anj.typ

#import "helper.typ": *

Ústní maturita z angličtiny je docela bolest, protože je zhruba 50% šance, že dostanete otázku na zeměpis/osobnost, která se anglicky jenom tváří. Ostatní otázky jsou spíše o vlastních názorech, proto pro tebe moje výpisky pravděpodobně nebudou moc relevantní. Následují poznámky ke všem tématům, které lze nalézt na #link("https://www.gjp-me.cz/maturity/", "gjp-me.cz/maturity").

Nevím jak u ostatních témat, ale pokud si stejně jako já vytáhnete Londýn, dostanete hromadu pamfletů, ze kterých toho lze hodně vykoukat. 

== British literature
todo: Shakespeare, C. J. Tudor, George Orwell, J. R. R. Tolkien (and beef with Herbert)

== American literature
todo: Mark Twain, E. A. Poe (studied in england though), William Gibson, Frank Herbert (and beef with Tolkien), Ray Bradbury

== William Shakespeare 

see also @romeo[Romeo a Julie]

William Shakespeare, often regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language, lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Here's a brief historical background of Shakespeare and the time in which he lived:

1. Elizabethan England (1558-1603): Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. This was a time of great cultural flourishing in England, known as the Elizabethan era. It was marked by exploration, artistic achievement, and the rise of English nationalism.
2. Theater and Society: Theater was a popular form of entertainment in Elizabethan England, and it played a significant role in society. Plays were performed in public theaters, such as The Globe, where audiences from all social classes could attend.
3. Renaissance: Shakespeare lived during the Renaissance, a period of intellectual and cultural rebirth that spread across Europe. This era saw a renewed interest in classical learning, literature, and the arts.
4. Political Climate: England during Shakespeare's time was marked by political intrigue, religious conflict, and social change. Queen Elizabeth's reign was relatively stable, but there were tensions between Catholics and Protestants, as well as power struggles within the royal court.
5. Literary Influence: Shakespeare was influenced by classical literature, particularly the works of ancient Greek and Roman writers such as Ovid, Seneca, and Plutarch. He also drew inspiration from contemporary English poets and playwrights.
6. Shakespeare's Career: Shakespeare began his career as an actor and playwright in London, where he quickly gained recognition for his talent. He wrote and staged numerous plays, including tragedies like "Hamlet" and "Macbeth," comedies like "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Twelfth Night," and histories like "Henry IV" and "Richard III."
7. Legacy: Shakespeare's works have had a profound and enduring impact on literature, theater, and the English language. His plays continue to be performed worldwide, and his words have become an integral part of the literary canon. Shakespeare's influence can be seen in countless adaptations, references, and homages in popular culture.

source: CHATGPT

== Ernest Hemingway <hemingway>

_Ernest Hemingway_ (1899--1961) was an American novelist and journalist born in Illinois. His work influenced many authors of the 20th century. He enjoyed fishing and drinking a lot; both influences of his father.

He began his career as a journalist. The style guides of _The Kansas City Star_ influenced his later writing: _"Use short sentences. Use short first paragraphs. Use vigorous English. Be positive, not negative."_

When WWI happened he was rejected by the U.S. Army for poor eyesight. Instead he became an ambulance driver in Italy. (He was 18 at this time.) There he was seriously wounded by mortar fire, but still managed to help his peers. Later he had this to say: _"When you go to war as a boy you have a great illusion of immortality. Other people get killed; not you ... Then when you are badly wounded the first time you lose that illusion and you know it can happen to you."_ 

He fell in love with many women over the years; married and divorced a lot of them. 

Ernest worked as a war corresponded in WW2 and was awarded for that. This also influenced his work.

He liked hunting (Green hills of africa), fishing (old man... he wrote in when he was in Cuba) 

He was apart of the "Lost generation" -- wrote works such as _A Farewell to Arms_ (Sbohem armádo), or _For Whom the Bell Tolls_ (Komu zvoní hrana).

His most famous book is titled _The Old Man and the Sea_ (Stařec a Moře @starec[]). For this book he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1953 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954. #underline["A man can be destroyed, but not defeated"]

Hemingway killed himself with his fathers shotgun -- mental health issues. 

== Festivals, tradition

*31. October -- Halloween* 
Children dress up in scary costumes and go "trick-or-treating". They either get sweets or prank people. Decorating houses. Halloween parties. Carving pumpkins.

Celtic end of year. They believed that the veil between life and death is the thinnest; ghost could come to their houses and they were scared. Jack 'o Lantern. Stinky Jack was a criminal. Before he died he tricked the devil in cards and made a deal so he couldn't go to hell. He can't go to heaven as well so he is stuck in between. He was given a lantern with coal so he wouldn't get lost.

*5. November -- Bonfire night*
"gunpowder plot", because of religion, bomb under the parlament (Westminster Palace), Guy Fox, in the period of James I.

*fourth Thursday of November -- Thanksgiving*
Half of the first settlers in America died through the first winter. Native Americans (Squanto tribe) helped these settlers to make food. After the first successful harvest they invited natives to celebrate the occasion.

Biggest tradition in US. A family reunion. Stuffed turkey, pumpkin pies, mashed potatoes, watching football. Black friday (start of christmas shopping season) -- because of black numbers as opposed to red (negative, losses).

*24/25 December -- Christmas*
In US: opening presents morning of 25.

Boxing day (26th) -- giving gifts to postmans etc. (people who work whole year)

*14th February -- Valentine's day*
priest Valentine...
Valentine cards are (usually) anonymous.

*17th March -- St. Patric's Day*

* -- Easter*
is a significant Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, three days after his crucifixion. It is observed on a Sunday in spring, following Good Friday. Easter marks the end of a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. Traditions include attending church services, sharing festive meals, and participating in activities like egg decorating and Easter egg hunts, symbolizing new life and rebirth.

*4th July -- Independence day*
commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the Thirteen Colonies declared their independence from British rule. The holiday is marked by patriotic displays, including fireworks, parades, concerts, barbecues, and public and private events celebrating American history, culture, and freedom.

== Meals, eating out, fast food

_do we eat to live or live to eat?_

*cooking at home $times$ eating out*
#table(
  columns: 2,
  [at home], [eating out],
  [requires effort and time], [you just have to order something],
  [usually cheaper], [can get expensive],
  [usually healthier], [can be "junk food"],
)

- cooking is uniquely human -- no other species prepares its food like we do
- bread is one of the most important inventions of humankind -> it allowed us to store large amount of energy and travel large distances
- favorite foods to cook at home: sushi, pancakes, guacamole
- favorite foods to take out: chinese/vietnamese, pizza
- i don't enjoy eating liver
- celiac disease (gluten intolerance but you can die)
- zabijačka -- pig-slaughter (?)
- cocking on a summer camp

== Education, future plans, careers, professions

1. kindergarten (2--6, last year is obligatory)
  - soft skills
2. elementary school (6--15, obligatory)
  - counting, writing and reading, basics of sciences and history
  - first second language (english)
  - *second level of primary education* (can switch to grammar school)
  - teachers are specialized
3. secondary education
  - entrance exams
  - grammar school (gympl), vocational school (apprentices), specialized schools 
  - "maturita exam", graduation/secondary school-leaving exam
4. university
  - entrance exam (or not)
  - Bachelors (3 years) or Masters (5 years)
  - thesis and state exam

The British school system:
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): Ages 3-5, includes Nursery and Reception.
- Primary Education: Ages 5-11, includes Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7, Years 1-2) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11, Years 3-6).
- Secondary Education: Ages 11-16, includes Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14, Years 7-9) and Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16, Years 10-11), culminating in General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams.
- Post-16 Education: Ages 16-18, includes Key Stage 5, with options for A-Levels, vocational qualifications, or apprenticeships.
- Higher Education: Typically begins at age 18, includes universities and colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. 

== Culture -- music, fine arts, politics, religion

- culture is different for everyone
- favorite music -> changes all the time
- are memes culture
- AVU visit with Vladimír
- museum of literature
- i like theater: Kytice
- FILMS! Tenet (Christopher Nolan), Dune (Denis Villeneuve)
- BOOKS!!! The Three Body Problem, maturita books... #underline[#link("https://knih.chamik.eu/", [knih.chamik.eu])]

== Exceeding boundaries -- holidays, travelling, transport

- Discover EU
- wish list
  - trad climbing
  - urban climbing
  - solo track (in a foreign country)
- how i travel
  - public transport: bus and train (Prague is the best)
  - by car -- i don't drive much and i am worried that i will forget it

== Learning languages, English as a world language <worldlang>
why to learn english? -- #underline[colonization], world powers, it's simple\
"Kolik jazyků umíš, tolikrát jsi člověkem."

work, studying, resources online (especially about programming).

standard (royal/queens) english $times$ colloquial (spoken, Cockney)
Cockney -- non-educated folk, comes from australian english prisoners, Pygmalion

#table(
  columns: 2,
  [American], [British],
  [color], [colour],
  [traveling], [travelling],
  [center], [centre],
  [do you have], [have you got],
  [elevator], [lift],
  [theater], [cinema],
  [subway], [underground]
)

- it's hard to learn a language when you don't use it often (German)
- english is the default when it comes to international collaboration
- English-Chinese as a world language in future, Liou Cch'-Sin

== Health and diseases, healthy lifestyle, food, stress, prevention
#linebreak()
*healthcare system in the Czech Republic $times$ USA*
#table(
  columns: 2,
  [CZ], [USA],
  [public healthcare paid from taxes], [private healthcare],
  [students, retirees exempt from paying social insurance], [everyone has to pay]
)
- paying thousands of dollars for an ambulance ride
- costs of insulin (medicaments in general)
- prescribing fentanyl for everything because of lobbying -> addiction

*conventional $times$ alternative medicine*
#table(
  columns: 2,
  [conventional], [alternative],
  [based on science and research], [based on old teachings and traditions],
  [serious illnesses], [stress relief, etc.],
  [covered by insurance companies], [not covered by insurance, usually expensive]
)
- Goop -- Gwyneth Paltrow, frequency stickers
- "healthy" radioactive pendants sold on Amazon
- #underline["snake oil"]

*anti-vaccine movement*
- inoculation observed as early as 200 BCE
- variolation against small pox in 15th century
- (first and only) eradication of a disease -- small pox -- 1970 vaccines

*healthy lifestyle*
- 20% of teenagers in the USA are considered obese (and it's being normalized)
- diet and exercise should be balanced

== London

*History*:
1. Roman London (Londinium): Founded around AD 43, became a significant Roman city.
2. Medieval London: Grew as a trade and political center, witnessed events like the Norman Conquest (1066) and the construction of the Tower of London.
3. Tudor and Stuart Periods: Expansion under the Tudors; suffered the Great Plague (1665) and the Great Fire of London (1666).
4. 18th and 19th Centuries: Industrial Revolution; became the world's largest city; developments in infrastructure, such as railways and the London Underground (1863).
5. 20th Century: Faced bombings during World War II; post-war rebuilding and modernization; cultural and economic boom in the 1960s (Swinging London).
6. 21st Century: Continued growth and diversity; hosted the 2012 Olympics; ongoing development and global influence.

*City*:
The Waterloo bridge divides the main two parts of London. _The City_ and _Westminster_

- _The City_
  - mix of the oldest and most modern buildings
    - sky scrapers, big business, the Shard 
  - William the Conqueror (gothic)
    - the Tower
    - the Monument (of the great fire)
  - st. Paul's Cathedral
    - burial place 
      - A. Fleming -- inventor of penicilin
      - generals, painters, musicians, monarchs...
    - rebuilt after 1666
  - The Tower
    - used to be a prison 
    - traitors gate: entrance through the river
    - middle tower is called "White tower" and the king used to live there
    - king's guards -- beefeaters, tudor uniforms
      - nowadays ceremonial role and tour guides
    - 7 ravens
      - if even one flies away, it would mean the end of monarchy
      - they are fat so they can't lol
    - the crown jewels
    - execution
  - Tower bridge
    - museum inside
    - can be opened for big ships
- _Westminster_
  - Westminster Palace
    - houses of parlament: house of commons and house of lords
  - Elizabeth tower 
    - Big Ben 
  - Westminster bridge
  - Buckingham Palace
    - seat of monarchs 
    - Victoria memorial
  - Trafalgar square
    - biggest square in London
    - Nelsons column (fight with Napoleon near Trafalgar)
    - National gallery
  - Whitehall street, ministries
  - Downing street 10, prime minister
  - Tate gallery, modern art 
  - Globe theater, Shakespeare
  - Piccadilly Circus, "Times square"
  - Hyde Park, speakers corner
  - British museum, stolen stuff
  - Madame's Tussaud's, wax figurines museum  

St. Paul's má kopuli, Westminster Abbey má věžičky. Both are burial places.

== Great Britain

- where?
- symbols
  - scottish flag -- blue field, white diagonal cross (Andrew's cross)
  - english flag -- white fields, red cross ??
  - nothern islad -- white field, red diagonal cross
  - england -> red rose
  - scotland -> thistle
  - wales -> daffodil, dragon, 
  - ireland -> shamrock
\
- 68 million people
- 6th largest economy 
- NATO, G7, OECD
- 2020 -- Brexit
- Most populous cities
- London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow
- Political systém
- Constitutional monarchy with parlament democracy 
- Charles III.
- Main power -- prime minister
- Two parlamentary chambers -- House of Commons, House of Lords
- Two parties -- Conservative, Labour

United Kingdom -- 4 historical parts, monarchy (nowadays king Charles the IV.), seat of monarchs in Buckingham Palace (though the palace is owned by the state).

Parlament -- two chambers, house of lords (gold, red) and house of commons (green, brown, wood). Westminster Palace. Second oldest parlament in the world (Iceland was first).

House of lords -- appointed by King or you have inherited the title ("In contrast to the House of Commons, membership of the Lords is not generally acquired by election. Most members are appointed for life, on either a political or non-political basis.")\
House of commons -- elected\
Government -- departments (ministerstva)

Two main political parties -- Labour party, Conservative party

They don't have a written constitution, #underline[uncodified constitution].

60 million inhabitants, mostly protestant christians (Church of England founded by Herny the VIII), a lot of nationalities, a lot of dialects (@worldlang[])

Economy:
services -- banks, insurance, stock exchange
resources -- oil and gas in northern sea (BP -- British Petrol)
food -- whiskey, beer, tabbaco, spice
british airways, Easy Jet, Airbus
agriculture -- sheep, beef

Weather? xd

Festivals
- Brockford -- running after a block of cheese 
- Bonfire night 5. November (treason with barrels of gunpowder under the Parlament)

== Chapters from British History

- War of roses
- the Tudor family 
- period of Henry the eighth 
- Protestants 

divorced, beheaded, died, \
divorced, beheaded, survived

pomoc

== The USA

1. Geography and Landscape: Discuss the diverse geography of the United States, including its vast plains, towering mountains (like the Rockies and the Appalachians), deep canyons (such as the Grand Canyon), and expansive coastlines along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico.

2. Demographics: Talk about the multicultural nature of the United States, with people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, religions, and cultures living together. Highlight major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago as melting pots of different cultures.

3. History: Briefly cover key moments in American history, such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. Mention iconic figures like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr.

4. Government and Politics: Discuss the United States government structure, including the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Talk about the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court.

5. Economy: Highlight the USA's status as one of the world's largest economies, driven by industries such as technology, finance, entertainment, and manufacturing. Discuss major companies like Apple, Google, and Walmart.

6. Culture: Explore American cultural exports, such as Hollywood movies, TV shows, music (including genres like jazz, blues, rock, and hip-hop), literature, and art. Discuss the influence of American culture globally.

7. Sports: Mention popular American sports like baseball, basketball, American football, and soccer. Discuss major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and MLS, as well as iconic athletes like Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Tom Brady.

8. Education: Highlight the importance of education in the United States, including its prestigious universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. Discuss the education system, including primary, secondary, and higher education.

9. Technology and Innovation: Talk about the USA's role as a global leader in technology and innovation, with companies like Silicon Valley giants (such as Google, Facebook, and Tesla) driving advancements in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

10. National Parks and Landmarks: Mention iconic landmarks and national parks in the United States, such as the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, and the Everglades.

== Canada

_Basic info_
- North America
- 40 million people
- Capital: Ottawa
- Bordered with USA (Alaska in west, 12 states in south)
- Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic ocean
- 2nd largest country by total area (land plus water)
- 10 provinces. 3 territories (Northwest territories, Yukon, Nunavut)
_Geography_
- 80 % of land uninhabited
- North not suited for living -- cold, rocks, snow
- Mountain ranges: Rocky Mountains, Coast Mountains, St. Elias Mountains
- Highest peak: Mount Logan (5 959 m, Yukon)
- Rivers: Mackenzie -- longest, Yukon, St, Lawrence, Columbia, Saskatchewan
- Lakes -- Erie, Superior, Huron, Ontario, Michigan
- Peninsula: The Ontario Peninsula
- Islands: Baffin Island, Victoria Island, Ellesmere Island, Devon Island
- Lowest point: Great Slave Lake Bottom -- Northwest territories
_Politics_
- Federal constitutional monarchy
- Parliamentary democracy
- Head of the state: monarch of UK; represented by governor general in Canada
- Head of the government: prime minister
- Parlament
- Senate (105 members, appointed by governor general)
- House of Commons (338 members, elected by citizens)  
- Fixed election dates for every four years on the third Monday of October
_Economy_
- Currency: Canadian dollar
- Service sector (75 %)
- Sub-sectors, health care, finance, education, food, retail
- Farmers -- provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
- Wheat, corn, oilseed, cattle, pigs
- Manufacturing -- Ontario, Quebec
- Trade -> Most with USA
- Energy resources (oil, chemical fuels, electricity, natural gas), raw natural resources (aluminium, gold, nickel)
- NATO, G7, APEC, OECD
_History_
- Indegineous people (Inuits)
- Late 15th century -- European exploration
- Cartier clamed the land for France
- New France -- Quebec city was founded in 1608
- British Conquest -- The Seven Years War (1756--63) -- Treaty of Paris -> Britain in control
- American Revolution -- 1791 -- Lower and Upper Canada (French and English speaking population)
- War of 1812 -- battleground of war between US and Britain 
- Dominion -- 1867
- Canadian Pacific Railway -- 1885, coast to coast
- Ofiicial Languages Act -- 1969 -- English and French the official languages of federal government
- Constitution -- 1982, power over its constitution
_Sports_
  - Ice hockey -- NHL, Montreal Canadians
  - Canadian football
  - Inspired by american football
  - CFL
  - Lacrosse, baseball, curling, football
_Cities_
- Toronto 
  - Ontario
  - Most populous and famous
  - International centre pf business, finance, art, culture
  - Atlantic shipping through the Great Lakes -- trading centre with USA
- Montreal 
  - Quebec 
  - French-speaking city + French culture
  - Old-town -- 17th century architecture
- Quebec city
  - Quebec
  - French-speaking 
  - Saint Lawrence river 
  - One of the oldest European settlements in North America
- Ottawa
  - Capital
  - Borders between french and english area
  - Most important government institutions
- Calgary
  - Center of oil and gas industry
- Vancouver
  - British Columbia
  - Vancouver international airport
  - Trading hub with Asia
  - Sights
  - Stanley Park (Vancouver)
  - Niagara Falls
  - CN Tower -- Toronto
- Personalities
  - The Weekend
  - Justin Bieber

== Australia

- Commonwealth of Australia
- criminal background, poor conditions, 1800
- Aboriginals -> murders, slavery, taboo history, now live in cities, reservations are shrinking, the traditions are dying out
- mount Uluru, you can't climb it anymore, sacred for aboriginals
- australian English
- last discovered continent (New Zealand discovered after that), duch marines first, James Cook made in an english colony
- flag -> union jack, southern cross constellation, 6 states & 1 territory
- nature
  - north -> tropical rain forest, dry, tropical, dryest continent
  - endemic animals -> kangaroos, #underline[marsupials], black widow
  - problems with rabbits -> no natural predators
  - dingos
  - sharks -> great, white, tiger
  - great barrier coral reef 
  - deadly jellyfish
- economy 
  - deal with Japan -> Australia has a lot of natural resources
  - oil, coal 
  - biggest exporters of beef
  - wheat, wool
  - biggest exporter of opals -> funny fields with holes where no one will find you if you fall in
- villages similar to America -- one farm (station) with fields
- home schooling
- flying doctors


== Our town and district (Mělník)
Founded by the tribe of Pšovans. Located in the #underline[fertile lowlands] at the #underline[confluence] of the two main Czech rivers, Elbe and Vltava.
First settlement by #underline[Pšovans] at the top of the hill. 

It used to be a #underline[dowry town] (a wedding gift) given by Charles IV. Czech queens used to live here.


*Places of interest*:
- St. Peter and Paul church
  - #underline[ossuary] (kostnice) by Matiegky (škola na pražský se jmenuje podle něj)
  - the tower is not part of the church 
    - the tower is about the same height as the depth of the well
- #underline[cloister] in Kapucín church (nowadays a museum)
- Prague gate (used to be part of city walls)
- well (widest in ČR)
- underground (used for storage or shelter)
- Vladimírovo vokno, Cihelna
- Vila Carola -- used to be a library, now the local art school
- houses with #underline[gables] (blue star)

*People*:
- princess Emma (denáry)
- St. Ludmila (babička sv. Václava)
- Charles IV. (brought wine from Burgundy)
- Viktor Dyk (má tu bustu)
- B. Smetana (Obříství)
- Straka (veslař??)

*Schools, culture, sports*
- there used to be a cinema

*Traditions*
- farmer's markets
- wine fest
- wine night
- tasting wine

== Prague

- General information
  - The capital and biggest in CR
  - The heart of Europe
  - The seat of goverment
  - Population: over 1 000 000
  - The highest point: Teleček
  - The Vltava river
  - 22 administrative districts
  - Mayor 
  - Central Bohemian region
- Politics
  - President: The Prague Castle
  - Goverment: The Straka Academy
  - Senate: Wallenstein Pallace
  - Parliament (Chamber of Deputies): Thun Palace
- History
  - Legend -- mythical Libuše -- predicted
  - 14th century -- Charles IV.
  - Rudolf II.
  - Ferdinand II. 
- Economy
  - 90 % services
  - Food industry: Staropramen, Vitana, Delta bakeries
  - Mechanical industry: ČKD, Avia
  - Chemical + constraction industry: Astrid, Zentiva, Druchema
  - Film industry: Barrandov
  - Textil: Blažek
- Transport
  - PID
  - Metro
  - Main Train Station, Airport
- Sights
  - The town of hundred spires
  - Prague Castle
    - St. Vitus Cathedral -- crown jewels, gothic 
  - Lesser Town 
    - The Lesser Town Square
    - St. Nicholas Church
    - Lennon´s wall
  - Charles Bridge
    - Charles IV.
  - Old Town 
    - St. Nicholas Church
    - Orloj -- medieval astronomic clock
    - Statue of Jan Hus
    - Church of Our Lady before Týn
    - Christmas Markets
  - Josefov -- Jewish quater
    - Old Jewish Cemetary
    - Maisel Synagogue 
  - Vyšehrad
    - Cemetery Slavín
  - Petřín Tower
  - Charles University
- Entertainment
  - Theatres -- Semafor
  - Prague ZOO
  - Prague botanical garden
  - Parks -- Letná, Stromovka
- Important personalities
  - Franz Kafka, Václav Havel, Karel Čapek, Emil Zátopek

== The Czech Republic

- Geography
  - Central europe
  - Landlocked country
  - Bordered by Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Poland
  - Highest mountain: Sněžka (1603 m)
  - Longest river: Vltava
  - Biggest river: Elbe
  - Major mountain ranges: Krkonošské mountains, Šumava, Jeseníky
  - 14 regions, 3 lands
  - 4 NPs (Krkonoše, Šumava, Podyjí, Czech Switzerland)
- Basic info
  - Also known as Czechia
  - Continental and oceanic climate
  - Capital and largest city: Prague
  - Over 10,5 million people
  - Currency: Czech crown
  - Official language: Czech
  - Atheist country
- Political systém
  - Parliamentary representative democracy
  - Bicameral parliament
    - Chambre of deputies
    - Senate
  - The president = formal head of state
    - Limited powers
    - Appoints the prime minister
    - Petr Pavel
  - Prime minister: Petr Fiala
- Specific features and symbols
  - Beer 
    - Pilsner Urquel, Budweiser Budvar, Staropramen
  - Symbols -- coat od arms
    - National anthem: Kde domov můj
    - National flag
  - Czech cuisine heavy and meaty
  - Industries
    - Glass, ceramics, cars -- "assembly line of Europe"
- Culture
  - Art
    - Alfons Mucha
  - Architecture
    - Centre of Prague -- Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle
    - UNESCO sights
  - Literature 
    - Seifert -- The Nobel Prize
    - Kafka
  - Music
    - Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček, Bedřich Smetana
- History
  - 6th century -> Slavs in Bohemia
  - Samo's empire
  - 12th century -> Přemyslid dynasty
  - Charles IV. -> The father of the country
  - Hussite Revolution -> Jan Hus
  - The Habsburg Monarchy
- Transport
  - Václav Havel international Airport
  - Prague metro -- 3 lines (4)
  - Public transport in every city
- Sports
  - Football and hockey
  - Basketball, volleyball, handbal, athletics, floorball
  - Ice hockey -- olympic gold Nagano 1998
- Significant personalities
  - Václav Havel
  - Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk
  - Karel Čapel

== Problems of the world I. -- environment

1. Climate Change:

    Causes: greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, fossil fuel consumption.
    Effects: rising global temperatures, melting polar ice caps, sea-level rise, extreme weather events.
    Solutions: renewable energy sources, international agreements (e.g., Paris Agreement), individual actions (e.g., reducing carbon footprint).

2. Pollution:

    Types: air pollution, water pollution, soil contamination, plastic pollution.
    Sources: industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal.
    Consequences: health issues (respiratory problems, waterborne diseases), ecosystem damage, loss of biodiversity.

3. Deforestation:

    Causes: logging, agricultural expansion, urbanization.
    Impact: loss of habitat for species, disruption of water cycles, contribution to climate change.
    Mitigation: reforestation, sustainable forestry practices, conservation efforts.

4. Loss of Biodiversity:

    Causes: habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing, climate change.
    Importance: ecosystem balance, medical discoveries, agricultural resilience.
    Preservation: protected areas, wildlife conservation laws, restoration projects.

5. Water Scarcity:

    Reasons: overuse of water resources, pollution, climate change effects on precipitation.
    Impacts: agricultural productivity, human health, regional conflicts.
    Solutions: efficient water use, desalination technology, improved infrastructure.

6. Sustainable Development:

    Definition: meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations.
    Examples: green buildings, sustainable agriculture, circular economy.
    Importance: long-term environmental health, economic stability, social equity.

== Problems of the world II. -- social problems, lethal diseases

1. Poverty:

    Causes: unemployment, lack of education, economic disparity.
    Effects: malnutrition, lack of access to healthcare and education, social exclusion.
    Solutions: economic policies for job creation, educational programs, social safety nets.

2. Inequality:

    Types: economic, gender, racial, and social inequality.
    Impacts: limited opportunities for marginalized groups, social unrest, hindered economic growth.
    Remedies: affirmative action, inclusive policies, education and awareness campaigns.

3. Homelessness:

    Reasons: housing affordability crisis, unemployment, mental illness, substance abuse.
    Consequences: poor health, increased crime rates, social isolation.
    Solutions: affordable housing projects, mental health support, job training programs.

4. Human Rights Violations:

    Examples: political oppression, discrimination, gender-based violence.
    Consequences: social instability, refugee crises, global condemnation.
    Actions: international treaties, advocacy, sanctions against violators.

#hrule()

1. HIV/AIDS:

    Transmission: unprotected sex, blood transfusions, mother-to-child.
    Effects: weakened immune system, social stigma, high mortality.
    Prevention/Treatment: antiretroviral therapy (ART), education on safe practices, needle exchange programs.

2. Cancer:

    Types: lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, etc.
    Risk factors: smoking, diet, genetic predisposition, environmental exposures.
    Treatments: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy.

3. Cardiovascular Diseases:

    Examples: heart attacks, strokes, hypertension.
    Causes: unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, genetic factors.
    Prevention: healthy lifestyle choices, regular medical check-ups, public health initiatives.

4. COVID-19:

    Origin: SARS-CoV-2 virus.
    Impact: global pandemic, high mortality, long-term health effects (Long COVID).
    Response: vaccines, public health measures (masks, social distancing), antiviral treatments.

== Problems of the world III. -- addictions <addictions>

- Substance Addictions:

  Alcohol: prevalence, social acceptance, health risks (liver disease, heart problems), impact on families.

        Drugs: opioids, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines; effects on physical and mental health, addiction cycle.

        Nicotine: smoking and vaping, health consequences (lung cancer, respiratory issues), addiction mechanisms.

- Behavioral Addictions:

        Gambling: financial ruin, family breakdowns, mental health issues.

        Internet and Gaming: impact on social skills, physical health problems, interference with daily responsibilities.

        #underline[Social networks] especially dangerous for teenagers

        Shopping: financial consequences, underlying emotional issues, compulsive behavior patterns.

- brain chemistry, dopamine reward system
- Peer pressure and social norms.
- Availability and accessibility of substances or behaviors.
- Socioeconomic status and living conditions.

== Media and technology

- different types of mediums: newspapers and magazines, radio, TV... digital
  - pessimism is better for the views
- Social media dangers and addictions, see @addictions[]
- AI (artificial inteligence)
  - in schools #sym.arrow cheating students, AI generated assignments
  - in society #sym.arrow where is the line between artificial and real inteligence?
  - scamming #sym.arrow automated bots
  - fake news, propaganda
  - ethics of using human works
- VR (virtual reality)
  - metaverse
  - Ready Player One type of future?
- Robotics and automation
- Privacy
  - undermined by the state and by the advertisement sector (and more)
  - private data used to serve personalized ads
  - Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Google, Amazon...
  - Orwell kind of future, see @farma[chapter]