Mailbox
In this edition of Mailbox: drug consumption in the Czech Republic, Czech orchid smugglers, competition winner. Listeners quoted: Reinhard Bachmann, Simon Heart.
The Radio Prague English section truly appreciates the postcards, electronic cards, and often even little presents that many of you send. Some of you have been faithful listeners for many years and have become a very special part of our family. Many ask why only two or three questions fit into the Mailbox programme. Well, we only have five minutes and the answers to most questions are sent directly to the listeners as they are too specific. But please remember that we can only reply to mail regarding the content of our programmes, the schedule of broadcast, or Radio Prague itself. There are only seven full-time reporters at Radio Prague, so we cannot respond to questions that require long research or subjects that are better answered by the Czech tourist authority or the various ministries.
But let's start with a question from a listener in Germany. Reinhard Bachmann lives in Frankfurt and wrote:
"In your press review, I read that a reporter from one of your dailies visited a number of clubs to see whether they are selling drugs. You had a special report last year in which you said that the consumption of stronger drugs like cocaine, heroin, and LSD is decreasing while your youth prefers marihuana or hash. Is that still so? With the techno scene quite strong here in Germany, the younger generation takes a lot of ecstasy and cocaine. It would be nice if they could learn something from their neighbours! This does not mean that I agree with marihuana or hash but I think it's better than the strong stuff."
Well, according to the latest government report, that still is the case. The days of the harder drugs are over and heroin or the Czech-made drug pervitin are no longer popular among the younger generation. The report also says that the number of drug addicts has been decreasing every year. Five years ago, there were three thousand more drug addicts, which is twenty percent less than the number recorded today.
Simon Heart listens to us in New Zealand and asks:
"What happened to the two Czech men who tried to smuggle our rare orchids out of the country? I have not heard any more news. Have they been punished?"
And it's time now for the RADIO PRAGUE LISTENERS' COMPETITION. The question for the month of February was: "What Janacek opera celebrates the 100th anniversary of its world premiere this year?". The answer is Jenufa or Jeji Pastorkyna as it's known in Czech.
The lucky winner this time comes from India. Congratulations to Mr Swopan Chakroborty from Kalkata!!! ... a CD with Janacek's Jenufa is on the way to you!
And we thank all the others who have entered the competition and since there's something to win every month, don't despair. Try again this month.
All you have to do is tell us "How many anniversaries the Year of Czech Music will be celebrating in the month of March? Nine, eleven, or thirteen?"
Send your answers to the Radio Prague English Section, 120 99 Prague 2, the Czech Republic or by e-mail to [email protected]. They should get to us by March 31.
