Thursday, May 22, 2008

May 2008 - U at R Prague

 

In today's Mailbox, you will find out who the mystery lady from our April competition was. We will also announce the names of four of Radio Prague's listeners who were drawn out of the hat and will receive small prizes from us for their correct answers. And of course, there is a brand new quiz question for you. Listeners quoted: Prasanta Kumar Padmapati, Christine Takaguchi-Coates, Jana Vaculik, Ian Morrison, Mark Guy, Panha Pen, Deepa Chakraborty, Colin Law, Partha Sarathi Goswami, Henrik Klemetz, David Eldridge, Christopher Roberts, Charles Konecny.

Welcome to the first edition of Mailbox in May. Today we will find out who the mystery lady from our April competition was and, as usual, we will quote from your answers. Finally, we will announce the names of four of Radio Prague's listeners who were drawn out of the hat and will receive small prizes from us for their correct answers. If you listened to our special programme on May 1, you will know the answer already. Prasanta Kumar Padmapati from India was among the first to respond:

"Olga Fikotová is a Czechoslovakian and later American athlete who competed mainly in the discus. She competed for Czechoslovakia in the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia in the discus where she won the gold medal. During the games she fell in love with the American athlete Harold Connolly. The couple married after the Olympics but divorced in 1973. Olga Connolly took part in every Olympics till 1972 competing for the United States but without winning any more medals."

Christine Takaguchi-Coates writes from Japan:

"Few people paid attention to twice national discus champion Fikotová ahead of the Games. All eyes were on four-time gold medal distance runner Emil Zátopek! However, Fikotová captured gold over a pair of USSR women, and set an Olympic record of 53.7 metres, an especially sweet victory for the citizens of a Soviet satellite state. Fikotová and Connolly had met at previous international competitions, but their love took root in Melbourne. However, the Cold War was at its height, and communist officials tried to dissuade Fikotová from the marriage, even calling her a traitor."

This competition question inspired an unprecedented number of women listeners to take part: among them Marie Čermáková, Eva Ehrlich, Deborah Floyd, Teri Kane and Yukiko Maki – and also Jana Vaculik:

"Olga Fikotova is pulling for Prague in any future bid to host the Olympics, mainly because it had such an impact on her life. 'I believe in the Olympic Games,' she said. 'I believe in the Olympic ideal. I believe that the Olympics will survive spiritually. I think I've given a lot of my life to promoting the Olympic philosophy of brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity.'"

Ian Morrison lives in Beijing where the Olympic Games will kick off in less than a hundred days:

"Given the political atmosphere of the time, the fact that she even had a relationship with a US citizen shows that Olga Fikotová was a very brave lady indeed."

Mark Guy writes from Massachusetts:

"April's mystery lady is Olga Fikotová. By all accounts, she was certainly the Golden Girl and something of 'a thorn in the side' of the dreaded communists."

Panha Pen follows Radio Prague in Cambodia:

"Actually, her love and marriage to the American gold winning hammer thrower, Harold Connolly, is more than a good clue to the competition. It was a wonderful and famous love story which caught international headlines after their sport victory records."

Deepa Chakraborty from India had this to say:

"Through her marriage alliance with Harold Connolly, the famous US hammer thrower, she is credited with bringing into the world some remarkable sportspersons in the form of her children – Marek (boxer), James (decathlon), Maria (volleyball) and Nina (gymnast). Her autobiography 'The Rings of Destiny' showcases the fact that the Olympic Games should not be a political platform but an arena of free exchange of human thoughts and values expressed through love which can only strengthen the ethos of the Olympic Movement."

Colin Law from New Zealand wrote a detailed answer as always:

"The name Olga comes from Helga, a Scandinavian name meaning 'Successful' and Olga lived up to her name when she competed for Czechoslovakia in the discus event at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. [...] The Czechoslovak contestants travelled to Melbourne with Air France. But because the officials feared that some of them might defect, they had to return on a Soviet ship 'Gruzia' that took them to Vladivostok. From there the Trans-Siberian Railway took them to Moscow and finally by plane to Prague. The whole journey took over a month and encompassed Christmas and New Year's Day. [...] In September 1979 the US National Organization of Women issued a series of stamps honouring 'Women who have shaped America's history.' Olga Fikotová-Connolly was featured on a 10c stamp."

Partha Sarathi Goswami listens to Radio Prague in India:

"Her homecoming was at the instigation of the Czech Olympic Committee, which reunited her with her Olympic teammates on November 29, 2006 in an emotional 50th anniversary ceremony in Valdštejnský palác. Her return brought back the memory of athletic grace and the Cold War love for a man that made her turn her back on her native land."

Henrik Klemetz is our regular listener in Sweden:

"The mystery lady is Olga Fikotová, who was the cover girl of the illustrated Swedish weekly 'Se', issue 48, 1956. In this issue there was a feature article entitled: 'The First Golden Girl. She beat the Russians'. There was more to come a few months later when she married Hal Connolly."

Henrik also attached a scan of the magazine cover.

David Eldridge from England takes part in our competition every month:

"At the height of the U.S. war against Indochina in the early 1970's, she firmly opposed the war and was a member of a group called 'Another Mother for Peace'. That was at a time when she was elected by her fellow athletes to carry the U.S. flag into the opening ceremony of the 1972 Games. [...] The reaction of the U.S. Olympic officials was to 'fail' to tell her about an opening ceremony rehearsal, almost causing her to lose her chance to carry the flag. The Committee suggested that the flag was too heavy for a woman to carry all the way around the stadium. That suggestion inspired her to carry the flag not only all the way around the stadium, but to do so with one hand."

Christopher Roberts writes from Canada:

"She was neither the first foreign-born US flag bearer, nor the first female to do so. However, she was the first female not born in the US to carry the 'stars and stripes'."

Charles Konecny from Ohio had this to say:

"She threw the discus farther than any other women and then threw the communist authorities for a 'loop' by wanting to marry the American. With two gold medal winners plus the political intrigue, it must have made for an interesting event. I understand that 30,000 people came to see the wedding in Prague."



Thank you very much for taking part in our monthly quiz and taking the time to research the answer. The lucky four who can expect parcels from Radio Prague in the coming days are: Mark Guy, George Matusek, Bill Farmer and Jana Vaculik. Many thanks to all of you who took part this time and here is another chance to win a Radio Prague goodie bag:

This month we would like you to tell us the name of the first ever Czech to win an Olympic medal. Here's a clue: it was at the 1900 Paris Olympics and he competed in the same discipline as Olga Fikotová, our April mystery lady.

Please, send us your answers by the end of May to english@radio.cz or Radio Prague, 12099 Prague. We'll be looking forward to your answers. Until next week, happy listening.



--
Swopan Chakroborty
Kolkata, India



Sent from Yahoo! Mail.
A Smarter Email.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Shortwave DX News

BULGARIA Radio Bulgaria 11700 2313 English 333 May
> 16 YL and OM with comments. //9700 [222]. MacKenzie-CA.
>
> ENGLAND Radio Algerienne Relay 7260 0414 Arabic 333
> May 17 OM with music vocals. MacKenzie-CA.
>
> FRANCE Radio France Intl-RFI 7135 0424 French 333
> May 17 YL with music vocals and OM with comments.
> MacKenzie-CA.
>
> MOLDOVA Russian Intl Radio Relay 7125 0426 Russian
> 333 May 17 YL and OM with ongoing comments.
> MacKenzie-CA.
>
> RWANDA Voice of Germany Relay-DW 7245 0416 English
> 433 May 17 OM with DW News items. //7225 [433]via England
> and 15445 [232]via Ceylon. MacKenzie-CA.
>
> SUDAN Sudan Radio Service-SDS 7280 0410 Arabic 333
> May 17 YL and OM with comments. MacKenzie-CA.
>
> TUNISIA RTV Tunisiene 7275 0412 Arabic 333 May 17
> YL and OM with vocal music. MacKenzie-CA.
>
> VATICAN STATE Vatican Radio-VR 7335 0405 Indiano 333
> May 17 Radio Vaticana QRMing CHU Time Sigan station on the
> same frequency. MacKenzie-CA.
>
> Stewart MacKenzie, WDX6AA
> Huntington Beach, California, USA
> "World Friendship Through Shortwave Radio Where
> Culture and Language Come Alive"
> ASWLC: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASWLC
> SCADS: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SCADS

Posted by: "francecc2000"

Tue May 20, 2008 12:30 am (PDT)

TROPOSCATTER FM DX RECEPTION FROM BERNARDINI & MONFERINI

QTH: NEVASCE 18 Km from Briancon (1650 slm).

88.0 R. TOSCANA - MONTE SERRA
88.1 BBC RADIO 2 - SANDALE - 250 KW
88.1 RETE 1 SVIZZERA - MONTE SALVATORE
89.4 COPE CATALUNYA - ROCACORBA -10 KW
93.3 RNE1 - ROCACORBA - CATALUNYA
95.9 SER CATALUNYA
105.6 RSR COULEUR 3 - LA DOLE - SVIZZERA

73'S FROM DARIO & GIAMPIERO

Also
The first number of the transmission "Radio... Cronache" is available
at:
http://blog.libero.it/radioascolto/4716465.html

73's Francesco

From Our Archive 2003 :: AIR To Lengthen Life Of Short Wave Radio

AIR To Lengthen Life Of Short Wave Radio
 
NIVEDITA MOOKERJI
Posted online: Friday, January 31, 2003 at 0000 hours IST
 
NEW DELHI:  At a time when short wave analogue radio is on its way out all over the world, All India Radio (AIR) is all set for a relaunch of its National Channel on short wave. Surprisingly, even the working group on the information and broadcasting sector for the Tenth Plan had recommended that short wave should be phased out, citing poor reception quality.
 
According to Prasar Bharati CEO K S Sarma, AIR's National Channel, which has been available during the night hours so far, can now be heard all through the day. But, the service will be available throughout the day only on short wave frequency, admits another official.
 
Result: Wide coverage, but poor reception quality. However, the channel would be available on other frequencies during night—through medium wave (MW) transmitters at Nagpur and Delhi each, and a frequency modulated (FM) transmitter at Kasauli.
 
On short wave, the channel will be available through a 500-kw transmitter in Bangalore and a 250-kw one in Delhi. So far, listeners in India have been getting the National Channel on medium wave only. The external service catering to listeners abroad, a short wave transmitter at Bangalore was being used.
 
Why the transition from MW to SW then for the National Channel in India, in stark contrast to the world trend? Digital short wave radio of course is a new concept in the international scenario. Giving reasons, a Prasar Bharati official says wide coverage up to 1000 km all through the day is what prompted the shift to short wave.
 
So far, only a radius of about 100 to 150 km could be covered through the medium wave transmitter located at Nagpur during daytime. At night, however, the entire middle India was receiving the channel.
 
The difference in coverage is due to the medium wave that can be propagated through the ionosphere at night.
 
But the official agrees that short wave listening is down internationally. ''Even AIR is phasing out short wave because of poor reception quality,'' he adds. But, in this case, short wave is being better utilised, with the existing infrastructure, for wider coverage of the National channel, he says.
 
According to the report of the working group on the Tenth Plan, shortwave radio broadcasting services in analogue mode should be phased out.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

euromaxx quiz

euromaxx quiz

Our euromaxx quiz is simple. All you have to do is examine four pictures and answer a simple question.

If you've got the answer just drop us a line and you could be the winner of a designer wristwatch made in Europe.

We eagerly await your entry (one entry per person per e-mail). Include your answers in the e-mail text, but not as an attachment.

There is no legal recourse.

 
 

Secret Agent

Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:

This week's quiz is about James Bond actors.

A city in James Bond fever. Bregenz in Austria on Lake Constance was shaken AND stirred as shooting began for the latest Bond film 'Quantum of Solace.' Of course the plot of the 22nd 007 adventure is top secret, but one sequence takes place on Bregenz' famous floating opera stage. The film features British actor Daniel Craig starring in his second Bond role.

Our question this week is: which actor has played 007 most often in the official series of James Bond films?

 

Roger MooreBildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:  Roger Moore




Timothy DaltonBildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:  Timothy Dalton





Pierce BrosnanBildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:  Pierce Brosnan




Sean ConneryBildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:  Sean Connery



 

 

 

 

Our keyword is "James Bond ". If you know the answer, you can write to us at:
DW TV euromaxx
Voltastrasse 6
13355 Berlin, Germany

You can also send a fax to: +49-30-4646 6505. The deadline is May 16th. Please remember to include the keyword! And, as always, our decision is final.

The chosen entry with a correct answer will win a Skagen men's watch. And three weeks ago we asked you which European building has just celebrated its fiftieth birthday. 

The answer was C: The Atomium in Brussels and the winner is Josephine Pepper from Santiago, Chile.  A Tissot watch is on its way. Congratulations!

Monday, May 05, 2008

My Asia May quiz

Quiz of the Month

Answer the following question to win a short-wave radio and other Deutsche Welle prizes! What is "sushi"?

A. A Japanese rice-based dish?

B. A Chinese instrument?

C. A Korean martial art?

To be entered in the prize draw, please send your answers and your postal addresses to us at myasia@dw-world.de or to Deutsche Welle Radio, Asia English Department, Kurt-Schumacher Straße 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany.

The draw will take place at the end of the month and the winners will be informed on our radio programme Asia Compact and on this site. Good luck!

In March, we asked you about the official language of Indonesia -- the right answer is, of course, Bahasa Indonesia. The winner of the radio is Jun Tazawa from Nagano, Japan. Congratulations!

Mohd Naser Bin Abdullah from Kedah Darulaman, Malaysia, Suparto from Sumedang, Indonesia, Sajid Ali Soomro from Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan, Sujit Pandeya from Bokharo, Jharkhand, India, Asmaa Mohammad Sedkey Sweed from Hihia Sharkia, Egypt and Fernanda Rego from Goa, India all get consolation prizes.



--
Swopan Chakroborty
Kolkata, India

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Inbox May 2008 quiz

A world expo is a three to six month, one-time public event on a grand scale - see if you can answer this month's Inbox Question correctly!

The city of Zaragoza is expecting some six million visitors to this year's Expo, which will be held from 14th June to 14th September.

 

World exposure can focus attention on global issues of importance through their themes, i.e. the theme of Expo 2008 is  "Water & Sustainable Development".

Along with Germany, about 100 nations, regions and international organizations and enterprises will address this theme at Expo 2008.

 

Our question here at Inbox this month is: which country is hosting this year's Expo, is it:

a) Germany

b) China or

c) Spain

 

Answers should be sent in no later than May 31st - as an e-mail to:

inbox@dw-world.de

as a text message to:

 +49 160148 1000

or by post to:

Deutsche Welle, English Service, Inbox, 53110 Bonn, Germany.

 

As usual, there's a radio and 3 other attractive prizes on offer and – just as usual, we also look forward to hearing any anecdotes or opinions you may have on the subject!

Good Luck!

 

Previous Winners:

Runners-up:
December 2007:
Christoph Preutenborbeck - Germany

Juliana Nkrumah - Ghana

Alex Torbeni - Indonesia

January 2008:
Yirgalem Negash - Ethiopia
Irma Chavez Pereda - Peru
Vinita R. Gulabani - India
February:
Fumihiko Kawai - Japan
Skinner Zenco Kadammanja - Malawi
Deepa Chakraborty - India

 

 

Winners:

December 2007:
Jaydeep Chakraborty - India

January 2008:
Krassimir Kamdjilov - Great Britain
February:
Matt Barnes - U.S.A.

Congratulations!



--
Swopan Chakroborty
Kolkata, India

Newslink May 2008 Quiz

Newslink May Quiz

Your chance to win a radio or an MP3 player

 

More than 5,000 delegates from all over the world will visit Bonn in May to take part in a United Nations conference.

 

But what is it about?

 

That's what we'd like you to tell us in this month's Newslink Quiz.

 

Is it...

 

Biological diversity

 

Primary education

 

or

 

Cosmetic surgery

 

 

You can send your answer by email to newslink@dw-world.de, or as a text message to +49 160 148 1000, or by post to Deutsche Welle, English Service, 53110 Bonn, Germany.

There's a choice of a shortwave radio or an MP3 player for the winner and some great consolation prizes for the first five runners up.   Good luck!  



--
Swopan Chakroborty
Kolkata, India

Sports Report Quiz - May quiz

Sports Report Quiz - May

Win a short-wave radio or football

In June, Greece will be attempting to defend the Euro football title they surprisingly won in Portugal four years ago. In our May quiz, we want to know which two countries are hosting what is the 13th edition of Europe's top football tournament.

Is it a) Croatia and Slovenia, b) Austria and Switzerland, or c) Denmark and Sweden?

The winner will receive a short wave radio, and the four runners up will each get a Deutsche Welle football.

Please send your answers no later than May 31st to:

sport.english@dw-world.de

Or send a postcard to Sports Report Quiz, Deutsche Welle Radio, English Service, 53110 Bonn, Germany.

Good Luck

--
Swopan Chakroborty
Kolkata, India