Category: Archive

Theodore Sedgwick is the United States Ambassador to Slovakia, a position he has held since June 4, 2013. After graduating from Harvard College, where he studied Ottoman history, he worked in various commercial and non-commercial organizations. He founded the publishing house Pasha Publications, the energy company Io Energy, and served on the boards of Inside Higher Ed, Atlantic Information Services, and Washington Business Information. A significant part of his activities also takes on a charitable dimension, as his career also includes work in charitable organizations such as the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Wetlands America Trust, and the Land Trust Alliance. We asked Theodore Sedgwick not only about his view on US foreign policy.

   1) You represent the US in Slovakia at the diplomatic level. What does this job entail?

   At the diplomatic level, I simply represent the US in foreign policy positions. However, it is important to note that my work as a diplomat encompasses many other aspects, such as promoting trade and investment, military and security cooperation, cultural and educational exchange, and various other topics. That is what makes this job so interesting.

   2) Readers have already had the opportunity to read several interviews with you in various media in Slovakia, but what would interest readers of our magazine is how you perceive the business environment in Slovakia and what, in your opinion, is the difference with that in the USA?

   All things considered, Slovakia has a good climate for foreign direct investment. A skilled workforce, a generally flexible labor code, and reasonably low taxes are all positives. However, many companies doing business in Slovakia express concerns about the legal principles in the country, and I share this view. Companies say they lack confidence in the reliability of the judiciary, which is a serious problem.

   3) Why do you think Democratic Party supporter Barack Obama won the US presidential election for the second time?

   In the last US election, we had two good candidates. I think that overall voters preferred President Obama's approach to economic policy. However, the American public is generally fairly evenly divided on many key issues.

   4) What can the USA expect from B. Obama in his second term? What changes will there be in foreign policy?

   I don't think there will be any significant changes in foreign policy during President Obama's second term. I think many Europeans are concerned that the US is shifting its focus away from Europe to Asia.

   While the US is clearly focusing more of its attention on Asian security and commercial matters, this is not at all at the expense of the US relationship with Europe. As you can see with the start of negotiations for a free trade agreement with the EU, we see this relationship as crucial, both strategically and economically.

   The global economy and recession are a serious problem. Recent months suggest that better times are already dawning in the US.

   5) How do you see it compared to Europe?

   We have expressed our concern that there may be an overemphasis on necessary austerity in Europe, leading to a continued recession in Europe. The pro-growth measures taken by President Obama in the US – with the stimulus package, quantitative easing and tax cuts – are succeeding in growing our economy and reducing unemployment.

  6) After being elected president, B. Obama gave a very action-packed speech in the Senate in February of this year, with a lot of detail on various topics, without reading the text. Which part caught your attention the most?

   The speech was a road map for the president's second term, laying out the policies he wants to enact for the rest of his time in office. I was particularly struck by his focus on making the necessary decisions to reduce our budget, but at the same time continuing to invest in things like infrastructure and education. He also emphasized the need to rebuild America's middle class, which has been hit particularly hard by the economic recession. Finally, he spoke eloquently about the need for immigration reform and for both political parties to come together and address the challenges facing the US.

   7) The United States has been growing mainly on the wave of immigration since its inception, this topic is also important for the current government administration. What is your opinion on this topic?

   The United States is a nation of immigrants, and our country is enriched by the waves of immigrants who come to our shores. President Obama would like to liberalize our immigration policy by giving some illegal immigrants a path to citizenship while strengthening our borders against further illegal immigration. Our Congress is working on this right now.

   8) In your position as ambassador, you and your wife represent a country where dreams can come true for those who are smart. What do you think about this statement?

   My wife and I certainly believe that the United States is a place where dreams come true. Someone like Barack Obama can come from a broken biracial family with little means and become President of the United States. And many entrepreneurs can become millionaires almost overnight.

   9) In the past, people like A. Carnegie and Rockefeller did a lot for the country and people in the USA. Nowadays, their followers W. Buffet and B. Gates and others are following the same path. Why do you think that companies and people from the USA are among the greatest philanthropists in the world?

   Alexis de Tocqueville, a French political thinker and historian, traveled to the United States in the 1830s and commented on how generous and hospitable Americans were. Perhaps it began when settlers were dependent on the charity of earlier settlers in the country. However, I believe it is true that Americans are generally generous people and want to give back to society.

   10) If we may ask you, what is your life credo?

   "Giving money away is easy and anyone can do it. But deciding who to give money to, how much, when, and why is not easy for everyone, and that is why such an excellent quality is rare, praiseworthy, and noble." Aristotle

Vladimir Orth

   Opening gala performance of the season – opera Svätopluk – prepared by the management of the Slovak National Theatre (SND) on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the death of composer Eugen Suchoň and the 1,150th anniversary of the arrival of Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia. The work maps one of the most important periods of our history, which indelibly predetermined our historical development. In the image of Svätopluk, the creators of the opera offer a study of a monarch longing for the unity of his empire. This central character is not understood schematically. They give him the painful features of a man who fails in his efforts. The author honed the musical and dramatic “edge” of this work in the sharp conflict between paganism on the one hand and the new Christian message on the other. However, Suchoň’s Svätopluk is by no means just a historical canvas describing Slavic history. After all, the work ends painfully, tragically – and culminates with the prediction that it will take a whole thousand years for the desire for freedom and unity to be fulfilled.

   On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Giuseppe Verdi's birth, the SND Opera, directed by Martin Schüler, will present the popular opera Rigoletto, which will feature the Slovak singing elite along with high-quality foreign guests. One of the most famous works by the great Italian master needs no special introduction. Victor Hugo's drama The King is Having Fun was an ideal subject for Verdi to portray great passions, a socially critical perspective and a touching personal line. The main character, the court jester, alias the lord's servant Rigoletto, is faced with a dilemma: to survive at all costs without existential harm in an immoral environment, to ignore the consequences of his behavior or to resist, as Count Monterone proved, because in life every action is paid for, sometimes very dearly, by the loss of the most valuable thing - in this story, the beloved daughter Gilda.

   The upcoming season at the SND Drama Theater presents a parade of great classic titles – theatrical adaptations of Gustave Flaubert's novel Madame Bovary (dramatization by Iva Klestilová, directed by Eduard Kudláč) and Jana Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (dramatized by Anna Saavedra, directed by Marián Amsler). Both titles bring to the stage the story of strong women who seek their happiness outside of social conventions.

   Madame Bovary – that's Emma, a beautiful young lady raised in a convent who marries the village doctor Karol. However, their marriage is not a happy one. Karol is not a bad man. On the contrary. He is good, kind, trusting and even shy. However, he does not understand his wife's soul and does not realize that unless he finds a way to make her happy, he exposes her to the temptation to seek happiness with someone else.

   Sympathetic, naturally humble and at the same time strong, self-confident Jane Eyre also overcomes the rigid social restrictions of her time. With the harmony of her external and internal beauty, she represents a bright counterpoint not only to the suffocating grayness of the rigid society that has been trying to deform her since childhood, but also to the dark secrets and spontaneity of Rochester - the man she loves devotedly despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The theme of self-confidently and purposefully chosen sacrifice as the only path to purification and achieving the goal is surprisingly uplifting even today, or especially today.

   The long-awaited premiere of the SND Ballet before the end of the year will be Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. The premiere of the children's ballet with a Christmas theme is a return to the traditional and most awarded version of the Russian choreographer Vajnonen. In a narratively generous production, full of artistically rich images, as well as technically demanding variations, the child audience will embark on a fairy-tale journey through the Christmas story, interpreted by soloists and members of the SND Ballet choir and students of the Eva Jaczová Dance Conservatory in Bratislava.

New season at the Slovak National Theater opens with classics

   The opening gala performance of the season – the opera Svätopluk – commemorates the 20th anniversary of the death of its composer Eugen Suchoň and the 1150th anniversary of the arrival of Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia. This monumental historical drama is not only a celebration of the famous history of Western Slavs, but also a convincing musical drama, with a complex inner world of the leading characters. Svätopluk faces a dilemma: to fight for the new Christian future, or to give way to the Pagans; to follow the heritage of Rastislav, or to remain in power at any cost? Svätopluk also experiences the personal drama of a king who committed serious moral crimes on his way to power. His reconciliation with God and his own conscience comes as a culmination of the drama at the end, in the form of a prophetic wisdom and leniency.

   On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Guiseppe Verdi's birth, the Slovak National Theater Opera stages a new production of Rigoletto directed by Martin Schüller with a cast featuring leading Slovak singers and excellent foreign guests as well. There is no need to introduce one of the most famous works by the great Italian maestro to an opera visitor. Victor Hugo's drama Le roi s'amuse was an ideal story for Verdi, containing great passion, a critical view of society and a touching personal line. Rigoletto, the leading character, a court's jester alias minion of the noblemen, has got a dilemma: to survive with no harm in a shameful environment, to ignore the consequences of his own behavior, or to protest as Count Monterone did. One has to pay a price for each action in life, and sometimes the price is very high, and means losing what is most precious to us, in this story his beloved daughter Gilda.

   The start of the season of the drama ensemble is dedicated to great classical works. Both Flaubert's Madame Bovary and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontëdepict the story of strong women looking for their happiness, breaking social norms in their times.

   Madame Bovary – Emma, a beautiful young woman who received a good education in a convent marries Charles, a countryside medical doctor. But their marriage is not a happy one. Charles is not a bad man. On the contrary, he is good, nice, trusting and even shy. He does not understand his wife and he is not aware of the fact that without finding the way to make her happy, she will be exposed to the temptation to find happiness with somebody else. He is not able to reach her soul and so Emma lives her life as in a dream.

   The novel Jane Eyre written by the English writer Charlotte Brontë is a story of an amiable, naturally humble, but at the same time strong Jane, who overcomes the rigid limitations of Victorian conventions. In the harmony of her outer and inner beauty she presents a positive counterpart not only against the repressive greyness of the regimented society, which has been trying to deform her, but also against those dark secrets and the spontaneity of Rochester, the man she truly loves in spite of seemingly invincible obstacles. The topic of consciously and resolutely chosen sacrifice, as the only way leading to a purge and meeting one's goal is surprisingly inspiring even today, or especially today.

   The eagerly awaited new production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker based on the traditional version by Vassily Vajnonen, choreographed and directed by Rafael Avnikjan and Jozef Dolinský, shall premiere in December. This Christmas-themed ballet for children returns in the traditional and highly acclaimed version of the Russian choreographer Vainonen. The visually striking production with beautiful sets and costumes and sophisticated technical variations takes children on a fairy-tale journey through the popular Christmas story together with the Nutcracker and soloists and ensemble of the Slovak National Theater Ballet and students of Eva Jaczová Dance Conservatory in Bratislava.

His biography is a rarity in Slovakia and his career advancement is the dream of every intellectual. Although he spent a significant part of his professional life in New York and London, he could not resist returning to his native Slovakia and associating his name with our most famous brands. Richard Flimel, current chairman of the board of directors of JOJ Media House.   

   Why did you decide to study management?

   Management actually came into my life by chance. After high school, I took exams for various university faculties with a focus on computer science. My friend asked me to accompany him to the entrance exams for the newly opened Faculty of Management, and to be more motivated, I applied for the admissions as well. I was accepted. In the early 1990s, this faculty also offered study abroad and teaching in English, which was innovative and very interesting at the time. I am a bit of an adventurer, so I decided that I would not miss such a chance.

 Do you feel more like an economist or a lawyer?

   Certainly as an economist, or more precisely as a manager. I have devoted enough time to "law" to know that I do not want to return to it. I think that in my essence I am more of a manager, a generalist. My view of the problem is holistic and I like complex solutions. As a specialist who goes into the depth of the problem, but his radius of action and thinking has limits, I would feel too tied down and perhaps even unfree.

   Why school in the USA? Why did you decide to study there?

I always wanted to study at an American school. In Slovakia, I had professors from American schools, whose approach I really liked and I appreciated everything they were able to teach us. At one point, I received an offer from one of them to study in the USA, and I accepted it. I am convinced that education in the USA is of higher quality than here, especially in terms of the practical use of knowledge. I can only confirm the general perception that American schools teach their students independence in working with information and using it. I actually don't remember us studying for an exam by memorizing texts from textbooks. On the contrary, several times we were given an assignment that we took home and had up to two days to complete. I actually studied at American schools twice. The first time was when I took advantage of the offer of the aforementioned professor. The second time I got the opportunity to study law at a much more prestigious school. Since I wanted to get to "Wall Street," I took advantage of it.

   And did you get to Wall Street?

   Yes, it worked.

   So how do you work with information?

   I absorb them. Always, at every moment, and I also perceive those that are not related to what I am doing and have no immediate meaning for me. But it happens that one day I use an analogy between them and a situation I find myself in or am solving. I have a gift for incorporating them into a new context and using everything I know. For example, in college, in law school, I told myself that I wanted to learn how to edit videos. I managed it just for the fun of it, but this experience came in incredibly handy when I became the general director of television for a while. Suddenly, although superficially, I still understood what was going on in editing rooms and television studios.

   Why did you actually return to Slovakia?

   In New York and London, I was defined as a lawyer. I dedicated five years to law. I was at an age when I was trying new topics and environments. It was a very interesting period, but I was increasingly aware that law limited me and that I wanted to step beyond its boundaries. It was then that I received an offer from my friends from Slovakia to start a business at home in something completely different. I was excited. I packed up and went home. I brought with me enormous experience, the label of having worked "outside" and an immense desire to work.

   That's a lot of courage. Would you have the courage to do something similar today? Leave everything behind and start over?

   If I wasn't satisfied, I probably could do it. But today I don't feel that need. Even if I wanted to start something new, considering my age, it certainly wouldn't be a big step beyond what I've done, I would rather look for new opportunities in the field I know.

   What goals do you have with JOJ Media House?

   We want to be a major player in media in the Central European region. We want to make money with meaningful projects. If opportunities arise, we want to grow, and if they don't, we want to improve our media to be the best in their market. And maybe one day we'll go public.

   Why media? It's not exactly the most lucrative area of the market today.

   You are right, media is a difficult business. We acquired television at a time when there were barriers to entry for other competitors on the market – the number of stations was limited by terrestrial. Today, this is no longer the case. Barriers to entry in the television business have been significantly reduced. After our entry, JOJ became a serious player on the market. It was headed by a team that gained respect. These are people who understand the media and that has been our great competitive advantage from the beginning. It is a strong foundation that has allowed us to continue growing in the media sector. In my opinion, we have invested brilliantly in outdoor in the Czech Republic, we have unified part of the market and become a dominant player. We have also established ourselves significantly on the Austrian market, which looks very promising. In addition, we have companies in the Balkans, where business has completely different rules. Over the past two years, we have been able to take advantage of many opportunities in various markets. In principle, we do not have a company in JOJ Media House that would disappoint me.

   Do you have a recipe for success?

   Success comes as a result of hard work, determination, and the will to pursue your goals. Then you just have to wait for the right opportunity.

   And your definition of personal success?

   I don't define success for my life. I see my progress as a gradual overcoming of goals. It seems wasteful to me to set a goal twenty years in advance, the achievement of which would mean success for me. We can't know what will happen. In 1991, I never imagined that I would be sitting in this office today. My life is structured on several levels, I enjoy what I do, I take advantage of the opportunities that arise and I feel good in my own skin. I think that's quite a lot.

   You talk about opportunities – in business and in your personal life. Is opportunity a coincidence? Do you believe in it?

   I think opportunity is somewhat of a coincidence. It happens to many, but only some see it. And of those, only some take advantage of it.

   You are a person who decides on many things and holds the reins in your hands. You often have to resolve conflicts. How do you resolve them?

   I handle things amicably, even very amicably, until they cross certain boundaries. In any case, I handle conflict in business personally and I believe with a cool head. I try to keep in mind why I am entering into a conflict and what I want to achieve with it, and this helps me to keep a clear mind.

   Do you have a role model in your life? Do you admire anyone?

   I don't have a role model. I think everyone should live their own life and do what makes them happy.

   Is it possible to experience the American dream in Slovakia?

   Absolutely. There are a lot of people who grew up in a block of flats, built legitimate businesses and made a lot of money.

   What do you think about the global economy? Do you think the serious problems are behind us or are they still ahead of us?

   I don't know about the world in general, but Europe has serious problems and they are far from being solved. The question is whether we should go even deeper to really solve something. Everyone says that society must change, but society is very resistant to change. It would have to change several vital mechanisms such as pensions, social benefits... We have borrowed a lot so far, which has led to a high standard of living that will be very difficult to maintain. On the other hand, I am optimistic about Central Europe. I think that Central Europe has a lot of energy and will play an important role in the further development of the world. Our generation was not raised in great prosperity, so it is intrinsically motivated. It will certainly look for ways to succeed, and not only it, but also the generations after it.

Vladimir Orth

When people say Rapa Nui, few people know that it is the indigenous name for Easter Island. However, the original inhabitants called it "Te Pito o te Henua" - the Navel of the World.

   It is one of the most isolated places in the world, more than 3,700 km from South America. The name is also surprising because the island is only 12 kilometers wide! The island was formed in the Pacific Ocean millions of years ago by the fusion of lava from three volcanic cones into a triangular landmass.

   Only two planes land here every other day of the week. The airport is located on the outskirts of Hanga Roa, the only settlement on the island, where about 3,800 inhabitants live. It is probably the only village in the world that has an international airport. Otherwise, it is unremarkable - single-storey buildings, many of them made of wood, hotels, restaurants and shops.

   The island with low volcanic "loaves" is rocky, almost treeless, covered only with grass and bushes. We set off on a sightseeing tour in a rented off-road vehicle. We see rocky surfaces and stone walls everywhere. We arrive at the first "ahu" - a mound on the coast. There are several lying statues - moai. They are stone colossi about 5 meters high, built on a kind of platform about ½ to 1 meter above the terrain, called an ahu. On
There are about 350 ahu on Easter Island, some with statues, some without. Moai were built by an advanced civilization for unknown reasons about thousands of years ago. On the southern coast of the island is the Rano Raraku crater, rising about 200 meters above the surface of the island - the place where all 600 or so statues were carved. About half of them were completed, transported and erected, the other half remained here in various stages of processing. We walk through a "forest" of several meter high statues, variously inclined and sunk into the ground, but also unfinished, just carved into the massif. From the slope of the crater there is a view of the entire island and also of Ahu Tongariki on the coast, 1 km away. Here, 15 statues are erected on a rocky plateau, reconstructed by Japanese archaeologists. Each statue has a different expression. One even has a red "hat" made of stone - pukao. The statues seem to be watching us. The view of them, with the bay and the roaring sea in the background, is amazing.

   On the north coast is the most beautiful beach on the island – Anakena with the most perfect platform – Ahu Nau Nau. The platform is about 70 meters long and 3-4 meters high, made of perfectly worked stones. There are 5 very well-preserved moai here, 4 of which have red pukao hats. We still plan to get to the highest volcano on the island, the 600-meter-high Terevaka crater. We are looking for a way. We climb from the dirt road until it gradually becomes almost impassable. I go down into the terrain, our small SUV jumps along the rocky slope of the volcanic crater in a steep incline. Finally, we are at the top just in time. The last rays illuminate the edge of the meadow covered with grass, we can see the whole island and in the west in a “bloodbath” the Sun sets into the waters of the ocean. Beautiful. I would place the “navel” of the island right here.

   In the evening, we enjoy the most amazing dance show I've ever seen at the local natural "theater". Scantily clad, battle-painted dancers whirl around the stage non-stop for over an hour. Wild battle dances with jumps up to a meter high alternate with slower, sexy "Tahitian" swaying of the dancers' hips.

   The next day we go to the southwestern tip of the island to the Orongo reserve to the Rano Kau crater. The walls drop sharply into the crater, the bottom of which is covered with swamps forming small lakes. On the northernmost edge of the crater is a restored historical settlement of indigenous people - Orongo. The houses are half buried in the ground with low, only about 50 cm high entrances. There are also several boulders with petroglyphs.

   Three days were enough for us to explore the entire island. However, it still remains shrouded in mystery and questions. Why did the natives cut down all the trees on the island, causing an ecological disaster with a lack of water? Why did they fight each other until almost complete destruction? Where did the advanced sculptors go? Why the name "navel of the world", when it is actually a small backwater?

   However, despite the initial impression, the end of this small civilization is not so far away. We too often think of ourselves as something special and the center of the world. We plunder nature and fight each other. And so I wonder if a similar future awaits us one day.

About the author

   My love of travel was probably instilled in me by my parents, who traveled with us as children wherever the "Iron Curtain" allowed. Later, as a student, I worked as an external guide for the Čedok travel agency. After the borders opened, the world opened up to us and I was able to fully pass on my love of travel to my children. This passion for travel never leaves me and I still say - "it doesn't matter where I am, as long as my ass is shaking on the road". We go to exotic countries to look for new environments, experiences and people. However, the most important thing we can find there is ourselves.

   Vladimir Mego
   traveler

We love high-quality and beautiful watches. They represent us in moments when we want to be seen in a good light, complement the overall impression of the wearer's personality and without hesitation inform about his social status. Their value is directly proportional to the extraordinary attention, effort and design art of their creators and become an investment for a lifetime. We bring you a selection of some of the new watches that are ideal representatives of prestige, social status and high-quality manufacture.

   Breitling Transocean Unitime Pilot

Movement

Selfwinding mechanical, world
time
Case
Steel, 18K yellow gold
Caliber
Breitling 05 (Manufacture)
Diameter
46 mm
Thickness
15.4 mm
Jewel
56 pieces

   Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch

Caliber
L699
Diameter
47.5 mm
Materials
Stainless steel, alligator strap
Specificities
Bi-directional rotating bezel
Transparent case back with back cover
Glass
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal & antireflective
layer

What value does your time have?

We love best quality and beautiful watches. They represent us in moments when we want to be seen as good, they complete an overall impression of the personality of their carrier and they inform of his social status without hesitation. Their value is directly proportional to the extraordinary attention, effort and design art of their creators. They become an investment for all life. We bring you a selection from some new watches which are ideal representatives of prestige, social status and high quality manufacture.

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969

Movement
El Primero 4061, Automatic
Diameter
30 mm
Thickness
6.6 mm
Components
282
Jewels
31 pieces
Materials
Domed sapphire glass with anti-reflection
treatment on both sides

Raymond Weil Nabucco Cuore Caldo Twelve

Movement
Mechanical chronograph –
RW5500 Winding Automatic
Diameter
46 mm
Thickness
16.7 mm
Jewels
31 pieces
Materials
Rose gold plated, diamond-tipped,
enhanced with
luminescent material

TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 12 ACM Limited Edition

Movement
Calibre 12 chronograph
Diameter
30 mm
Materials
Titanium Carbide coated case, antiscratch
sapphire crystal, rhodium
Limited edition
only 225 units

„Kia Cee’d sa nehrá na športové auto a ani na prestížnu limuzínu. Je to zlatá, navyše ekonomická a estetická, stredná cesta.“ 

   Aktuálna Kia Cee‘d je v porovnaní so svojím predchodcom radikálne pozmenená. Nadobudla agresívnejšiu tvár, vizuálne klesla jej kapota, typickými sa stali dlhé ostré línie po bokoch. Nový Cee‘d už skrátka nie je ten, ktorý si Slováci tak veľmi obľúbili. Aj napriek tomu nie je možné tvrdiť, že by sa Kia vybrala nesprávnym smerom. Práve naopak.

   Nová Kia Cee‘d je v ponuke našej autopožičovne AVIS jediný predstaviteľ triedy “Compact”, avšak, ako to už býva, stupeň výbavy, technologická vyspelosť a úroveň bezpečnosti posádky presahujú hranice priemernosti. Kia Cee‘d má v ponuke 5 dverí, výkon 100 konských síl, klimatizáciu, celkovo 6 airbagov a spoľahlivú manuálnu prevodovku.

   Súčasná generácia vozidiel Cee‘d je určená do rúk mladých aj skúsenejších šoférov. Tí s menej rozsiahlými skúsenosťami ocenia, že auto dokáže pohotovo reagovať na prípadné nebezpečné situácie a dostať sa do “pokoja” aj samé. Pri potrebe okamžitého brzdenia napomáha progresívne ABS ASR a aj pri dynamickom štýle jazdy sa správa kultivovane. Skúsený a miernejší vodič zasa preferuje pokoj, slušnosť na cestách, vysokú mieru komfortu a ladnú činnosť motora – to všetko dostáva spolu s vozidlom Kia Cee‘d už ako základ. Pri tejto flexibilite používania má nový Cee‘d výborne optimalizovanú spotrebu, ktorá sa v kombinovanej prevádzke pohybuje na úrovni okolo 6 litrov na 100 kilometrov.

   Čo je ale na novej Kia Cee‘d najdôležitejšie, že sa nehrá na športové auto a ani na prestížnu limuzínu. Veľmi vhodne reprezentuje strednú triedu  automobilov, v ktorej nie je priestor (respektíve ani peniaze) na okázalý luxus alebo naopak na podpriemerné prevedenia karosérie. Zlatá, navyše ekonomická a estetická, stredná cesta.

"We are experiencing the evolution of internal combustion engines literally live. It is surprising that it was the Slovaks who deserved it, even though some questions are still unanswered..."  RTU Europe, headed by Dick Kvetňanský, is the manufacturer of the innovative RTU eFone combustion engine. In addition to its claimed high fuel efficiency of over 55%, it produces only minimal waste heat and produces power exceeding 800 horsepower. Is this even possible?

   When the RTU engine is mentioned in the media, we often come across descriptions such as revolutionary and groundbreaking. However, probably every engine expert will agree that the RTU is more of an innovation and evolution than a revolution. The RTU uses practically the same basis for its operation as a conventional gasoline engine, and can even be assembled from an older diesel engine. It is enriched with new materials and elements that allow it not to produce waste heat on such a massive scale as we encounter in conventional engines. Their ability not to convert liquid fuel into waste heat is one of the most significant innovations that the RTU brings to the world of motoring.

   The high efficiency of the RTU engine, hovering around 70 percent, is due to several factors. The most important of these is the aforementioned reduction of waste heat through the use of materials with low friction resistance, a modified combustion process and its own electronically controlled management of the engine's operation. Probably the most interesting innovative element is the use of a completely new piston material. According to its manufacturer, it can literally be wrapped around a finger, but at the same time it can handle 250 times higher pressure than atmospheric pressure. Its production takes place at an extremely high temperature, which changes the material at the molecular level to such an extent that even subsequent spectral analysis cannot detect the original material. Spectral analysis is also used very effectively by many NASA devices worth millions of US dollars. So where is the truth?

   Pseudo-adiabatic engine RTU in brief

• does not require cooling or a catalyst
• you can grab it with your hand even during operation
• efficiency 60 to 70%
• power up to 814 horsepower
• significantly lower consumption of around 5.3 liters
• significantly lower exhalations
• possibility of conversion from a classic 4-stroke turbo engine

   RTU motors are made from ceramic materials starting from 80%. This is not the ceramic you have in your kitchen, but a complicated and reliable material with excellent technical properties. Part of the development of the RTU motor also required the creation of a completely new way of checking the internal structure of ceramic materials, because they cannot be checked for cracks like metals. RTU Europe has created a method and LWS device that can detect defects in materials during the creation of a specific motor element.

The advantages of ceramic materials can be summarized as follows:

• absence of material failures
• LWS (Light Wave Sensor) measuring device completely eliminates the risk of hidden cracks
• non-metal
• non-conductive (does not conduct heat or electricity)
• low friction and natural gliding capabilities require little or no lubrication
• it is not possible to use the magna-flux technique or X-rays
• low production costs
• production in final form and dimensions
• alternative for a wide range of metal products

Almost adiabatic effect

    The name of the technology used by the RTU Europe engine does not mean anything to the uninitiated, and even an expert will pause to consider the meaning of its wording. The adiabatic effect is one in which there is no heat exchange of gas (and therefore air). In the case of the RTU engine, its operation has come very close to an adiabatic phenomenon, which is why the creator added the word “pseudo”. The engine approaches this effect primarily thanks to the subcooled intake air, down to -20 °C. RTU Europe claims that their engine does not need cooling. Several unanswered questions arise about the RTU pseudo-adiabatic engine, which primarily concern its energy consumption. However, the truth is that this engine, created from an in-line 5-cylinder 2.5-liter engine from the Audi TT RS, has already been tested in real life and successfully, and even on the brake (2 days of continuous operation with the brake active).

The future of RTU is not just about the pseudo-adiabatic engine

   RTU was not satisfied with the results achieved in the practical application of pseudo-adiabatic processes in combustion engines. Therefore, they are already preparing the Electroliner project, which combines a compact miniaturized diesel engine using RTU technology, an efficient capacitor and a highly efficient electric motor, resulting in a power unit designed for bus, ship, rail or truck transport. In reality, it should be a hybrid power unit, the development of which is currently being carried out by many car manufacturers either independently or as part of their joint venture projects.

   Despite the fact that the innovative RTU engine made headlines in all kinds of media late last year, its creator has persistently ignored the publication of any technical details. Today, we can only believe that Dick Kvetňanský is not exaggerating and that the world has truly witnessed a significant engine innovation with Slovak capital.

Slovak capital is responsible for innovations in engines

"We experience an evolution of combustion engines verbatim in live broadcast. Surprising is that just Slovaks deserved it, even if some questions are still not answered..." Erik Stríž

   Company RTU Europe, whose head is Dick Kvetňanský, is the producer of an innovative combustion engine RTU eFone. It besides the alleged high efficiency of fuel consumption, more than 55%, produces only minimal waste heat and produces the performance exceeding 800 horsepower. Is it ever possible?

  If there is a mention of the engine RTU in the media, we often meet with the labels as revolutionary and epoch-making. Probably every expert in engines will agree on the fact that RTU is more an innovation and evolution than revolution. RTU uses for its activity practically the same basis as the usual petrol aggregate, it can even be put together also from an older diesel engine. It is enriched by new materials and components which enable it not to produce waste heat to such a massive extent as we see with common engines. Just the ability not to change the liquid fuel into waste heat is one of the most meaningful innovations which brings RTU to the world of motoring.

   High effectiveness of RTU engine, balancing for about the level up to 70%, is conditioned by more factors. An important thing is just the mentioned waste heat reduction with the help of using low rub resistance materials, modified combustion process and own electronically controlled engine activity management. Probably the most interesting innovative component is the use of totally new piston material. According to the words of its producer, it can be verbatim wind round the finger, however, at the same time it handles 250 times higher pressure than the atmospheric. It is made by extreme high temperature which changes the material on the molecular level at such a rate, that even by the following spectral analysis it is not possible to reveal an original material. Many devices of NASA are exploiting very effectively the spectral analysis in the value of millions of American dollars. Where is the truth then?

   Pseudo-adiabatic engine RTU foreshorten

• no cooling and converter needed
• you can touch it by hand also during an activity
• effectiveness of 60% to 70%
• performance to 814 horsepower
• markedly lower consumption around 5.3 liters
• markedly lower air pollutants
• possibility of rebuilding from a classic 4-stroke turboengine

   RTU engines are more than 80% made from ceramic materials. It is not the ceramic that you have in the kitchen, but it is complicated and reliable material with excellent technical qualities. A part of RTU engine development also required creating a totally new way of inside structure control of ceramic materials because it is not possible to control the origin of cracks by them as by metals. RTU Europe created a method and device LWS which can releave the material imperfections already during the making of concrete engine components.

We can summarize the advantages of ceramic materials also as follows:

• no material failures
• measuring device LWS (Light Wave Sensor) completely reduces the risk of hidden cracks
• non-metallic
• non-conductor (it does not transfer heat or electric current)
• low friction level and natural sliding abilities require only little or no lubrication
• it is not possible to use magna-flux or X-ray technology
• low production costs
• production in final form and dimensions
• alternative for a wide range of metal products

   Almost an adiabatic effect

  Name of technology which is used by engine from RTU Europe says nothing to disinterested and even an expert demurs to meaning of its wording. An adiabatic effect means the effect where there is no heat exchange of gas (as well as air). In the case of RTU engine, its activity very approached the adiabatic phenomenon, therefore the creator added the word "pseudo". An engine approaches this effect especially thanks to overcooled sucked air to -20 °C. However, RTU Europe claims that its engine does not need cooling. There are several unanswered questions about presudo-adiabatic RTU engine. They concern especially the energy consumption. However, the truth is that this engine made from serial 5-cylinder 2.5-liter engine from Audi TT RS was already for real and successfully tested and even also on brake (2 days of continuous run with an
active brake).

   The future of RTU is not only about a pseudo-adiabatic engine

   In RTU they were not satisfied either with achieved results by practical application of pseudo-adiabatic processes in combustion engines. Therefore they are already today preparing the project Electroliner where there is a connection of compact miniaturized diesel engine using the RTU technology, an effective condenser and high effective electroengine and the result is a driving aggregate designed for bus, ship, rail or truck transportation. In fact, it concerns a hybrid driving unit in the development of which many carmakers are participating today either independently or within their joint-venture projects.

   Even though the innovative RTU engine got on the prominent places in media of every kind at the end of last year, its creator is persistently ignoring the publishing of any technical details. Today we can therefore only believe that Dick Kvetňanský is really not exaggerating and the world is waiting to see a really significant innovation of engines with the Slovak capital.

The Slovak importer of Kia cars has started new corporate customer care program. Kia 4business is intended to raise the level of services provided to a higher level than before. This program involves the 10 largest dealers in Slovakia, who meet additional standards and are able to comfortably serve large customers. At the same time, they are able to provide them with comprehensive care from vehicle registration, through handover at the company headquarters, provision of replacement vehicles and ensuring mobility when moving vehicles to the service station, to complete resolution of insurance claims. The Kia 4business program also includes preferential purchase conditions, which are adjusted depending on whether the customer takes 5, 10 or 20 vehicles. When purchasing at least 5 new vehicles, the importer ensures the availability of the selected vehicle at the nearest dealer for the purpose of testing for 1 to 2 days directly in the company. Customers included in the 4business program will also automatically preferred for test drive orders with hot news. If the customer plans to order at least 20 vehicles for production, he has the option individually customize their specifications outside the price list. The salesperson will advise the client on which type of financing or financial product will be most advantageous for him. Kia is one of the first brands to be able to offer, in addition to financial leasing and vehicle loans also operational leasing directly from the Kia 4business dealer. Offers can be compared directly on site. The importer also offers wholesale customers the so-called. employee program, within which it can provide certain bonuses to the client's employees. This applies to clients ordering at least 10 vehicles, while this client should have at least 200 employees. We have summarized all the benefits of the Kia 4business program in a clear table.

   BMW 4 Coupé

   Aktuálna 4. generácia športového kupé strednej triedy stelesňuje podstatu estetiky a dynamiky v prémiovom segmente. Označenie modelového radu číslom „4“ je takisto symbolom novej éry kupé a vyjadruje nielen autentický dizajn, ale ešte výraznejšie technologické odlíšenie sa od BMW radu 3 Coupé, ktoré sa podarilo dosiahnuť okrem iného množstvom prémiových prvkov, ako sú napríklad doplnkové Full-LED predné svetlá.

   Vozidlo narástlo na dĺžku, predĺžil sa rázvor a klesla línia strechy. Atletická muskulatúra BMW 4 Coupé intenzívnejšie vynikne aj vďaka šírke zväčšenej o 43 mm. Jasným dynamickým stanoviskom je rozchod kolies, ktoré patria k najširším elementom vozidla: vpredu narástol o 45 mm, vzadu dokonca až o 80 mm. Prémiovú atmosféru v interiéri tvoria kombinácie kvalitných materiálov, exkluzívnych farieb a individuálnych variantov výbavy. Okrem základnej verzie, ktorá svojou materiálovou a farebnou koncepciou podporuje klasický charakter vozidla, sú k dispozícii tri ďalšie kombinácie a M Šport balík. Pomocou nich je možné výrazne individualizovať exteriér aj interiér. BMW radu 4 vo variante kupé je ideálnym stelesnením sloganu “radosť z jazdy”.

BMW 4 Coupé

A topical 4th generation of sport coupé in the middle class externalizes the basis of an aesthetics and dynamics in premium segment. Branding of the model class by number “4” is also the symbol of new era of coupé and it expresses not only an authentic design but also more expressive technological distinguishing from BMW 3 Series Coupé which succeeded to achieve besides others by amount of premium components such as supplemental Full- LED head lights.

   The vehicle has grown in the length, wheelbase has lengthen and the roofline has declined. An athletic musculature of BMW 4 Coupé will stand out more intensive also thanks to width enlarged by 43 mm. Wheel gauge is a clear dynamic standpoint. It belongs to the widest car elements: it has been widened by 45 mm at the front and even by 80 mm at the rear. Premium atmosphere in interior is created by combinations of quality materials, exclusive colours and individual variants of equipment. Besides the basic version, which supports by its material and colour concept the classical car character, there are three other combinations and M Sport package at disposal. With help of them it is possible to markedly adjust an exterior and interior as well. BMW 4 Series in the coupé version is an ideal externalization of the watchword “driving pleasure”.

Autor: Erik Stríž

Opel ukázal novú Insigniu

Čo je dobré, to netreba meniť. Tohto hesla sa zrejme držali dizajnéri automobilky Opel, pretože model Insignia neprešiel modernizáciou ani po štandardných 2 rokoch. Napriek tomu, že pôvodná Insignia skutočne nemá žiadne vzhľadové nedostatky, Opel ukázal jej vynovenú tvár. Dizajn karosérie sa menil iba jemne a zachoval si všetko pozitívne z pôvodcu, výraznejšie zmeny nastali až v interiéri. V novej Insignii nájdeme 8-palcový dotykový displej, prepracovaný panel ovládania klimatizácie, inovatívny touchpad na stredovom tuneli a funkcie hlasového ovládania. Základnou motorizáciou je po novom 1,6 SIDI Turbo s výkonom 125 kW, v ponuke bude aj 2,0 SIDI Turbo s výkonom až 184 kW a popri naftových aj jeden LPG variant.

Opel showed the new Insignia

   What is good is not necessary to change. Designers of carmaker Opel probably kept this slogan because model Insignia did not undergo a modernizing even after standard 2 years. In spite of that the original Insignia really does not have any look imperfections, Opel showed its renewed face. Design of the car body has changed only gently and it has kept all positive from its originator, more markedly changes are in interior. In new Insignia we will find 8-inch touchscreen, revised air-conditioning control panel, innovative touchpad in the centre console and functions of the voice control. The basic motorization is newly 1,6 SIDI Turbo with the performance of 125 kW, on offer will be also 2,0 SIDI Turbo with the performance of 184 kW and besides oil one LPG variant too.

Autor: Erik Stríž

I held a golf club in my hand for the first time 6 years ago. It was during Easter in Tály. There were golfers on the driving range, hitting with strange, pointed things that they stuck into the ground. On one hand, to my surprise, they had a glove and a golf bag full of clubs behind them. I walked past them with my coach, who was explaining to me how to hold a club and what the difference was between a putting green, a driving green and a chipping green. The moment he mentioned pitching, I thought he was kidding me.

Katarína Chovancová for UnitedLife

   Nevertheless, I passed my first golf lesson with flying colors. I didn't hurt anyone, I managed to hit a few nice driving shots, and after realizing that the pointy thing was a tee, I decided to take a few of them home and keep them as a souvenir. Over the next 3 years, I got my green card and golf became just a filler in my free time.

   It all changed in 2010. By chance, I was introduced to Karl Skopový Sr. and since then, golf has not only filled my free time. It has become a priority for me. The opening of the course in Skalica also contributed to this, which provides me with the best training areas in Slovakia, and I can also be on the course in 10 minutes. The Skalica course has become my second home. Anyone who has not experienced a golf course in the early morning is missing out on a lot. The sun's rays flood the course, the morning dew is shining everywhere, and the birds are chirping. Golf then becomes the most beautiful sport and the stunning scenery is more important than the performance.

   I would highly recommend golf to anyone who likes sports. Golf harmonizes body and mind, connects the younger generation with the older one, the whole family, and very often even reveals a person's character. Golf takes a person to new corners of the world, thanks to it they meet new people and they don't have to compete with their teammates. All they have to do is try to beat the course, because that is their only opponent. After each round, their next stop is the 19th hole, which is often the biggest highlight of the day.

Golf has become a journey for me in the three years since I started working with a coach. It is my best friend, and sometimes my worst enemy. Every success pushes me forward and motivates me, and on the other hand, every bad round becomes my teacher. I don't know where I would be now or what I would be doing in life if I didn't play golf, but they say that nothing in life happens by chance. So wherever I end up on my journey, I already know that golf has taught me discipline, fair play, and every single day it helps me get to know myself a little better.

I wish all golf fans a nice game!

Katarína Chovancová for UnitedLife