While the Coyote platform is close to peaking in performance opportunities A look at new products from companies that keep pits and garages efficient SAN MARTIN — An off-duty California Highway Patrol officer remembered as a mentor to dozens of younger officers died early Tuesday when his motorcycle collided with a truck on his way to work The Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office identified the motorcyclist as James Branik Branik worked as a CHP officer in the Bay Area since about 2005 first at the San Jose area office and then at the Gilroy Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility off Highway 101 between Morgan Hill and Gilroy “He was dedicated to the job,” said Officer Ross Lee “He was a very knowledgeable guy and took the job very seriously.” on Monterey Highway south of Chester Avenue in San Martin Branik was southbound on his 2005 Suzuki motorcycle when the driver of a northbound Chevrolet pickup truck made a left turn into the motorcycle’s path Branik hit the right-front section of the truck and suffered major injuries The fatal crash remains under investigation and the CHP said alcohol or drugs to not appear to be a factor in the case CHP investigators spent most of Tuesday examining the crash site on Monterey Highway debris from the crash remained in the street in front of a mini mart and gas station near Chester Avenue Cal Fire personnel responded to the scene with an American flag to pay tribute to the fallen officer Lee said Branik’s former colleagues at the San Jose office were shocked by the news of his death as many officers in the San Jose office received patrol training from Branik Lee himself saw Branik as a mentor in his early years with the agency Tuesday’s collision was similar in nature to a June 2016 crash that killed San Jose police Officer Michael Katherman who was on duty on a police motorcycle on North 10th Street in San Jose when a van driver turned left onto Horning Street and into Katherman’s path Anyone with information about the collision can contact Officer Sean Nichols at the Hollister-Gilroy area CHP office at 408-848-2324 Visit the San Jose Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.) at www.mercurynews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The need for exploring off-road is a notion that we feel we can find across the entire United States. That’s the drive behind our new column, Stateside Shop Tour Come with us as we tour the nation looking at shops that build (or help build) capable off-road machines of all shapes and sizes In our last installment, we went through the Prairie State and found Carl’s Four Wheel Drive in Bartelso, Illinois. The establishment made its trade installing lift kits, wheels, and tires that got Midwest trucks and Jeeps seeing farther and going further. For this installment, we head east yet again and find ourselves in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with Branik Motorsports Branik Motorsports operates as a custom machine shop servicing hardcore off-road builds and racing applications This was relayed to us by Stan’s son as his father was out and about in Johnson Valley having fun before the Ultra4 King of the Hammers race “My dad has been off-roading since he was in his late teens,” said Brandon “He had his own off-road customizing shop all the way back in the 1970s He was self-taught in machining and fabrication and worked in the machining industry for close to 40 years I joined right in after graduating high school and have been here 18 years now.” Keeping the family in the family business has given the Braniks the opportunity to oversee every aspect and helped them earn the trust of many racers Complementing that trust is the Branik line of products and services Papa Branik owns and competes in his very own Ultra4 buggy and made it ready to rock in the harshest environments “He built it about three years ago,” explained Brandon “He’s raced in the King of the Hammers five times now and after the first two times racing in other people’s rigs The Branik Motorsports Ultra4 4×4 makes its way through a rocky section of the King of the Hammers race Branik went with a wide-open design chassis by Revolution Chassis It had a Lingenfelter-tuned LS3 installed and paired with a Reid Racing Turbo 400 transmission and Atlas II transfer case The axles were made up of JRAT Sixty-Nine axle housings spooled differentials with 5.38:1 gear ratios “It has 14 inches of suspension travel up front and 22 in the rear,” said Brandon “We use PAC Racing for all of the suspension components.” Rounding out the list are some Raceline wheels Top-notch work by a top-notch family business – that seems to be the Branik Motorsports way. We invite you to check out their product line on the web, as well as the Facebook page and stay tuned here on Off Road Xtreme as we continue our Stateside Shop Tour Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Off Road Xtreme We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request We'll send you the most exciting Off Road articles We promise not to use your email address for anything but exclusive updates from the Power Automedia Network Let our English speaking specialist guide you to find the best mortgage offer tailored to your specific needs. Free of charge, quick turnaround. 2017 at 5:37 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}SANTA CLARA COUNTY CA — A funeral service for a California Highway Patrol officer who was killed in an off-duty motorcycle collision last week will be held Friday in Morgan Hill The service for CHP Officer James Branik will be held at 2:30 p.m Friday at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center at 17000 Monterey St. was assigned to the CHP's Gilroy Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility in San Martin He died after colliding with a 2013 Chevrolet pickup truck early Tuesday morning 19 near San Martin on Monterey Highway just south of Chester Avenue the pickup turned from a left-turn lane heading north into the path of Branik's 2005 Suzuki motorcycle Branik hit the right side of the pickup in the collision called him the "go-to guy." Branik had worked at the San Martin scales off Highway 101 since 2010 "He was one of the most knowledgeable officers here," Elias told Patch He first went to work for the CHP in 2005 as a patrol officer assigned to San Jose where he later worked as a field training officer for new recruits at the San Jose CHP academy he worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier of Morgan Hill; and numerous nephews and nieces there was no update on the investigation into the collision that claimed his life alcohol and drugs are not considered factors Anyone with information about the collision is encouraged to call CHP Officer Sean Nichol at 408-848-2324 Branik's family requests that anyone wishing to make a monetary donation can donate to the CHP 11-99 Foundation in his name at Chp11-99.org Bay City News Service contributed to this report Photo courtesy California Highway Patrol Gilroy Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. A La Mesa teen leaving a taco shop says a man threatened to stab him with syringes and give him HIV if he didn't drive him to a Walmart RELATED | Teen risks life to escape dangerous carjacker "I stayed as calm as I could but inside I was freaking out," said Branik Brown The 17-year-old Grossmont High Junior is still shaken up after a man with several syringes threatened him Monday at Azteca Taco Shop in La Mesa and demanded a ride 'Hey can you do me a favor?' I kept kind of walking 'no you're going to do me a favor or I'll stab you with AIDS.'" The man who police say is Thomas Johnson hopped in the truck Branik drove him around for more than 30 minutes while he had syringes just inches from his neck I'll take you wherever you want as long as you don't hurt me,'" Brown said "He started snorting some cocaine," said Brown "I thought he's going to start going crazy now so I knew I had to make a move Brown ran to a 7-Eleven in Allied Gardens and called for help he led officers on a chase down the 15 Freeway A police dog bit Johnson and officers cuffed him Brown knows the outcome could've been a lot worse "I made the right decision at the right time," he said Brown says this incident now has him thinking about becoming a police officer when he's older It's a sunny Thursday morning at 9 a.m., and the Pike Place Fish Market is already abuzz with excitement Today there will be roughly 20,000 marketgoers eager to capture the perfect fish-throwing video and get their hands on some world-famous seafood The fish-throwing at Pike Place Fish Market is a legacy like no other and watching this spectacle never ceases to impress me But it's not often I get to know the fishmongers beyond the counter until I met Hillary Branyik of Pike Place Fish Market —who happens to be one of only two women on a crew of 20 she darts back and forth behind the counter engaging in playful banter with her team and stopping mid-conversation to join in on the lively shouting — it was clear she was in her element I managed to pull her away from the hustle and bustle to get the inside scoop on what the life of a Pike Place fishmonger is really like Hailing from Colorado and now a seasoned Seattleite 32-year-old Branyik has been a fixture at Pike Place Market for seven years with over four years spent working at Pike Place Fish Her journey into fishmongering started unconventionally inspired in part by watching her husband (a fishmonger at Pure Food Fish) and thanks to a friendly dare from none other than veteran fishmonger and co-owner Sam came by the ice cream shop I worked at in the market and was like hey and stay the whole day with us and have fun," said Branyik camaraderie and personal connections with local marketgoers she was embracing her new journey full-time "Spending 12 hours with that crew changed my life [...] learning all this stuff that I had no point of reference for we need your information so we can pay you and I was like really I really was just here for fun," said Branyik I was curious about any challenges Branyik faced in a male-dominated industry but she assured me that the guys have been nothing short of supportive and empowering They don't bat an eye when she handles the heaviest halibuts It's a true testament to the inclusive spirit of Pike Place Fish — fostering teamwork that feels more like family there have been very few instances where I felt like I was being hindered by being a woman," said Branyik "The guys have always been really awesome If they're gonna throw 30-pound halibut over the counter I don't ever get treated like I can't do everything that they do." but Branyik is a pro.And to perfect her fish-catching skills she learned the art of the "TT" — Test Toss or Tourists Toss the fish used for tossing aren't sold but instead donated to a wolf den making Pike Place Fish a champion of conscious practices I even got the chance to experience the thrill of fish tossing firsthand I will be candid with you — it is REALLY hard As if it wasn't tricky enough to catch the fish itself you are essentially on display as dozens of people stand there staring at you a feeling you don't quite understand until you are in the apron Branyik encouraged the crowd to cheer me on as I attempted and failed to catch my first fish she gave me another chance — this time I managed to keep the TT from flopping to the floor There is something about a successful catch mixed with the energy of the people and the novelty of the experience that left me smiling all day long The hype is just as fun to participate in as it is to watch Branyik has made incredible connections with people from all walks of life From tossing a fish to Chrissy Teigen which resulted in a video that got 4 million views to teaching Jennifer Garner the art of fish-tossing to even helping Conan O'Brian order fish (who she says is exactly what you would expect tall and absolutely hilarious).Branyik has rubbed elbows with famous faces while staying grounded and humble "That experience is really jarring for people Their true self really comes out because they're a little nervous and anxious in a good way So you get to meet them in sort of a different way because of the unusual situation that they're in They kind of let you have this trust with them for the three minutes that they're up there." Branyik's journey hasn't just been about fish and fame What truly lights up her day are the customers who come for more than just the fish "Sometimes we get customers that I think feel unseen in their lives I like to make people feel seen," said Branyik "My favorite experiences are when people leave feeling fulfilled and happy and like they were loved while they were with us I get strangers that have gone through rough stuff Fishmongering isn't the only way she connects with others, she also happens to be a contemporary indie folk singer known as "Branik." "Everybody talks about the bad weather here but I genuinely love it it creates a nice vibe for the kind of music that I write I write music for sad people and broken hearts," said Branyik As the market continues to attract curious onlookers and devoted seafood enthusiasts Branyik at Pike Place Fish Market remains a shining example of passion and artistry — both in her fish-throwing expertise and her soulful melodies whether you're there for the world-famous seafood or a glimpse of the fish-tossing spectacle brace yourself for an unforgettable experience that's uniquely Hillary the multitalented fishmonger with a song in her heart and a good head on her shoulders WATCH |Behind the bouquet: Hmong Flower Farmers of Pike Place Market Maddison Newell is Seattle Refined's associate producer. She can be reached at mlnewell@sbgtv.com Follow her on Instagram. Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights 09:55am ESTShareSaveComment@font-face{font-family: "Schnyder"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Merriweather"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Euclid"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/euclidcircularb/euclidcircularb-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/euclidcircularb/euclidcircularb-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: 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Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica Neue",Corbel,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;}A still from the L'Oréal Paris Oscars spot starring Samantha Win with her glamorous red gown and hair and makeup coming through intact an incredibly accomplished stunt performer whose grit and resilience inspire us L’Oréal Paris has always been dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in cinema through initiatives like our ‘Lights on Women’ Awards that we host at the Cannes Film Festival where we been a sponsor for nearly 30 years The awards encourage promising female short film directors to pursue their creative ambitions Activating during the Academy Awards is a natural fit that allows us to further our mission of spotlighting incredible women in the industry.” MNTN and Samsung teamed up to each run six thrilling 30-second ad spots during the Oscars (Samsung aired two spots) showcasing over 75 stunt performers executing a range of daring feats from skydiving to high falls to fight scenes and much more “We truly believe in the power of collaboration,” Branik says “Joining forces on this initiative has allowed us to amplify this campaign’s message in a much larger way while also creating something impactful and memorable for viewers Working alongside [these] major brands has given us an even larger platform to elevate the stunt performers who are so deserving of this spotlight Our hope is that viewers recognize not only the importance of the stunt community in the entertainment industry as whole but also the tremendous impact and impressive dedication that goes into their work.” Stunt doubles for A-listers like Hugh Jackman Anya Taylor-Joy and Ryan Reynolds took center stage to illustrate how crucial their role is in bringing daring feats and action to life in Hollywood Even every background role in the commercials was played by stunt performers The Advertising Stunt was created by Disney Advertising More Media and Really Original to give long-overdue recognition to stunt performers in the industry Stuntwoman Samantha Win stars in the L'Oréal Paris Oscars spot our ultimate goal is to empower women everywhere and remind them that they’re worth it and we believe in celebrating those who push boundaries and redefine what's possible,” Branik says “Stunt performers are the unsung heroes of the entertainment world courage and artistry in every action they take—they truly personify our ‘Because I’m Worth It’ tagline we honor their dedication to making the impossible seem effortless reminding everyone that true beauty lies in resilience passion and the power to overcome challenges both on screen and in life.” Samantha is also an existing fan of the brand—and the Setting Mist—which lends such a nice synergy to our collaboration as well.” Win has been featured in films such as Wonder Woman and Justice League The L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist L'Oréal Paris worked in partnership with Disney Advertising from concepting to execution “They are such a creative powerhouse and working together allowed us to come up with an ad spot that gives Samantha and stunt work the recognition they deserve while also effectively speaking to our product,” Branik says “The goal of the spot was to put our viral Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist to the ultimate torture test—a full day on set as a stunt performer We loved the concept of smashing through glass in the rain as it not only showcases Samantha’s incredible stunt work and athleticism but also perfectly portrays the Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist’s efficacy through even the most challenging of activities.” and it’s the #1 setting spray on Amazon and #2 setting spray on TikTok “It has quickly become one of our top performers,” Branik says “We wanted to spotlight it for this ad specifically because of the natural link between the product and the stunt activity and stunt performers need their makeup to hold up through even the most challenging elements Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist was the natural choice for this as it really is the product that our artists reach for to ensure that their makeup stays put A still from the L'Oréal Paris Oscars spot Branik is personally a fan of the product as well “I love this mist for so many reasons,” she says “The super-fine spray is one of my favorite qualities about it because it really is so easy to use and gives the most even application It feels weightless on the skin and after I use it I know that my makeup won’t budge regardless of how crazy my day may get.” “Having the opportunity to meaningfully spotlight stunt performers like Samantha has been the highlight of this initiative,” she says “Their community is so pivotal in the overall success of Hollywood yet they are so underrepresented and under-acknowledged Giving a platform to their hard work is so rewarding for us and our hope is that the spotlight we’re shining on these performers will only continue to strengthen moving forward This project has also helped us further our brand mission of empowering women which is at the forefront of everything we do.” Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media Housing demand in Prague shows no signs of slowing with buyers looking for central locations as well as quieter areas on the city’s outskirts and in neighboring regions we’ll share new listings for house hunters that fit the bill from renovated flats or villas in historic districts to modern developments in growing residential areas This selection of properties now on the Czech market highlights seven standouts: A duplex in Malá Strana with panoramic views and new residential developments in Holešovice Attractive as primary residences or for investors these homes represent a range of amenities a new development in the construction phase offers a selection of stylish apartments in a serene yet well-connected neighborhood Just a 10-minute train ride to Smíchov and only minutes from the local railway station the development features modern architecture ranging from one-bedroom units to spacious family apartments This contemporary one-bedroom penthouse in Braník offers 102 sqm of living space across two levels The unit is outfitted with high-end HANAK furniture a fully equipped kitchen with Bosch appliances providing breathtaking views of the Vltava Valley and close proximity to public transport and local amenities this penthouse blends modern living and practicality a new residential development in Prague 7’s dynamic Holešovice district offers 150 modern apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units Some apartments feature loft-style layouts while the top-floor residences offer sweeping views of Stromovka Park and the Prague skyline Situated in the up-and-coming Bubny-Zátory area MUSE7 is not just a place to live but a thriving community hub This 90-square-meter apartment is located in Prague Marina one of the trendy Holešovice district's most coveted developments the 3kk unit features a spacious living area A charming balcony offers views of the quiet riverside setting This three-bedroom duplex in Malá Strana offers 154 square meters of living space over two levels featuring a terrace with sweeping city views The main floor includes an open-plan living and dining area including a master suite with a walk-in dressing room leading to the private terrace Additional highlights include air-conditioning Ideally located near Petřín and the city center offers modern apartments ideal for those seeking a tranquil retreat with easy access to the city The development features one- to five-bedroom units with stylish designs and a welcoming community suited to a variety of lifestyles MOSAIQ Beroun promises is a commuter’s dream Villa Belaire is a three-story residence in Prague 5 The villa offers modern design and spacious interiors ideal for both relaxation and entertaining a private garden with a terrace and outdoor kitchen and the option to add a wellness area or cinema the home ensures privacy while remaining conveniently close to the city and essential amenities the villa also includes an interior elevator for added convenience Your morning coffee deserves a great companion. 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News from Czechia, curated insights, and inspiring stories in English. is inviting bids for the upgrade of a bridge to allow rail diversions while a historic structure is replaced Správa železnic said that the Vyšehrad Rail Bridge in Prague is at the limit of its serviceability and that traffic restrictions are being introduced to enable it to remain in use for some services A tender has been issued for the double-tracking of the Braník Bridge (below) which will allow trains to be diverted during the planned reconstruction of the Vyšehrad Rail Bridge The historic Vyšehrad railway bridge carries two tracks over the Vltava are laterally attached to its steel trusses The bridge between Smíchov and Výtoní has been the subject of various detailed surveys studies in recent years including a report by Cowi and WaltGalmarini published in 2021 Cowi and WaltGalmarini had recommended retaining the bridge; their report said that its historic and heritage character is of considerable value to the city of Prague and that serious consideration should be given to converting it to a pedestrian crossing or operating just a single rail track Sign up to get our twice-monthly email update ALL INFO ON PANTHERS’ FIRST OUTING OF THE SEASON SCHEDULE – Zoppas Arena Conegliano Saturday Dresdner Sportclub 1898 (GER) vs Volleyball Club OTP Banka Branik (SLO) 8:00 p.m Prosecco Doc Imoco Volley Conegliano vs Zeleznicar Lajkovac (SRB) Sunday FINAL 1st-2nd PLACE WAY TO BUY TICKETS: Online on the www.vivaticket.com At Vivaticket outlets (look for the one nearest you: https://shop.vivaticket.com/ita/ricercapv) In Treviso: Tabaccheria Granziera Via Montello 58/A – 0422 304614 In Conegliano: Jungle Records Via Matteotti 31 – 0438 410746 In Camalò di Povegliano (TV): Valerio Zanatta Elettrodomestici 1 – 0422 772066 In Montebelluna: Compact Disc 38/B – 0423 300377 In Sacile: DISCORSO SNC Via Garibaldi 36 33077 SACILE (PN) – 0434 781324 Zoppas Arena cash registers open one hour before the start of the first game ticket is valid for one day’s game (two games) The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays The cross pinnacle on the Tower of Jesus Christ will be ready to receive visitors in 2026 on the centennial of Gaudi’s death Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass Steffen Romstöck said that he would respect the residents’ choice and would take over the helm of the municipality which will come into force from 1 January 2025 Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape But operating them is still illegal under the country’s legislation can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition it has a unique modular design that allows it to be shortened and lengthened like a train that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region the ranking considers several distinct but essential factors these quiet areas will now be available on all main routes in the country The academic institution shows a deeper understanding of the well-being of its students Thanks to a co-financed project between the municipality of Nova Gorica and the Slovenian Ministry of Culture The Castle in Branik known as Rihemberk Castle dates back to the XIII century It is located close to the town of Nova Gorica It is one of the most beautiful castles in this part of Europe and is a mix of different architecture styles – mainly Roman and Baroque Each remodeling or renovation during the centuries added something new to this enchanting building The town of Nova Gorica is one of the candidates for European Capital of Culture for 2025 and the preparatory works have already started As part of the cultural heritage of the area the Rihemberk Castle must undergo renovation The project is partially co-financed by the Ministry of Culture of Slovenia The total value of the project is 326,000 Euro divided in half between the Municipality of Nova Gorica and the Slovenian  Ministry of Culture The main renovation works must be completed before the beginning of the summer season Rihemberk Castle is a big tourist attraction in the area with more than 4,000 visitors during the warm periods of the year with individual walks organized guides as well as adventurous tours available to tourists The works include a renovation of the buildings’ walls and the roofing of three towers – the entrance building’s tower present the rich cultural heritage of the region and create new attractions within the castle to attract more visitors One of the future plans is to open an information center with audio and video presentation of Rihemberk and Natura 2000 sites the Municipality of Nova Gorica will continue looking for new financial opportunities to sustain the repair and renovation works in the next few years The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital A man who kidnapped and carjacked a La Mesa teen-ager with hypodermic needles held to his neck which he said contained the AIDS virus was sentenced on Nov “It was the maximum sentence,” said Deputy District Attorney Matthew Carberry The complicated sentencing of Thomas Johnson was imposed by El Cajon Superior Court Judge Evan Kirvin which added staggering terms because of Johnson’s criminal history as a “third strike” defendant according to his former attorney who informed the court early in his case after charges were filed involving the March 28 2016 incident to a 17-year-old student from Grossmont High School “I will stab you with these needles that have AIDS,” the teen testified that Johnson told him making a criminal threat and car theft involving the teen on March 6 They also convicted him of robbery of an elder attempted robbery and reckless evasion of police after the victim escaped testified in the March trial that Johnson approached him outside a taco restaurant in the 8300 block of Parkway Drive in La Mesa Johnson then pulled out the needles and held them to his neck Brown testified he was forced to drive Johnson around for 40 minutes Johnson stopped and began snorting cocaine Brown said he punched Johnson in the jaw and escaped from his 2000 Ford Ranger truck Johnson drove off in his truck and committed other crimes before he crashed into a freeway construction site Kirvin ordered Johnson to pay $4,000 in restitution to the victim and his lost possessions including his wallet “He (Branik) is relieved now that this has concluded,” said Carberry Johnson has prior convictions for aggravated robbery in 2011 aggravated carjacking in 2006 and attempted robbery in 2004 The trial had been delayed because of concerns over Johnson’s mental competency and he spent some time at a state psychiatric facility until he regained his mental fitness to stand trial Man accused of accessory in body-in-the-bay case Jury deliberations continued this week in the murder accessory trial of an El Cajon man who is suspected of helping his friend dump a body in a 55-gallon drum in San Diego Bay owns the boat that was seen on traffic surveillance cameras as it was towed from El Cajon with his friend Two boaters discovered the floating barrel on Oct Police discovered it contained the body of Omar Medina who was Cook’s roommate at his Chula Vista home told jurors there was no evidence that Spurgeon knew a body was in the barrel and asked them to acquit him of being an accessory after the fact Deputy District Attorney Cherie Somerville asked the 10-man two-woman jury to convict Cook of first-degree murder 26 after being instructed by San Diego Superior Court Judge Carolyn Caietti and were off until Dec conceded that Cook put the body inside the barrel because traffic cameras showed him and Spurgeon driving from El Cajon with the white barrel on the boat “He didn’t make the right decision when he found his body,” said Oien “He was trying to avoid this situation–of being on trial for murder.” Neither Spurgeon or Cook testified and they both remain in jail Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful and desirable cities to live in boasting excellent quality of life and countless architectural gems While the city is famous for its historic buildings and storied history it’s also home to a thriving luxury property market with old and new buildings fitted out to respond to modern innovations A major name in this segment for nearly two decades has been Empirent a family-owned developer and property manager of over 200 furnished apartments in Prague Empirent gained a strong reputation thanks to its detailed approach to interior design and property development as well as its provision of high-end apartments to Prague’s long-term and short-term rental markets Empirent has now been rebranded to TKC Group; yet the company’s innovative approach to luxury property remains the same As TKC Group pursues its current flagship renovation project on Prague’s Mánesova street in Vinohrady Expats.cz spoke to the company about the Prague real estate market and TKC Group’s ambitious future plans TKC Group’s extensive restoration of a historic building in Prague’s fashionable Vinohrady district is representative of its sensitive approach to luxury real estate Located close to some of the city’s most famous sites and parks as well as Vinohrady’s wealth of trendy restaurants Mánesova 82 will bring to the market luxury spaces in a Prague district that’s famous for its high quality of life Vinohrady is one of the most lucrative and desirable districts not just in Prague “We want to breathe new life into this beautiful historic building and contribute to the special atmosphere experienced by all residents of Vinohrady.” Mánesova 82 will be brought into the modern age thanks to renovation works designed by a renowned architectural office the addition of new balconies facing into the rear courtyard The end result will be 17 modern apartments in sizes ranging from 2+1 to 5+1 with the largest apartment to be found in the loft extension Apartments will come with a private terrace facing on to the improved inner courtyard and tasteful interior designs exuding understated elegance “This project is an example of one of our long-term goals – providing clients with a truly unique living experience,” explains Michaela Vinohrady is renowned as one of Europe’s most desirable neighborhoods and a similar statement could be made about Prague as a whole The added value of Prague as a place to live is one of the main considerations for buyers and renters of luxury property in the city “Prague offers residents a wealth of amenities it has excellent transport links and a highly regarded healthcare system The list of Prague’s plus-points is almost endless,” she says that expats seeking luxury living opportunities view Prague as a prime destination as do expats looking to rent property while living abroad Prague’s success in creating great living conditions for foreigners “is proven by the fact that a significant proportion of our tenants are expats who have chosen Prague as their home.” TKC Group offers a wide range of apartments for sale in prime city center locations including options for buy-to-let investment arrangements The company meanwhile manages two boutique hotels: the Old Royal Post in Prague’s Malá Strana located outside Prague in the Central Bohemian Highlands TKC offers many modern residencies for short-term rentals Long-term luxury rental properties offered by TKC Group can be found at prime Prague addresses in Vinohrady the rebranding of Empirent to TKC Group after many years of operations does not signify a change in its approach to luxury real estate or customer service; it’s a streamlining designed to assist current and potential clients but our portfolio now encompasses various activities and projects that we aim to consolidate and unify under a single brand,” she explains “We believe this step will be beneficial not just for us They’ll find it easier to navigate through our entire range of activities and find the best offer for them.” The TKC Group rebranding comes as a result of growth and an expanded range This success is built upon relationships of trust; according to Michaela “what’s crucial is providing a professional and personal approach in which we emphasize an individual connection with our clients.” This philosophy has made TKC Group a market leader as Prague continues to provide excellent value luxury real estate the company is set to deliver even more special opportunities for buying and renting beautiful homes in the Czech capital This article was written in cooperation with TKC Group . Read more about our partner content policies here. Calcit Volley overcame Nova KBM Branik in the 2020-21 Slovenian national championship final with three victories from three matches and claimed a second consecutive title in the competition. SIP Šempeter completed the podium. Calcit Volley celebrated their fifth championship title after three straight victories over Nova KBM Branik in the final series of the 2020-21 »Sportklub prva odbojkarska liga«. The best two Slovenian teams of the last decade faced each other six times this season, with Calcit Volley ending as the winner on every occasion. A post shared by Odbojkarska zveza SLO (@slo_volley) The final series was interrupted by a 12-day lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic after the team from Kamnik claimed its first two wins The team from Maribor led by two sets in the decisive match but Calcit Volley boosted their performance for a comeback and another 3-2 win we didn’t find our way back to the competitive rhythm after 18 days of break but when it was most necessary my team stepped together players started believing in each other again I am happy that we ended this unpredictable final series in this way I am really sorry that our fans weren’t allowed to cheer for us in the hall but I believe that they will be back with us already in the next season,” said Calcit Volley head coach Gregor Rozman Slovenia’s top volleyball players will have no time to rest The national team will gather this week at its training base in Kranjska Gora and start preparing for the 2021 CEV EuroVolley qualifiers The men’s part of the competition will also be played shortly after the conclusion of the national championship in Slovenia ACH Volley Ljubljana lead by 2-0 in wins against Merkur Maribor while Calcit Volley have already claimed third place The FIVB is the governing body responsible for all forms of Volleyball on a global level Working closely with national federations and private enterprises to develop Volleyball as a popular media and entertainment sport FIVB Fédération Internationale de Volleyball Château Les Tourelles Edouard-Sandoz 2-4 1006 Lausanne Switzerland Phone: +41 213 453 535 Fax: +41 213 453 545 Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab) Leave empty if the image is purely decorative Days are getting longer and the weather is warming As Czechia enters outdoor concert and festival season the City of Prague is revisiting a proposal to regulate noise from outdoor events after 10 p.m. with the possibility of granting exceptions for certain areas The municipality says it wants to better regulate noise levels while granting venues the chance to extend some events by one hour The draft decree has sparked debate among city officials and residents who are concerned about potential noise disturbances City councilor Adam Zábranský is leading the renewed effort to establish clearer rules for outdoor musical performances He noted that the proposal would apply across Prague and include specific provisions for exceptions where noise is less of a concern "The decree would directly mention music; operators would no longer be able to argue that music does not constitute noise," Zábranský said referring to a legal loophole that has allowed some venues to bypass noise restrictions since 2015 Under the new draft event organizers expecting more than 300 attendees would be required to notify authorities in advance The decree would also introduce specific exceptions that allow music to continue beyond the standard 10 p.m potentially extending performances to 11 p.m it also provides for the possibility of shortening musical events in areas with heightened noise concerns The issue of concert noise regulation first gained traction around four years ago when the Covid-19 pandemic forced concerts to move from the Lucerna Music Bar to the open-air Ledárny Braník venue in Prague 4 due to protective measures Local residents lodged complaints about recurring loud music prompting then-councilor for legislation Hana Kordová Marvanová to draft a decree focused solely on the area who previously handled noise complaints as a councilor for legislation “The proposed bill does not contain any provisions to address excessive or recurring events,” she said during a recent city council meeting many local residents complained of late-night noise The council will review feedback from the comment process in its next meeting where potential amendments may be introduced Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device The ongoing saga of where Alfons Mucha’s Slav Epic will be permanently placed in Prague has a new chapter The Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR Praha) has narrowed the selection to seven places where the 20 canvases of the Slavic Epic could be permanently placed in the future The three most promising are Pankrácké náměstí, the Savarin building near Wenceslas Square The next step is to select a coordinator who will move the final site selection process forward Savarin Palace on Na Příkopě / via Wikimedia Commons Prague’s management asked IPR to prepare an analysis with an overview of locations suitable for the location of a pavilion for the Slav Epic (Slovanská epopej) The analysis presented individual locations in Prague and assessed them according to uniform criteria seven of which were seen as suitable for more detailed consideration the Slavic Epic has been waiting for a dignified permanent placement We want to end this uncertainty about its future which is why we have started a discussion with the professional public which is also attended by the descendants of Alfons Mucha we have been working together to ensure that this magnificent work finds its home in Prague according to the author’s wishes,” City Councilor Hana Třeštíková (Praha sobě) The evaluation criteria included availability estimated complexity and time of preparation we now have a better overview of the places where the Slav Epic could find its home I am glad that the locations in the center and outside it were included in the narrow selection I believe that we will be able to choose a place that will correspond to the significance of this work,” Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (United Force for Prague) As one of the most suitable options was Pankrácké náměstí, whose land is largely owned by the Prague Congress Centre whose shareholders include the Czech Republic and the Capital City of Prague Other suitable places include the Savarin and Ledárny Braník buildings In the case of choosing one of these two locations it would be necessary to establish the form of cooperation with the owners IPR assumes that it will prepare an urban study of Pankráckého náměstí in the near future it would be appropriate to include the possibility of placing the exposition of the Slavic Epic in the examination “I believe that this detailed study will move Prague significantly further in deciding on the location of Mucha’s epic We want this historically valuable work to be returned to our capital,” IPR director Ondřej Boháč said The four other places is among the top seven candidates were the former rail station nádraží Vyšehrad former industrial site Pragovka and the southern city district Háje Another step leading to the selection of the final place for the location of the Slav Epic is the selection of the coordinator who should initiate the introductory meeting and National Memorial at Vítkov / via Raymond Johnston Ownership of the Slav Epic had been the subject of a long legal battle The Slav Epic was painted between 1910 and ’28 Mucha devoted the latter half of his artistic career to this work while he was working on the design for the interior of the Pavilion of Bosnia-Herzegovina which had been commissioned by the Austro-Hungarian government for the Paris Exhibition of 1900 researching the history and customs of the Slavs A key role in creating the paintings was played by Mucha’s American patron Charles Crane who offered him $100,000 to finally paint the works The Slav Epic was created in Mucha’s rented studio at Zbiroh castle The finished canvases were turned over to the City of Prague as they were completed Some of the paintings were displayed at the end of 2018 and start of 2019 in Prague’s Obecní dům and in Brno, South Moravia, following a successful tour of Japan. The entire epic was last displayed in Prague at Veletržní palác in 2016. Current plans call for it to be temporarily returned to Moravský Krumlov. magazineenczPrague yesterdayENMarie Valentová03/08/2022The best place to swim used to be the Vltava River Prague’s floating lidos were a step ahead of EuropeThere was a time when the people of Prague would spend sweltering days in one place in particular – by the river While the Vltava continues to function as a natural cooling corridor to this day we have largely forgotten that it is possible to swim in it and that its banks used to be lined with lidos Why did people stop swimming in the Vltava and what rules used to apply to recreation by the water And what made Prague’s bathing spots stand out from others in Europe The Civic and Military Lido pictured in 1880 Locals took such a liking to swimming in the Vltava that they formed a citizens’ initiative and campaigned for a new lido next door The Civic Lido opened in 1840 on the site where Josef Ondřej Kranner’s neoclassical building still stands today Following its reconstruction and expansion in 1876 it also offered a restaurant and clubhouse After the Rudolf Footbridge was built where the Mánes Bridge spans the river today inhabitants from the opposite bank could also easily reach the venue Visitors had access to three single-sex pools The iron Rudolf Footbridge (left) made it accessible to the inhabitants of Prague’s New Town Slovanka skirted half of Žofín (or Slovanský ostrov as the island is also known and by 1975 it ran along almost its entire length the Vyšehrad river resort was established by Jan Podlipný the first president of the Czech Sokol movement who later became mayor of Prague This site lacked the riverside facilities boasted by the lidos further downstream given that there was no sewage system at this time and wastewater from the city was discharged into the river this upstream site had the advantage of being much cleaner than other parts of the Vltava showers and bucket toilets could cater to as many as 800 guests A plank fence separated them from the surroundings so that the sight of half-naked swimmers would not offend other inhabitants’ sensibilities The resort inspired entrepreneurial ventures and initiatives to open up further out of the city beyond the promontory known as the Vyšehrad Rock Boasting less polluted water and plenty of open space Podolí soon became a top summer destination the most popular lidos began to appear upstream a citizens’ association established the first Podolí resort with a capacity of some 10,000 visitors and the necessary facilities complemented the pools The venue became known as the Yellow Resort after the colour of its fence railway employees opened the new Podolí resort which was half the size and tended to target more affluent customers People referred to it as the Blue Resort because The rival businesses were eventually merged by the post-1948 nationalisation drive The now-bigger Yellow Resort then remained hugely popular until almost the 1990s Visitors could hire cabanas for the whole season enjoy the many sports facilities and even bump into film stars The swimmer František Mejzlík and his wife built another establishment beyond the Vyšehrad Rock it descended on terraces to the river behind the Podolí harbour on the site of what today is the Podolka restaurant The lido was later operated by the founders’ children until nationalisation took it away from them Explore CAMP's expert curated audio content on Bloomberg Connects For a moment I thought it was a distant hoot of joy from some weekend reveler, but then I heard the unmistakable rhythmic throb of the engine and I realized my mistake. The coal-black train pulled into view. The whistle screeched—quite distinctly train-like up close—and the wheels joined in as it came to a stop. I was about to take a trip along the famous Czech rail route—Posázavský Pacifik There was still the little matter of my ticket Choose your own adventureThere are two points of sale for the journey: the international ticket window at Masarykovo Nádraží and Braník Nádraží (fares must be paid in cash) While many people take the train from Braník Prague riding for three hours to Sázava-Černé Budy (240 CZK for a return ticket) or for another hour to Kácov (280 CZK return) I wanted a shorter trip from Čerčany to Sázava-Černé Budy (100 CZK one way) which allow some flexibility in starting points but as luck would have it the sales clerk didn’t have the ticket I needed she could sell me a reservation ticket for 20 CZK So I had a place—just not the ticket for the journey Posázavský Pacifik is the name for a recreational historical route following the Sázava River which courses through the hilly countryside of Central Bohemia The route’s name originates in the tramping sub-culture Various cottages along the route were named after places from the Pacific Coast of America I saw a lot of train enthusiasts who snapped and filmed the locomotive pulling in I was to see many more of them waiting for the train along its path Where else can they (almost) hang from the windows and wave wildly to total strangers who happily wave back seems an almost mandatory part of the trip The fact that kids up to six years of age travel free is another draw card As usual, my worrying was for nothing. I managed to get a ticket and found my place in the old-style wagon. The fittings, though a little worn, were definitely authentic, dating back to the fifties. The engine was even older. It is one of the two 464.1 models which were built in 1940 was nicknamed “ušatá” meaning “eared” on account of the panels on the side of the smoke box which guided the flow of smoke The steam engine can manage up to 90 kph though the journey was much more leisurely Much is made about Czech “unfriendliness” or “reserve” But dotted along the tracks I saw broad smiles and people enthusiastically waving It was hard not to notice how this old train seemed to touch people Maybe it represents a simpler time for them Maybe it’s the novelty of something quite old Not that I spent the whole trip pondering national characteristics I spent quite a bit of time zoning out and just enjoying the cool air pouring into the window a fire engine was waiting to fill the locomotive’s 7,000 liter boiler Our stop was a good chance to see just how many people were involved in running the machine I counted about five other sooty-faced engineers One even added oil to the wheels with an old-fashioned oil can I hoped to speak with the chief driver but he was reluctant and after promising to answer some questions he wandered off a group of three young volunteer conductors were happy to speak with me one responded that trains had been a love through his whole life Assuming I was disappointed with such a succinct answer he quickly said that his reason was that simple His fellow volunteer added that working on the train gave him an opportunity to connect with the past and share that connection with other people All three expressed a desire to one day drive the train They explained that quite a bit of training is involved A person has to have a background in electrical engineering and be in good physical shape they were happy to work as conductors in their free-time The very last trip of the year on August 31 gives passengers a chance to see how archaeologists work and even try using a medieval mill Apart from this old-school puffer, diesel engines also travel along the route but the steamers have an undeniable romantic appeal evident from the small crowd who’d gathered to see the train off Sometimes you just need to enjoy a slower pace Basic Information:Tickets available from Masarykovo Nádraží and Braník NádražíRound trip to Sázava-Černé Budy 240 CZKRound trip to Kácov 280 CZKSeat reservation 20 CZK The next trains depart July 6 and August 17 and 31, 2013 from Prague Braník to Kácov. Timetables and other information available at ticket outlets and here.Note that fares must be paid in cash The Malta Society of Arts in Valletta will be hosting a jazz performance on Wednesday March 20 at 7pm with music from the 20th century up to the 21st century This concertino will range from contemporary music to classic and modern jazz classic and jazz pianist specialising in film composition of Maltese origins living and performing in Prague and Germany The event will also feature a percussionist and a double bass player Bonnici will perform his own composition called A Night in Branik which can currently be heard across cinemas in Prague as part of the film Piano Crossroads “A Night in Branik is a composition I worked on for a movie with director Jacob Zahradnik for Piano Crossroads filmed in Prague when Prague was a disaster like everywhere else no clubs and nowhere to go,” Bonnici said.  “I would like to encourage the Maltese to come to our mini concert that will be performed at the Sala dei Cavalieri at Palazzo de la Salle in Valletta,” he added Bonnici’s latest performance comes after his successful last concert at the Malta Society of Arts and says he is looking forward to give audiences another occasion to listen to live film jazz music.  Tickets for the concert are available from ticketline.com.mt please register for free or log in to your account Bray's Zac Naughton in action against Peter Zavacky of Slovakia in the Boys Singles Round 1 during 2023 Summer European Youth Olympic Festival at the Branik Tennis Club in Maribor Bray’s Zac Naughton produced some fine tennis at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Maribor but came up short against high-quality opposition in both singles and doubles competitions Joining Zac in the boys doubles was Westport’s Eoghan Jennings and the pair started strong by winning the opening set against Turkish pair of Aren Baybars and Doruk Calikoglu their classy opponents fought hard to win the second set forcing the match into a tiebreak which the Irish pair ultimately losing Zac Naughton celebrates winning a point against Peter Zavacky of Slovakia “In the first set we really took the game to them we didn’t let them play their tennis,” said Zac In the second our concentration went which allowed them to get back into the game the tiebreak can be a fifty-fifty and unfortunately it didn’t go our way,” he added Zac Naughton was also in action on the first day of this significant event on the youth calendar which replicates the Olympic multi-sport model The Bray boy’s battle against Slovakian player Peter Zavacky went down to the wire with the Wicklow player ultimately losing 2-1 in a gutsy match that could have gone either way Zvacky powered back with a 7-6 win in the second set and the final and deciding set saw the Irish fifteen-year-old lose out with a 6-4 defeat after a long day on the court “It was a tough match and a long day,” said Zac “We had been there since ten o’clock in the morning because all the matches were very long he started playing a lot better and won it in a tie-break LifestyleLove is taking to two wheels at Bike Week in WicklowBike Week is set to bring love to Wicklow town next week as a tandem singles cycle is among the features of a huge evening festival.