE 07/08
007 Strahov
U Malého NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Prague City Rockers, The Country Boy!

Glena – punk rock, 80s pop

– masks are welcome
– main theme
Another New Year’s Eve, another party, another hangover NEW YEAR’S EVE BLOWOUT
Stan the Man – Bohemian blues band
– Punk Goes Country!
www.klub007strahov.cz
the morning after. Get your party dresses ready and delve into – blues, jazz
www.malyglen.cz

Prague’s glittery New Year’s night life; or wait till next year.

Palác
Mecca Akropolis
FESTA DA MADRUGADA
NYE WITH MINISTRY OF SOUND
Bordo DJs Lisa Loud, Lafayette, Tripmain
– house
DJs Bryant K, Baltazar, Mikulas Romario,
Kaliyuga Sound DJ
– brazil, acid jazz, afrobeat,
PRAGUE BURLESQUE SYLVESTER NIGHT www.mecca.cz
dancehall/dub/reggae, funk, latino
Demonica Coca, Lina Von Sturm,
www.palacakropolis.cz
Rebeca Del Rio, Count Koroptieff,
Cross Club Bruno Ferrari, Hank J. Mancini
www.pragueburlesque.com
IMPERIALISTIC SILVESTR NIGHT
DJs Philip TBC, Babe LN, Stanzim,
Yukimura, Beast 67, Basetix Unity
– drum’n’bass, breakz Roxy Zero
www.crossclub.cz

NEW YEAR’S EVE

GOLDEN EYES 2007
DJs Fatty, Lillou, Dita
DJs Loutka, Chris Sadler, Roman Rai, Cubik,
– house, minimal, progressive
Dan Cooley, Airto, Bo.dan
www.myspace.com/zeroprague
2nd stage – IM Cyber, Ghonzales, Nitropank,

Chateau Deadly Viperz, Sweg, Panorama, Rudeboy

M1 Lounge 3rd stage – Pedro Rodriguez, Romario

Rouge – breakz, deep-house, electro, house,

jungle/dnb, latino, liquid funk dnb
GOLDEN NEW YEAR’S EVE www.roxy.cz
RETRO SILVESTR 2007 DJs Kocour & Angel Charlie
DJs Airto, Dan Cooley, Formi, (Bora Bora!), Sweet Pete
Jan Berdych, Yannick – house, R&B
2nd stage: Kenny, 3rd stage: www.myspace.com/m1lounge
2 LEVELS OF ENTERTAINMENT
Goldstar & Choozze
– breakz, disco, electro, house
Radost FX DJs Pierre Ravan, Vectif, Rico, Petr K
– house
www.chateaurouge.cz www.radostfx.cz

12 13
FASHION

CHIC
Sailor Jerry Tribo

Lidická 8, Prague 5
Tel.: 257 219 042
CHIC
www.tribo.cz
Trendy objects
Any fan of tattoos should be familiar with the old-school style popularized by tattoo artist Sailor Jerry who provided

American sailors arm ink reflecting a life of binge-drinking and sexual promiscuity. He defined a tattoo era of pin-up girls,

birds, boats, anchors and boldly-lined designs with bright colors. Sailor Jerry’s art, his spirit, and his imagination have

been transposed to the Sailor Jerry fashion line available here in Prague at Tribo. The collection features skull- and rose-

print t-shirts, hoodies, and sexy dresses. If you prefer to go against the grain, chart a course for Sailor Jerry.

Kidrobot Flamingopark
Dunnys, Munnys, vinyl mini figures, platform toys, full-size vinyl There’s a new concept store to check out over at Vlkova 11 in Prague 3 that
toys and more are all now available at Prague’s Kebab Store. goes by the name Flamingopark. The eclectic mix of strange, interesting,
Kidrobots are urban street, creative design, and fine art mixed and amusingly useful items is the result of a Czech/Australian couple’s
into collectibles. Founded by a designer Paul Budnitz in 2002, passion for traveling and searching out the curious and the unique. You
these art toys fueled the urban vinyl craze and became the will find a wide variety of cleverly and well constructed items from all over
lifestyle brand of the future. the world. Worth a peek at the very least.
Get one and you will want more…
www.flamingopark.cz
www.kebabstore.com

Onitsuka Tiger
Onitsuka Tiger, Japan’s first sports shoe brand, has finally arrived in the Czech
Republic thanks to the urban online store freshlabels.cz. The shoes’ appeal lies
in their trademark thin soles, simple Tiger-stripe designs, and vivid colors, which
make them stand out even amid the current boom in retro-style footwear. One
Raunchy wrapping paper of the best selling designs is “Mexico 66”, originally made in advance of the
Classy on the outside, x-rated on the inside. Gift wrapping paper 1968 Olympics in Mexico. You may also have seen a pair of Onitsuka Tiger on
that will be the talk of the Christmas tree and probably get you Uma’s feet in the film Kill Bill. Check out the Mexico 66s and all the other classic
banned from next year’s family get together. Onitsuka Tiger designs before they’re gone!
www.naoko.cz www.freshlabels.cz
14 15
TECHT3

T3
3

FASTER, STRON-
GER, BETTER Text by Gordon Walker

Strolling Bowling
Serious bowlers may be put off by the fact that the bowling ball has feet, but Strolling Bowling
still manages to capture a goodly amount of the spirit of the actual alley game, especially the
version that has made it to Prague. Wind the ball up and watch him stroll casually towards the
pins. You might miss the fun of fat ‘athletes’ downing brews while demonstrating their craft, but
Lights and music under your control as you mix your own intuitively created shows for you’ll still have a ball. www.sababatoys.com
anyone enough in your debt to listen. The Tenori-on was created by the inimitable Toshio
Iwai for Yamaha to add to their line of motorcycles and music supplies. The Tenori-on
features a jog dial, LCD display, hi-quality stereo speakers, and four function switches.
On the back side of the device are additional 16x16 LEDs that allow your captive audience
to enjoy a Marilyn Manson-like light show! www.tenori-on.co.uk
Robot Guitar
Gibson, that iconic company of the guitar world, has
apparently decided it is time to add robotics to the
world of high powered rock and roll. The Robot guitar
does away with the atonal, highly amped pre-show
guitar tuning that some music lovers hate, but maybe
a few out there live for. Gibson uses a proprietary mix of Crawling Zombie
on-board processing, a data transmitting tailpiece, Admit it—ever since you delighted through Romero’s classic ‘living dead’ pics,
a tune-control bridge, and Powerhead Locking Tuners you’ve secretly longed to own your own flesh eating zombie. Well, we’re not entirely
to keep things perpetually in tune, and you can move to there yet, but until some still secret voodoo experiments are completed in Haiti,
an alternate tuning with the turn of a switch. Rock on, the Crawling Zombie will have to do. It crawls due to inexplicably missing legs; it
dude. www.gibson.com also growls, speaks, and makes his eyes glow. He doesn’t eat flesh, but this minor
flaw is being worked on. www.iwantoneofthose.com

Shocking Arm Wrestling

Take an hour or two to review the form on Sylvester Stallone’s brilliant Over
the Top and then con one of your brawny friends to challenge you to an arm
wrestling championship series (be sure to insist on best 13 out of 25). Then
introduce the shock system and revel in the fun as you shock him nearly to
death! Of course if the flic doesn’t turn you into a champion, you might try
the above on your girlfriend instead, and if that doesn’t turn out as planned,
there’s always the four year old nephew…

www.shockingfun.com

16 17
 5X5
5X5

Charlie One
Singer
www.ohmsquare.com

5 THINGS I’M LOV-

Glenn Spicker Angel Eyedealism Patrik Svoboda Noot
ING RIGHT NOW
The founder of U Malého Glena, Bohemia Singer / Performer / Reasonable Diva Graphic Designer Canadian experimental electronics producer
Bagel, The Museum of Communism and
www.myspace.com/angeleyedealism www.visualperfect.cz www.myspace.com/noot
1. LIFE! My father just went through a triple heart bypass operation. I saw him
today, the day after the op and he’s doing really well! It’s incredible how someone
Traditional. www.glennspicker.com
can have their heart stopped for a couple of hours, their insides rearranged, and then
be sitting up the next day smiling and joking. So much respect to the doctors who
Top 5 Best Inventions Top 5 People who have Top 5 Things that make life Top 5 Songs that make me sad
give people a better quality of life every day. This put life into perspective for me.
inspired me worth living Sometimes we just don’t appreciate the basic wonderful things around us like family
and friends! Breath and life!

1. Electricity 1. Portishead 1. My family 1. Hamburger Lady 2. I’ve been seJUICE’d! and am loving my Juicer book!
– Throbbing Gristle It’s called Super Cool Drinks and is written by Michael Van Straten. When you get
2. Refrigeration 2. Lucille Ball 2. My girlfriend to my stage in life, you know, over 30, having burnt both ends of a lot of candles,

2. Frankie Teardrop midnight oil and even cigarettes when it’s really late, you start to look for a few
healthy alternatives in life. Buy yourself a JUICER, I tell you! You can stick practically
3. Contraception 3. Hillary Clinton 3. Our dog CROCKER – Suicide anything through there as long as it’s been plucked (sorry my little Budgie, Maruška
just came to my mind then, but that really was a terrible joke. I love her dearly…

4. Bicycle 4. Annie Lennox 4. My job – redesign 3. The Visitation when she stops squawking for ONE GOD DAMN MINUTE!!!!!... no, really…). So you’ve
got juices for every occasion. Power juices to get you going in the morning, detox
– White Noise juices, juices that act as remedies for all sorts of ailments, juices to PREVENT the
5. Beer 5. Nina Simone 5. Enjoying little onset of any of those ailments, hangover cures, love potions, the list is endless.

things 4. Old Man on the

Glenn’s next project is Angel, currently Mountain – P.G. Six 3. On a musical note and I really ought to as I AM one of those musical people
after all: A CD I can’t stop playing right now is Tom Vek, ‘We have sound.’ I
due to open December residing in Lisbon Patrik is a Think again reckon he’s British and his style is, er, kinda quirky to say the least. Lots of quite
in Nebušice: Prague’s and New York, lived designer, the founder 5. First World of badly played guitar and drums which suddenly all fit together and start grooving.
fifth bagel store… in Prague for a year. of Visual Perfect design Bronze – Cro Magnon Minimalistic, but out there; quite punky at times and some great bass lines. Almost
funky in a warped way. His voice goes from a kind of wailing to singing to talking to
Her single ‘Skype studio, and a member screaming. I love the fact that the production is really raw in a time when so much
Call’ is out now of Graphic Design Union. Toured with Wolf music is over produced and everyone’s striving to get the best sound and the most
and her album, Watch out for his future Parade and is polished production. This album brings a smile to my face each time I play it and
I can’t stop playing it! Check it!
Dead Czech Chix: projects. currently finalizing
Live From NYC, is work on a 12” release
set for release in the of a remix he made
4. My mates Nano ipod with Nike sensor training dooby wotsit attachment.
AMAZING! Started to jog a wee bit and have just discovered that it is of course much
near future, both for Canadian legend easier to run when you have beautiful music in your ears instead of that terrible
sound of your own heavy breathing. But the great thing is the small disk that you
on Bit Records Sandro Perri. He
attach to your shoe to calculate the distance you’ve run, the average speed per
Mexico (BRM). currently lives in kilometer, calories burnt etc. Such an incentive to run further and faster each time!
Prague.
5. My fairly new dark green sexy little ankle boots equipped with high wooden heel
and a wee little button to boot! From a shop called Faith in UK. Can’t say much more
about that one can I? Just love ‘em!

And by the way all you pop pickers, look out for our (Ohm Square)
new album which is due out in a couple of months.

18 19
TRENDS

Fear of Flying
Text by Laura Baranik

I do feel a little bit sorry for her, but I can’t imagine why
she’d think it would be fine with me if she took up half of
the already-too-narrow space I’d paid for.
When did flying become so unbearable? And at what point
did we start to forget that even when 416 people are packed
together in a roaring metal tube, they should still have the
right to some personal space?
Maybe it happened around the time that we were first
instructed to remove our shoes before getting on planes and
poorly-ventilated security checkpoints everywhere began to
smell like the inside of a blue cheese factory. Once all these
strangers have smelled each other’s foot fungi, I guess the
logic goes, what’s the harm in subjecting them to obnoxious
conversation or cuddling up next to them in their seats or
making them endure gust after gust of old man breath as
I’m on a flight from L.A. to London, trying to get some sleep. you snore? For those nine and a half excruciating hours,
Just next to me, in the aisle, stands a masculine Hungarian we’re all one big miserable family.
woman wearing a fanny pack. She’s talking loudly over my The surfeit of unwanted intimacy is compounded by the
head to the man sitting at my left; every now and then, fact that we’re flying more than ever before, so planes are
she rests her hand on the top of my chair, which makes my becoming increasingly packed and airports are struggling to
seatback bob up and down against the side of my face. handle the overload. I can’t remember the last time I was at
Prolonged dirty looks have done nothing to shut her up. London’s Heathrow and my flight left on time. I’ve actually
Now I give her a seething “Excuse me,” which succeeds only never even heard of a Heathrow flight leaving on time.
in prompting her to remove her hand from its offending Oftentimes, the delay is announced once you’re already on
position. Her cheerful jibber-jabber goes on for another the plane and strapped into your seat, which translates to an
twenty minutes. Later, just as I’m settling in to watch additional hour or so next to Halitosis Harry.
a movie, she returns to continue the conversation. One of my major ambitions in life is to be able to fly
On a different trans-Atlantic flight, I’m seated next to luxuriously everywhere I go. A private jet would be nice, but
a tragically obese woman who just barely manages to I’d settle for first or even business class—anything that
squeeze into her seat. To my horror, she goes to lift the would give me a little breathing room. Until then, can you
armrest that separates us so that part of her gelatinous all please take a shower before you get to the airport and
physique can roll itself into my territory. The armrest spray some deodorant in your shoes or something? And if
doesn’t budge, thank God, and she ends up being moved to you’re really fat, maybe you could lose some weight, too.
a free pair of seats. The sugar-free breath mints are on me.

20
 EXPERIENCE
SEX

Sex-O-Scopes December/January
Sagittarius (22 Nov.-21 Dec.) Gemini (21 May-21 June)
The Morning
Light
This month is a big celestial birthday gift to you. If the toilet leaks, the landlord’s crazy, or your
Whatever you want to tackle—new job, painting roommate’s been having incredibly loud, animalistic
the living room, driving cross-country—you can. O-moments in the middle of the night… relax! You’ll
And maybe someone will tackle you. be incredibly lucky in love. Fair enough?
Text by Sinclair Nicholas

I woke up this morning and something magic and there’s no talk of “spreading freedom” to I simply quit working with the assholes and
occurred. I was conscious, but had absolutely smaller countries—since the Czech Republic took my life back, though it took me another
Capricorn (22 Dec.-19 Jan.) Cancer (22 June-22 July)
Serendipity. If you pause, say to try and scrape Your life is set for a huge change. Your love life no idea who I was or where I was. I just was. is one of the smallest countries in the world. six months to relearn the art of letting go
something off your shoe, you might miss it. is ready to flourish, and all because you bought I can’t remember a more peaceful existence Czechs are simply glad to feel the holiday’s of time, and I also had to retrace my steps
If you keep the shit on your shoe and meet your that wonderful hat the other day. You did buy it since very early childhood. I had no cares spirit, and have the freedom to relax in it. to get my free and natural writing voice
new serendipitous friend, but... didn’t you? whatsoever and, like a child, I observed in back. Under organizational pressure, I had
a timeless now the morning light coming Once I thought of the Czech holiday, it then made the mistake of training myself to write
through the skylight above my bed. I felt occurred to me that this also means it’s my “professionally”.
Aquarius (20 Jan.-18 Feb.) Leo (23 July-22 Aug.) excited to be alive, and happy to see the birthday, so I knew I was a year older, though
Tenderness ought to be tried whenever possible. You’re a bit of a bad-ass. You like it loud, rough light—but then I made the mistake of I honestly did not know how old I was (and What I have been doing all these years as
Always slapping the ass of your lover during love- and immediate. Of course, your sparkling wit and trying to remember who and where I was, actually didn’t much want to find out). That’s a writer is learning how to find the courage
making will not be an unerring turn on. Especially social zest makes everybody want to give you what and it all suddenly came back to me, like my how birthdays are for middle-aged folks, they to write so honestly that it’s actually
during or after ‘piles’ problems. you want. Take it and ask no questions.
operational system rebooted, and I knew in feel happy if they can’t remember exactly dangerous in this world. Yes, trust and
a flash everything that makes me whatever it how old they are so that they don’t feel that friendship is truly dangerous in this world
is that I am. The magic was gone, but it sure old. That got me to thinking about time (something I also learned from that job).
Pisces (19 Feb.-20 March) Virgo (23 Aug.-22 Sept.) was nice to experience it for a small, eternal again, and I realized that for years I have been I could not write for that business weekly
All of your aims are achievable, although many of You are so charismatic and convincing. Don’t be
moment; it is also nice to remember it, and subconsciously cultivating my outlook on life with the complete freedom and natural voice
them would involve bionic implants and a lot of frustrated if people don’t think you’re a prophetic
write about it. As I lay there, I realized I was so as to live as much as possible outside the that Think Again has allowed me for the
theft. You won’t be hospitalized, but things may genius within five second of meeting you. Give ’em an
not go as planned. hour. (Shots of Tequila might expedite the process).
already days past deadline with writing this parameters of time. For fifteen years I had last several years, and I am grateful to Think
article, and I knew I did not have any worthy not had a job in the sense of having to set an Again for never editing or cutting my writing
thoughts to write you, Dear Reader. I also alarm clock and go to a work place on specific since this so often mediates and negotiates
knew I needed to do a lot of other things— days; instead I had worked to work for myself, the article into something acceptably
Aries (21 March-19 April) Libra (23 Sept.-23 Oct.)
like going down to the basement to load the which meant I had developed the habit of moderate—though hopefully not so dead as
Though you’re sometimes a homebody, now is the You’ve had a contemplative year, full of changes
time to put on gilded wings and flit about town. Your and fresh starts. Relax and enjoy the fruits of wood furnace, feed all the animals, answer getting up when I woke up—meaning the to be completely unworthy of reading.
social fluttering could lead to partnerships, both of all those self-improvement tapes and Buddhist a bunch of e-mails I had procrastinated, etc. hour, day of the week, month, and even the This is the last article you will read from
the money-making and the love-making varieties. meditation classes—whatever floats your boat. etc. etc. It had been so peaceful without the year had ceased to matter to me. A few years me until next year (if Think Again decides I
self, time, and place that orients so much of ago I honestly had no idea what year it was, still haven’t “gone over the edge” with my
my existence, that I somewhat regretted the and I was quite happy with the freedom of personal thoughts and utterly free style). If
Taurus (20 April-20 May) Scorpio (24 Oct.-21 Nov.) OS reboot. not needing to know. That should be part of I can wish a few things to you, Dear Reader,
Romance and money are in store for you; A hairy back may trouble you. Especially if it’s not the definition of freedom: Freedom is not it is that you endeavor to find your way
specifically, other people’s money. If you’re selling your hairy back in question. Make some coffee, sit I suddenly remembered that it was a Czech knowing what year it is. towards letting go of time, and that you live
your car, applying for a loan, or buying your weekly down and read the internet. Hell, it’s what you do national holiday, the day the Czech nation Last year I lost that freedom because I made each day with the happy knowledge that you
lotto ticket, you’ve got some celestial backup. everyday, right? celebrates the student uprisings and the the mistake of working as an editor for some are truly free. You are extremely valuable if
Velvet Revolution. That is my favorite dumbass “serious” business magazine for you keep the courage to believe in yourself.
Czech holiday because I believe this nation about six months, but the experience was I also hope you have the courage to wield
contemplates the importance of democracy actually very valuable for many reasons. I a self-confident but kind and simple smile
and personal freedom on this day, and it’s came to understand that I have been lucky that, like a sword, cuts through all the fake
probably the one day that most Czechs to be a freelance writer who did not have to and evil shit that this world so often throws
can feel a sense of noble courage and real arrive at an office and engage in all the daily at you from every direction. Finally, I simply
patriotism about their nation. It’s something personal politics. You know the old saying, want to wish you a Merry Christmas and
like America’s July 4, Independence Day “You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s a Happy New Year—though I hope you are
celebration, except Czechs don’t blow off gone.” My case was very fortunate because it fortunate enough to forget exactly which
a hundred million dollars worth of fireworks was so easy to regain what I had lost: Happy New Year it is that I am wishing you.

22 23
INTERVIEW
www.eboy.com

Famous for a wide array of bitmapalicious illustrations, web design, fonts, and games, Germany-based
eBoy puts out pixel work that has been at the forefront of contemporary illustration for over 10 years,
and their eye for detail is being embraced worldwide. Pixel heads eBoy recently entered the world of
toys with a revolutionary line of mini changeable action figures called PEECOL. We cornered them
to see if we could gain some insight into their world of a few million pixels.

First of all, who exactly is eBoy? have been interested in.

eBoy is a band producing pictures and toys. The members are Kai Vermehr, At some point we had the idea to make fonts with these bricks—the
Steffen Sauerteig, and Svend Smital. We create re-usable pixel objects and result was the ff-peecol series with lots of b/w bricks that are distributed
take them to build complex and extensible artwork. And we make toys. by Fontshop. Each letter triggered one brick—you could build images by
recombining letters.
How did you get started? What should people know about your art? Now as we worked on a concept for a toy series, we soon realized that,
eBoy was founded in 1997 by Steffen Sauerteig, Svend Smital, and Kai again, we wanted it to be modular. Not as atomic as LEGO—we wanted
Vermehr with the acquisition of the eBoy.com domain. The basic idea it to be really really simple, and it turned out that our existing PEECOL
driving eBoy was the embracing of the new possibilities of the emerging pixel people were exactly of the grade of modularity and simplicity
digital world. Pictures could be copied as many times as necessary if they we were aiming for. So we look at it as a new chapter in the life of
were digital—and every copy was a perfect reproduction of the original. PEECOL—now on real toys.
Data could be sent to the most distant parts of the globe in seconds. This
was crazy. So we wanted to work specifically for the screen and went the Any favorite PEECOL toy?
pixel way. Pixels felt quite good and were big fun handling. No, we love them all! :)

What influences you the most? Tell us about your recent co-operation with Lacoste and Kidrobot.
There is not really a main influence. It is just everything from everywhere. Kidrobot designed three sneakers for Lacoste and we did one Peecol-Tennis
We collect and share images, links and knowledge we find on the web and guy representing each shoe. If you buy one of these limited shoes, you’ll
we always carry a camera with us to capture analog stuff around us. It can get the tennis guy as a giveaway.
be stones, the weather, object oriented programming, porn, whatever.
What is your proudest moment?
Your paramount pixel work is eCity series. What does such a work When we see that people are happy with our stuff.
require and how much time does it take to create one cityscape?
All our pixel images are made with Photoshop, and nearly every single What has been the biggest challenge for you so far?
pixel is placed by hand. We use some copy-pasting and we have a library Maybe Peecol toy; because so many new techniques had to be learned.
of picture parts we constantly extend and re-use. Still it’s pretty time
consuming. How long it takes depends on our availability for such a You celebrate 10 years in the market next year. Are you planning
project. If we devote all our time, we can finish a city within 6 weeks. If anything special?
it’s more a side project it could even last a year or longer. Actually we missed our tenth anniversary this year—the record for eboy.
com was created on 2nd of May 1997. So it’s too late.
Last month, you introduced the new PEECOL line of figures and
went from 2D pixel work to 3D toys. What’s all this about? What What are you working on at the moment?
was the evolution of PEECOL? On a new Tokyo eCity poster to be released before Christmas and on more
The original peecol concept was to take reusable 36x36 pixel image bricks Peecol figures for the next editions.
and build images with them. The idea was to save bandwidth because one
transmitted brick could be used several times on a webpage. We started What are your plans and desires for the future?
to make sets like an ambulance set or a terrorist set and used them in Making more products for our online shop! And there are still a lot eCity
pictures. Basically it was a simple modular concept—something we always images waiting to be realized, it would be nice to have more time for that.

24
 VIDEO
CINEMA

American Gangster
You’ll like this film. What’s not to like—two excellent actors at the top of their games
(Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe) directed by a top notch film maker (Ridley Scott)
in a gangster epic. American Gangster is satisfying and fun, it’s just not quite as epic as
the title and all the talent imply. Washington plays Frank Lucas, the real character this
Martin
film is based on, who brings a higher quality of heroin to the streets of New York. Russell
Crowe plays the only cop at the time who actually had the guts and the moral streak to
do anything about it. It’s an elemental battle between good and evil that is better than
most others of its type.
Scorsese
Still regarded as something of a renegade by mainstream movie critics, despite the fact
that he has been nominated for numerous Academy Awards for his prolific output over the
Crime/Drama, 157 min, USA
years, Martin Scorsese is undoubtedly among the greatest filmmakers that America has ever
produced. He first rose to prominence in the 1970s after graduating from NYU Film School,
and was part of the generation of directors who would “take back” Hollywood from the hacks
and start producing a genuine American cinema that would by far surpass filmmaking in all
other countries—at least for a decade.
Turtles Can Fly Scorsese has had an incredibly prolific career, and is showing no signs of slowing down. For now, we’ll take
In Turtles Can Fly, writer/director Bahman Ghobada has crafted a masterpiece that should time out from trying to keep up with him to reflect back on some of the high points of his lengthy career.
be required viewing for anyone who wishes to discuss the American invasion of Iraq. The
Mean Streets (1973) This paired-down black comedy stars Griffin Dunne as a New York City word
story is that of an Iraqi teen named Soran (Soran Embrahim) who is called ‘Satellite’ for his
Starring: Harvey Keitel, Robert De Niro processor. When he meets a beautiful woman, played by Rosanna Arquette, in
business of selling and installing satellite dishes. The film looks at the war and its effects a diner one night, he is led on an all-night adventure through the world of 1980s
Mean Streets was the first film to bring Scorsese wider recognition. This bare
through the eyes of children who suffer because of it. It doesn’t have a political axe to bones production is set on the streets of New York’s Little Italy and follows the downtown New York. Will he ever be able to get out of Soho? After Hours perfectly
grind, but instead offers an incredible glimpse of the pain, sorrow, and strength that arise misadventures of a group of small time gangsters. The story centers on Charlie captures the insanity and insomnia of the city that really never sleeps.
in its wake. This is truly a must-see if any film is. (Harvey Keitel), an up and coming member of the local mob, who is constantly
being stalled by his childlike friend Johnny (Robert De Niro), who he seeks in vain Goodfellas (1990)
to protect. The film features several Scorsese trademarks—a top notch soundtrack Starring: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Roy Liotta, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino
by the Rolling Stones, an incredible performance by Robert De Niro, and an in- Goodfellas picks up where Mean Streets left off—the underground world of
depth exploration of Italian American machismo and the violence that inevitably organized crime. Goodfellas is Scorsese at his Dostoevskyan best. Based on
Drama/War, 98 min, Iran/France/Iraq ensues as a result of it. a true story written by a real-life Mafia rat, Goodfellas earned Scorsese his third
Oscar nomination, but he would lose out to Kevin Costner. Joe Pesci won a Best
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) Supporting Actor award for his work.
Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, Jodie Foster
This film is a major anomaly in Scorsese’s career, but nevertheless a worthwhile The Aviator (2004)
Starring: Leonard DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Alan Alda, Gwen Stefani, Alec Baldwin
Darjeeling Limited one. It tells the story of a young mother fallen on hard times who ends up
moving from town to town in the American southwest with her young son in tow.
Eventually, she finds work in Tucson, Arizona in Mel’s Diner… But will she ever be
The Aviator tells the true story of Howard Hughes, a self-made millionaire whose
downward spiral into insanity and wild eccentricity is captured by Leonardo
able to find love and self-respect again? DiCaprio in an Oscar-nominated performance. Every step of Hughes’s fascinating
Three brothers (Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, and Owen Wilson) set forth on a train
life—from his pioneering days in Hollywood to his final insular years in Las
through India in search of adventure. As a pitch, it sounds great. As an actual film it falls Taxi Driver (1976) Vegas—are charted with care by Scorsese and his stunning cast.
flat on its face, mostly because the adventure never actually takes place, being replaced Starring: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster
apparently by character quirks and annoying dialogue. Not a single one of the brothers is Widely considered to be Scorsese’s masterpiece, Taxi Driver tells the story of The Departed (2006)
alienated taxi driver Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a Vietnam vet who gradually Starring: Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Alec Baldwin, Mark
a particularly appealing character and nothing much really happens. The blame for most
becomes overcome with his vigilante fantasies. He becomes intent on saving Wahlberg, Martin Sheen
of this lies with Director (and co-screenwriter) Wes Anderson, who apparently had very
an underage prostitute named Iris, played by Jodie Foster—but first he has to Certainly not Scorsese’s greatest film, The Departed nevertheless finally won
little to say other than boys need a father figure and like trains. Oh well. assassinate an evil Senator who is apparently out to destroy New York City. the director an Oscar—an award that most felt was long overdue. The film is
set in Boston, and pits two rats against each other—one in the police working
After Hours (1985) for the mob (Matt Damon), and one in the mob working for the police (Leonardo
Starring: Griffin Dunne, Bronson Pinchot, Teri Garr, Catherine O’Hara, Rosanna DiCaprio). Of course the two are expected to sniff each other out, and mayhem
Arquette, Tommy Chong ensues.
Adventure/Comedy/Drama, 91 min, USA

28 29
ART
recently premiered in Berlin at the Porn Film Festival. It is meant to
XYXX be a lesbian re-staging of the Patty Hearst kidnapping by the SLA in
the 1970s, featuring a kick-ass soundtrack of groovy tunes. The film is
also in many ways a lesbian version of LaBruce’s feature The Raspberry
Text by Travis Jeppesen
Reich. A group of mad dyke terrorists kidnaps a munitions heiress and
indoctrinates her into the world of crime and Sapphic love. Made in
This month, a new group exhibition exploring the intersections
collaboration with the Scandelles collective of Burlesque artists in
between family violence and gender will open at Karlin Studios.
LaBruce’s native Toronto, Give Piece of Ass a Chance is quite a ride,
Curated by artist Vladimir Skrepl, XYXX will feature works by local
so don’t miss out on the fun.
bad boys Marek Ther, Petr Písařík, Ondřej Brody, Viktor Frešo, and Jan
Mucska.
In addition, the exhibition will feature a new video work by maverick Where: Karlin Studios, Křižíkova 34, P8
underground filmmaker Bruce LaBruce, the subject of a recent article When: 13/12/07–6/1/08
in these pages. LaBruce’s work, Give Piece of Ass a Chance, was www.karlinstudios.cz

a lot of the latter into the limelight, gallery crawlers can rest assured
Uncertain States of that the prodigies are represented here in equal measure. Our bet?
Zero in on the splattery expressionism of Dan Colen. Don’t spend too

America Text by Travis Jeppesen

much time on the overrated Miranda July, but do give the always-
unpredictable Adam Putnam a chance. Still uncertain? You’re not the
only one. But if you’re craving a glimpse at the Newest of the New—or
A two-year research project by curators Hans-Ulrich Obrist, Daniel
at least the Newest of New York—this is the closest you’re going to
Birnbaum, and Gunnar B. Kvaran has given rise to “Uncertain States
get to it in Prague.
of America,” an examination of the youth-obsessed contemporary art
world in the United States. All of the artists to be featured in this
show are under 40; the vast majority of them are still in their 20s. Where: Galerie Rudolfinum
What visitors to the Rudolfinum can thus expect is a mixed bag of Alšovo nábřeží 12, P1
the precociously prodigious and the woefully underdeveloped. While When: 6/12/07–24/02/08
market hype and inflated ambition may be the factors that have driven www.galerierudolfinum.cz

30
BOOKS

Street Art Praha

By István Lekó and Richard Cortés
Published by Arbor vitae

Street art as a medium of artistic expression—not to be confused with graffiti that despite its affiliation
with street art, is not of concern here—has become increasingly popular even in this relatively
conservative city. An anthology documenting Prague’s visual folklore that includes an astonishing 750
artifacts by local and foreign street artists, including Ahoy, Pasta, Point, Masker, Pash, Zipper, Banksy,
Shepard Fairey, and Swoon, spread over 464 pages, is thus a much anticipated work. Street Art – Praha,
which accompanied the exhibition at the Školská gallery, is a work of love for this oft-denigrated form
of artistic expression. It was put together by Hungarian reporter István Lekó and art director Richard
Cortés who were assisted by Pasta, one of the doyen’s of Prague’s street art scene. The book manages to
capture the ephemeral nature of this subversive form of art—most of the pieces documented in the book
are already gone, they sometimes vanish as quickly as over night—and street art’s various techniques
including stencils, stickers and even 3-D objects popularized by the mighty Point are all present.
“(Street art) is a medium of artistic expression that is a logical addition to the existing cultural layers
of Prague,” writes the theorist Tomáš Pospiszyl in his foreword.

A fascinating read and an indispensable alternative Prague guide.

www.street-art.cz
www.street
w tre
32
 BEST SHOW
SOUNDS
Recyclit

Dan Deacon Bordo

11/12/07

Burial Giles Peterson’s High Contrast Daft Punk

Untrue Fania DJ Series Tough Guys Alive 2007
Hyperdub Records Various Artists Don’t Dance Virgin

Fania Records Hospital

Enigma and mystique have been If you collect NYC Latin music, Within the broad spectrum of If you start tracing the influences
a serious part of the electronic it’s likely you will have some of drum’n’bass, High Contrast would of much of today’s dance-indie-
music ever since Underground the 26 tracks on Giles Peterson’s be just beyond liquid: easy sounds, electro music, you will inevitably
Resistance burst onto the Fania DJ series, with two CDs of just big enough to get everyone end up with one name—Daft Punk.
techno scene with their faces Giles’ remastered favorites from moving, even so-called ‘tough guys’ The French duo established by
covered in masks. Burial has Fania, and also Tico, Alegre and before the mayhem on the dance Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel
been surrounded by a similar Cotique—all labels with vintage floor starts. The opening track “If de Homem Christo have influenced
air of mysteriousness from the Latin jazz, boogaloo, Latin soul, we ever” is an essential record in a a legion of producers, and we’re
time he (as it has generally afro-Cuban jazz, mambo and salsa. DJ’s collection. Thanks to Lincoln not just talking about obvious
been agreed it’s not a woman) But even if you have a good stock Barrett’s facility at combining choices like the Ed Banger crew.
released his critically acclaimed of Tito Puente, Fania All-Stars, jazzy pianos, filtered trance After a relatively long hiatus, Daft
self-titled debut album on Kode and both Palmieri brothers, this synthesizers, aggressive oldschool Punk returns with a live set—Alive
9’s Hyperdub label last year. His one is worth getting for the beats, and heavy bass lines, he 2007 which is the duo’s second
haunting soundscapes, partially rarities alone, including two odes caters to a large audience. There live album and was recorded in
influenced by UK garage, dubstep, to Asia: “Chinito Boogaloo” by are not really any radically new or Paris earlier this year. With Alive
and even early 90s hardcore and Rafael Cortijo y su Bonche, with refreshing sounds on this CD, but 2007, Daft Punk transfers the
rave scenes, and partially by Basic its chopsticks boogaloo and faux it nevertheless manages to it be dynamics of their live show onto
Channel and Chain Reaction, Chinese singing, and “Rush Hour of the best drum’n’bass albums of an album. The band’s greatest hits
create the perfect backdrop to in Hong Kong” by Louie Ramirez, the year. Not just for the ‘hardcore are flawlessly segued with lesser
urban megalopolises like London, which is just unstoppable. Roberto jungle maven’. known instrumentals creating a
where Burial (apparently) comes Roena’s “Shades of Time” is an seamless compilation of their three
from. His second album, Untrue, earthy Latin-jazz cover of Santana, albums Homework, Discovery, and
bears his melancholic, ethereal with a sax solo and ramble of a Human After All. Several climactic
stamp while showing off his lover’s false promises in place of moments are included within the
ability to go in deep, melodic the guitar hero’s jam; another record including the transition
directions. Archangel is a haunting, cover “Tighten Up” by Al Escobar of Around the World into Harder,
utterly sublime love song for is Latin-soul gold. Ray Barretto’s Better, Stronger, Faster; the move
urban ghettos, with Endorphin “Acid” is a hard to find boogaloo from Television Rules the Nation
following in a more somber vein. meets afro-Cuban jazz nugget; on to Crescendolls; and Superheroes
Dog Shelter is a beautiful offbeat disc two, there is amazing Latin jazz moving into Human After All. Until
number, while Raver starts off by Noro Morales Quintet and Mon someone finally decides to bring
with a distinctive kick drum and Rivera. But “Mambo Moderno” by Daft Punk to this country, Alive
sounds like a UK garage track Vladamir is one of the best for late- 2007 can be a sort of brilliant
played at 33 rpm. Various crackles, night dance-floors, with a fiendish consolation.
shuffles, and sonic minutiae are laugh in the break, of course.
interspersed throughout the
record, a sort of vinyl memento
for the MP3 generation. The only
If postmodernism has any meaning these days, between irony and making a decent tune.
disappointing thing about Burial Dan Deacon is its epitome in music and art. He also happens to make good music and
is that—presumably to retain his
anonymity—he refuses to play live. The Baltimore-residing “absurdist“ artist, play terrific shows. “I might try to start the
9/10 9/10 8/10 9/10
who is also part of the underground collective audience chanting, saying a ridiculous phrase,
Wham City, mixes and matches a diverse array using very elaborate nonsensical count-downs,
Lucia Udvardyová Tony Ozuna Sirius Smart Sounds Lucia Udvardyová of influences without any stylistic limitations maybe create a circle for dance contests,” he
and perfectly moves within the murky territory stated recently. So get ready to dance!

34 35
SCENE

SCENE
Boom Bang Baby Plastique
All boom-bangers need to get ready for a crazy rock’n’roll moshpit extravaganza. December tends to get a little hectic with all the office parties, club nights, and gigs
Sepultura’s ex-drummer Iggor Cavalera is in the house, so this one is definitely not for to deal with, but we’ll throw another item at you to add to your calendar if Plastique
the faint-hearted. Cavalera’s semi-live project Mixhell, which he does together with is your sort of thing. The oldest running electroclash–nu rave night in town welcomes
his wife Laima Leyton, consists of DJ-ing and fiddling with the Akai MPC sampler. If back Sci*fi*psi, a Czech electro outfit who, according to their MySpace site, are
you survive BBB’s December appearance, then roll on into January and special guest “electro-humanoids, as found in remote, far-away galaxies. (…) fed on mostly music
Yuksek, the French electro-head who has remixed for the likes of Shitdisco, Chromeo, and for this purpose…tend to form groups. Can exist in any form throughout the
and Siriusmo under his belt. According to NME “...his mini-anthem Composer has known universe and are famous for ‘chameleonic’ tendencies. Sightings have been
been turning indie discos into war zones.” You’ve been warned. reported on Planet Earth.” And at the upcoming Plastique, for that matter.

15/12 – Rock Café, 19/1 – Bordo 21/12

www.boombangbaby.com Radost FX, www.plastique.cz

Enon with Sporto Stars of the Lid

There’s no better way to avoid the pre-Christmas frenzy than by getting down and The Music Infinity concert series, which has brought the likes of Telefon Tel Aviv,
dirty at the inimitable 007. Said Strahov club is bringing Touch and Go favorites Triosk, and David Sylvian, continues with its pre-Christmas edition featuring drone
Enon who will be assisted by Prague’s up-and-coming indie electro darlings Sporto. ambient mavericks Stars of the Lid. Their influences range from European minimalist
The Philly based band Enon is generally classified as indie rock, though its sound composers such as Arvo Part to Talk Talk to the ambient sounds of Brian Eno. The
encompasses synth pop, alternative rock and noise. Enon’s latest LP Grass Geysers... band was established in 1993 by Brain McBride and Adam Wiltzie in Texas, and the
Carbon Clouds was released on the respected Touch and Go label in October as name “Stars of the Lid” refers to “your own personal cinema, located between your
a follow-up to 2003’s Hocus Pocus. eye and eyelid,” according to McBride. Close your eyes, relax, and let yourself float
free at this soothing sonic soiree.

16/12 15/12
Club 007 Strahov, www.klub007strahov.cz Palác Akropolis, www.palacakropolis.cz

Sound HeadQuarters Boban i Marko Marković Orkestar

The SoundHeadquarters party at the Cross club is one of the few genuinely Boban i Marko Marković Orkestar and Boban Marković are coming to Prague. Highly
underground club nights in Prague that aims to transplant the sound of urban acclaimed, the orchestra promises to introduce neophytes to Balkan brass music to
Britain to Prague. The party has consistently brought the best gritty electro and a very interesting and neglected style of music, and to practitioners that are
dubstep sounds to Prague, and this time it looks like an excellent journey will be had considered by most in Serbia to be among the very best at their craft. So, whether
as London’s wonky techno/breakbeat/electro master Si Begg takes the stage for some you’ve heard Balkan brass music in one of Emir Kusturica’s excellent films or you’ve
bass heavy sound play. Begg started producing in the early nineties influenced by spent time in the Balkans and know what you’re in for, or even if you’re just curious,
Chicago acid and later by the early Warp artists like LFO. He also runs two labels— be sure to check the Marković Orkestar out.
Mosquito along with Christian Vogel and Noodles.

15/12 31/01/08
Cross Club, www.crossclub.cz Archa Theatre, www.archatheatre.cz

36 37
FLASH

FLASH
7. 12. Friday/Pátek Rogers, Peet, Lafayette
CROSS CLUB: Drumstation: live CHATEAU ROUGE: Taboo Kill-Time:
Visionary Underground feat Dr. Das, Live Unifiction, Gemini Gem,
Feefree, Brooklyn DJs Ladida, Squint
DUPLEX: Dirty Dancing: DJs Tommy KLUB 007: Papier Tigre, Ter Haar
Rogers, Peet M1 LOUNGE: Smokin Friday: DJ Big J
CHATEAU ROUGE: Nightlife: MECCA: Meccamix: DJs Damian
DJs Formi, Kenny Wilson, Kuba Soulcheck,
M1 LOUNGE: Smokin Friday: DJ Big J Diome, Bon Finix
MECCA: DJs Phunk Investigation, MISCHMASCH: DJs Jakub V., Brian,
Johannes, Poco, Abdul Cana Eagle, Madman
MISCHMASCH: DJs Jakub V., Brian, PALÁC AKROPOLIS: Galactic Golden
Eagle, Madman God X-Mass Party:
PALÁC AKROPOLIS: DJs Luboš Václav Vála
Hip Hop: DJ Pufaz U MALÉHO GLENA:
RADOST FX: Lollypop On Ice: DJs Libor Šmoldas Trio
Lumiere, Vilém XT3: Live Riviera Playboyz, DJs Pepe
ROXY: Human Traffix: DJs Spirit ZERO: Laundry: DJs Lillou,
Catcher, Loutka, Cubik, Marwin Dita, Mary Love
Shamma, Machine Funck
U MALÉHO GLENA: Vertigo
XT3: Live Discrimination 15. 12. Saturday/Sobota
ZERO: Masters Of The Universe DUPLEX: Discovery!: DJs Neo,
Session: DJs Sine, Trusty Andrea Fiorino
CHATEAU ROUGE: Showstaarzzz:
DJs A.L.I., Babylon Rocker, DJs Tweet,
8. 12. Saturday/Sobota Moek, Fallus
CROSS CLUB: Defragmentation: KLUB 007: Brigada Flores Magon
Dr. Das, Transglobal Underground M1 LOUNGE: Retro R&B Soul Party:
soundsystem DJ Tone
DUPLEX: Police Department: DJs MECCA: Home of La Troya: DJs Oliver,
Lafayette, Nuff, Mark Evil Baby Marcel, Texx, Tommy Rogers
CHATEAU ROUGE: Boogie: MISCHMASCH: Mixx Maxx: DJs Jakub
Live Human Stake, Front Line, V., Milan Kroužil
DJs Lucas Hulan, Malkao PALÁC AKROPOLIS:
M1 LOUNGE: Retro R&B Soul Party: Live Stars Of The Lid
DJ Tone, pop house: DJ Martez RADOST FX: Soultrain Weekender: DJs
MECCA: Vibe: DJs Chris Ibott, Big J, Rico, 12Play, Dipps
Tripmain, Kate PARUKÁŘKA: UFO X-Massaker: Live
MISCHMASCH: Mixx Maxx: DJs Jakub Deheth C, Afrodisiak, Tetrafarmakos,
V., Milan Kroužil DJs Herbyboy, Elza
PALÁC AKROPOLIS: Cibelle ROCK CAFÉ: Boom Bang Baby!:
RADOST FX: Soultrain Weekender: DJs Live Mixhell, Carabine, DJs Tvyks, The
Big J, Rico, 12Play, Marc Voracious
ROXY: Ultima: DJs Agent, Nika 77, ROXY: One Night: DJs Josef Sedloň,
Lucas Hulan Bela EN, Dan Cooley
U MALÉHO GLENA: Vertigo U MALÉHO GLENA: Roman Pokorný
ZERO: Bikini Jazz Xmas Bash: DJs Craig Fusion Jazz Q
Hampson, Chris Chemist XT3: Live Running Sushi, DJs Fun Freak
ZERO: Cartoon Clash Night: DJs The
Fakes DJs
14. 12. Friday/Pátek
CROSS CLUB: Imperialistic Night:
Limewax, Raveboy, Yukimura, Chong-X PRAGUE TV’S MONSTER BALL V
DUPLEX: Dirty Dancing: DJs Tommy PHOTO BY DAVID HUITRIC

38 39
FLASH

FLASH
21. 12. Friday/Pátek 28. 12. Friday/Pátek
CHATEAU ROUGE: Clubber Colorful DUPLEX: Dirty Dancing: DJs Tommy
House: Live Rivers For Sale, Fetch!, Rogers, Peet, Enrico
Bugmen, DJs Dan Cooley, Madman CHATEAU ROUGE: Breakpoint X-Mas
M1 LOUNGE: Smokin Friday: DJ Big J Edition: DJs Yannick, Santa Vilem
MATRIX: Crucifixmass: DJs Layka KLUB 007: Nuclear Death Terror,
Sound System, Metro DJs Risposta
MECCA: Opera House: DJs Lafayette, M1 LOUNGE: Smokin Friday: DJ Big J
Mcio, Yaroush MECCA: Rehab: DJs Nesquik, Omar,
MISCHMASCH: DJs Jakub V., Brian, Sly Antro
Eagle, Madman MISCHMASCH: DJs Jakub V., Brian,
PALÁC AKROPOLIS: Bow Wave, Eagle, Madman
DJs 2K, Akira PALÁC AKROPOLIS: Viva La Musica!:
RADOST FX: Plastique: Live Sci-Fi-Psi, DJs Joke, Mgr. Biggy, Joe Harper
DJs Vectif, Face RADOST FX: Remember House: DJs
RIVER CLUB: Steam Xmas: DJs Roger Loutka, Lumiere, Vilém
Venzet, Pete Walk ROXY: Elektra: DJs Lexy & K-Paul,
ROXY: Bush: IM Cyber, Philip TBC, Airto, Bon Finix, Tripmain
Mystif, Rudeboy STYX: Minimal vs. Maximal: Live
U MALÉHO GLENA: Performing Elektrabel, DJs Monotype, Dialect
Tomatoes U MALÉHO GLENA: Adam Tvrdý &
XT3: Carneval: Live Lesboys, Adam Serry
Tetrafarmakos ZERO: Afrodrops Nite: DJs Pat Heart,
ZERO: Take The Piss: DJs Chris Slim Buddah
Quadrant, Kev, Rich

29. 12. Saturday/Sobota

22. 12. Saturday/Sobota DUPLEX: Young Hearts: DJs Fcuk,
DUPLEX: Clublife: DJs Ronny, Milhaus Macio, Adnene
CHATEAU ROUGE: Dance or Die: CHATEAU ROUGE: Digi: DJs Airto,
Live The Ritchie Success, Marwin Schamma
DJs Victorious, Page Down M1 LOUNGE: Retro R&B Soul Party:
KLUB 007: Basta Fidel DJ Sweet Pete
M1 LOUNGE: Retro R&B Soul Party: DJ MECCA: Selectro: DJs E-lite, Bon Finix,
Sweet Pete, pop house: DJ Martez Scarcoke, Wolscha
MECCA: Starmix: DJs Angel Charlie, MISCHMASCH: Mixx Maxx: DJs Jakub
David Monoszon V., Milan Kroužil
MISCHMASCH: Mixx Maxx: DJs Jakub PALÁC AKROPOLIS: Last Electro
V., Milan Kroužil Ingredient: DJ Lucky Dub
PALÁC AKROPOLIS: Ghostmother RADOST FX: Happy New Year:
RADOST FX: Soultrain Weekender Live Nironic, DJs Big J, Rico, 12Play
Touch: DJs Big J, Rico, 12Play ROXY: Climax: DJs Chris Sadler,
ROXY: Zen: DJs Michael Burian, Roman Elite, Strain
Rai, Tazz, Bo.dan STYX: Lost in Bass: DJs Dread Beat
U BUKANÝRA: Vivacity+: DJs Cubik, Squad
Trnqua, Drahota U MALÉHO GLENA: Ondřej Štveráček
U MALÉHO GLENA: Q featuring Eric Doelman
David Dorůžka Trio XT3: Praggabash: Live Missy M., Misho,
XT3: Live Slávek Janda Banda, DJ Mersi DJs Ragamuffin Whiteman
ZERO: Housefellas: DJs Sense, WAKATA: DJs One Drop Nation
Stevon, guest ZERO: OM: DJs Suza

PRAGUE BURLESQUE NIGHT PLASTIQUE – TRASH FASHION

PHOTO BY PETR MAREK PHOTO BY VLADO MIKO

40 41
CLUBS

Where To Go…
HAPPY DANCING Coyotes Rock Café Styx
Watch out! Everyone is P1, Malé Náměstí 2 P1, Národní třída 20 P8, Sokolovská 144
cute, well-dressed and www.coyotes.cz www.rockcafe.cz www.clubstyx.cz
happy.
Chateau Rouge Vagon Kain
Duplex P1, Jakubská 2 P1, Národní 25 P3, Husitská 1
P1, Václavské náměstí 21 www.chateaurouge.cz www.vagon.cz www.kain.cz
www.duplex.cz
Klub Lávka JAZZ Lalibela
Celnice P5, Holečkova 17
P1, V Celnici 4
P1, Novotného lávka 1 Prague’s most acclaimed
www.lavka.cz jazz musicians play in www.lalibela.cz
www.clubcelnice.com
these well-known jazz
M1 Lounge clubs. Matrix
Daylong
P1, Masná 1 P3, Koněvova 13
(OC Palladium)
P1, Nám. Republiky 1 myspace.com/m1lounge Agharta Jazz www.matrixklub.cz
www.daylong-disco.com P1, Železná 16
Nebe www.agharta.cz Palác Akropolis
Karlovy Lázně P1, Křemencova 10 P3, Kubelíkova 27
P1, Smetanovo nábřeží 198 www.nebepraha.cz Jazzclub U Staré paní USP www.palacakropolis.cz
www.karlovylazne.cz P1, Michalská 9
Shadow Azyl
Vertigo www.jazzlounge.cz
Misch Masch P5, Kroftova 1
P1, Havelská 4
P7, Veletržní 61 www.shadowazyl.cz
www.vertigo-club.cz U Malého Glena
www.mischmasch.cz
P1, Karmelitská 23
Sedm Vlků
Mecca Wigwam www.malyglen.cz
P3, Vlkova 7
P7, U Průhonu 3 P1, Zborovská 54
www.sedmvlku.cz
www.mecca.cz www.cafebarwigwam.cz Unijazz
P1, Jindřišská 5
U Bukanýra
Zero www.unijazz.cz
P1, nábřeží L. Svobody
Retro Club P1, Dušní 8
www.bukanyr.cz
P2, Francouzská 4 myspace.com/zeroprague SMOKED BEATZ
www.retropraha.cz Styles & rhythms Wakata
GUITARS AND INDIES change daily here P7, Malířská 14
Radost FX You don’t have to be but the good vibes
P2, Bělehradská 120 www.wakata.cz
old fashioned to listen and atmosphere stay
www.radostfx.cz
to guitars. This sound is the same. Techno, XT3
Roxy immortal! d’n’b, jungle, hip hop. P3, Rokycanova 29
P1, Dlouhá 33 Underground sounds. www.xt3.cz
www.roxy.cz Batalion music pub
P1, ul. 28 října 3 Abaton AFTER DANCE
CHAT’N’CHILL www.batalion.cz P8, Na Košince 8 It is well accepted that
You know those kinds www.prostorabaton.cz a party should never
of places where you Futurum end. Be aware that
dance between chats? P5, Zborovská 7 Boiler RX there is no point in
Bars or clubs with www.musicbar.cz P9, Novovysočanská 19 visiting the following
pleasant modern sound www.boiler.cz places before 6am.
around you. Lucerna Music Bar
P1, Vodičkova 36 Club 007 Le Clan
Aloha Wave Lounge
www.musicbar.cz P6, Chaloupeckého 7 P2, Balbínova 23
P1, Dušní 11
www.alohapraha.cz www.klub007strahov.cz www.leclan.cz

Bordo Club Malostranská Beseda Cross Club Studio 54

P2, Vinohradská 40 P1, Malostranské nám. 21 P7, Plynární 23 P1, Hybernská 38
www.bordo.cz mb.muzikus.cz www.crossclub.cz www.studio54.cz

42
VENUES

be kara OK!
You know what karaoke is and you’ve probably seen a box
before. The question is: have you ever seen or experienced
a karaoke box? Until recently, any urge to experience
said unique pleasure involved either a trip to Japan or
an extremely powerful imagination and a DVD of Lost in
Translation. Now however, thanks to Martina and Andrew
Remy, you can do the real thing right here in the cozy
confines of Prague. The idea for bringing the karaoke box
to Prague apparently came to the couple after first visiting
Tokyo and coming away inspired by the fun they’d had and
then visiting a Moravian wine cellar where they realized
that the two seemingly disparate experiences actually had
a fair amount in common, namely singing, food and drink,
and communal fun sharing. Their karaoke box club is called
be kara OK! and can be found on Legerova street just
a short walk from Wenceslas Square. The difference
between karaoke boxes and the more common karaoke
bars is that the former is meant to be more private in that
separate themed rooms are available for groups of people
to enjoy themselves and get a little foolish without a huge
roomful of strangers watching.

be kara OK!’s rooms include the sci-fi inspired Galaxy,

King (Elvis Presley dominates this one), Jungle, Sweet,
and Kabuki. Each box has its own sound system; a touch
screen system to order food and drinks; light effects;
barcoded songbooks in English, Czech/Slovak, French,
Italian, Russian, German, and Japanese; and soundproofing.
There is also a sushi bistro upstairs that serves sushi
incorporating elements of both the East and the West.
Get in there and get those vocal chords going!

be kara OK!
Legerova 78, Prague 2
Tel.: 222 240 035, 720 365 044
www.bekaraok.cz

44
POKER
Text by Gordon Walker

someone makes a horrendous play to beat your straight on

Poker Psychoses the flop is something many players forget to do. Do it. If you
can’t, make sure you get up and walk around any time you
An aspect of poker play that is absolutely vital realize you are fuming.
to long term success, but mostly overlooked, is
the psychological side of the game. It is actually The third area that needs to be addressed is having an
incredible to me that such an important set of skills awareness of our own game. How good of a player are you?
is so fundamentally ignored by so many. If you listen Most players vastly overestimate their abilities. Do you think
to players talking about the game, they will either you could survive in a cash game against five or six well known
be discussing theory, particular hands, or why they professional players for any significant amount of time? If you
think such and such a player is either great or terrible do, you are probably deluding yourself and this delusion will
(usually terrible). Occasionally there will be a small prove costly. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your
bit of analysis of their own psychological state for game and then do the same with players you see often.
a particular session, particularly if they felt they went
on tilt, but that is generally it. I am going to look at Once you can make a good estimate of your own abilities you
six things to pay closer attention to and think about will be better able to use another critical skill, game selection.
both at the table and, especially, away from it if you If you are not paying attention to how you rate as a player vs.
have any desire to be a successful player for more than the others at the table you are thinking of sitting at, you are
just a session or two. costing yourself money. A very good player will be a loser over
time if he always plays with only great players.
The first area, and the most basic, is your mental state when
you decide to play and then during the session. This is an Then there are two skills that are on a deeper level that are
area that has been much discussed, so I’ll keep it simple related to each other: understanding your motives for playing
here. You should not be depressed, mulling over problems and understanding the motives of other players. Here are
from work or a relationship, on drugs (and alcohol is a drug), some reasons people play poker: To make money, release from
angry, or distracted in some other way. Obvious? You would stress, escape from unpleasant everyday reality, gamble for
be surprised how frequently I see this basic rule being broken. fun, gamble because they are compulsive gamblers, enjoyment,
While playing refrain from any of the above as well, and nothing better to do. Among players who play a lot, the most
monitor yourself occasionally to be aware of how you are common reasons are to make money, compulsive gambling is in
feeling and whether you’re focused or not. Anger, especially at their blood, or they simply really enjoy it. Knowing why you are
other players, is an especially dangerous emotion at the table playing and what this says about how you will play is important
and can be quite expensive; so can boredom, by the way. to understand. If you are a compulsive gambler who has chosen
poker because the odds can be in your favor, realize that you will
The second area is tilt. Understanding that good games have to deal with a constant desire to be ‘in the action’. These
are always going to produce bad beats is essential. Taking factors affect others as well, and understanding and using this
that understanding and using it to avoid going on tilt when information will be a profitable endeavor. Good luck.

46
RELAX

EDITORIAL
Relaxation Beyond
Prague
During the Christmas rush, rest your mind and body
in the quiet and serene mountainside setting of
Špindlerův Mlýn and rejuvenate yourself at Hotel
Praha’s Spa Center. The spa offers a wide range of
services and treatments such as a swimming pool
with massage banks, countercurrent, watershots and
screen; different types of saunas—classic, herbal,
Russian, Finish, and Laconium (a low temperature
version). In addition to the above, you can choose
from a wide range of massages including classical
massages to ones with aroma oils or Thai massages.

Natural resources are what this place is all about. For

the peat baths, pure peat is used, unblemished by any
additional substances. The peat is mined in the Slavkov
forest conservation area and is characterized by powerful
effects on rheumatic problems and locomotive diseases.
For the herbal baths, essential oils and tinctures from true
herbs are used, which are added into the bath. You might
also want to consider having a Cleopatra bath from whey EDITORIAL
made of the best alpine milk along with a bath oil made Publishing:
Think Again
from wild roses. If you’re there for a cosmetic procedure, Publisher & General Manager:
Issue #43 Kateřina Quirenzová
you’ll be pleased that they use marine-based Thalgo December 07 – January 08 Advertising: sales@thinkagain.cz
products and treatments for face, body, aroma-phycology,
hydrotherapy, and post-depilatory. Office
Editor-at-Large: Gordon Walker Vinohradská 102, 130 00 Praha 3
Arts and Culture Editor: Lucia Udvardyová GSM: 777 133 514
This is truly what is meant by pampering yourself. info@thinkagain.cz
Contributing Writers: Travis Jeppesen, Laura Baranik, www.thinkagain.cz
Tony Ozuna, Sinclair Nicholas, Tobias Moshövel myspace.com/thinkagainprague

Contributing Photographers: Martina Šimková, David MK ČR E 14587

Spa&Relax Center
Huitric, Lado Alexi, Ondřej Sláma, Vlado Miko,
Hotel Praha
Jedi, Petr Marek © No part of Think Again magazine may be
Špindlerův Mlýn
reproduced without the prior permission of the
Tel.: 499 523 516 Art Director: publisher. All opinions expressed herein belong to the Cover illustration:
www.spindl-hotelpraha.cz Patrik Svoboda /visualperfect.cz/ individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the eBoy
The font used is Botanika /suitcasetype.com/ views of the Think Again editorial staff. www.eboy.com

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