A Car from Santa Claus?

Compiled by Bartosz Grzybiński

Christmas has always been a very festive celebration in Poland. Due to the country’s ethnic homogeneity, these holidays are inseparably connected with the Catholic faith and its rites and traditions. Christmas is a time of joy, spent together at the Christmas table with the family. It is also a time of giving gifts to our loved ones! Who has not waited for a gift left under the Christmas tree by Santa Claus!?

What if you dreamed a little bit and asked him for a really special gift? Like a car, for example? Santa Claus would have an easy job, because there are several hundred models on the market, from different automotive segments, with different body versions, of different sizes. Cars debuting on the market as well as those launched several years ago are available with internal combustion, diesel, hybrid or increasingly popular electric engines, as single-axle or 4×4 versions, not to mention body colors and a virtually unlimited choice of optional equipment. Today customers can buy a unique car, individually equipped to suit their own taste: a car that no one else has! There is definitely something for everyone out there, but if you need help, you will find some hints below.

My wish for Santa Claus is that he deliver only well-chosen gifts, and for you – that you may find the keys to your dream car among them! Despite everything, in spite of what is going on around us - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

RENAULT ZOE

The Renault ZOE is a 5-door urban class (B) hatchback. It debuted on the market in 2012. In the fall of 2019 it underwent a thorough modernization. The model is 4.08 m long and has a 2.58 m wheelbase. The capacity of the trunk is 338 l. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 22 kWh. The 88 hp electric motor allows you to accelerate to 100 km/h in 13.5 seconds and drive at a maximum speed of 135 km/h. The maximum range is about 400 km. The new ZOE has a modernized interior, the upholstery is made of recycled materials. There is also an urban driving mode: B-mode (power recovery control). An older version of the engine (108 hp) will remain in the offer, also combined with a bigger battery. As standard, the ZOE is equipped with ABS with EBD, front and side airbags, automatic emergency brake lights, ESC, ASR and CSV, Isofix, automatic air conditioning, electric windscreen control, an R-Link multimedia system with a 7-inch touch screen, satellite navigation, a 4-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 radio with Bluetooth and USB, SD and Jack, a brake energy recovery system, Eco mode and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Priced from PLN 122,000.

FORD PUMA

The Ford Puma is a 5-door crossover from the B segment. It debuted in 2019, but has only been on the market for a few months. It is based on the floor plate and many construction and equipment elements of the Fiesta model. It is 4.1 meters long and has a 2.5-meter wheelbase. The compact body is distinguished by an attractive and currently fashionable design based on making small crossovers resemble cars from the SUV segment. Hence the car’s dynamic shape, with an optically raised body, small window surfaces, a large grille and lights. Despite the body’s small size, the trunk holds 456 liters, and a deep compartment with a drain plug(!), hidden under the floor, can be used to carry unusually wet and dirty things. The drives include three-cylinder 1.0 Eco Boost gasoline engines with 95/125 hp and 200 hp (!) in the ST version, and a 120 hp 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine. Power is carried to the front axle by a 6-speed manual gearbox. A 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid with 125 or 155 hp is also available. This model is one of the first electrified vehicles that Ford introduced to the market as part of the “Go Electric” concept. Under the hood is the advanced EcoBoost system with 48-volt soft-hybrid installation.

Prices start under PLN 70,000.

KIA STINGER

The Kia Stinger is a 5-door liftback from the D segment. It debuted on the market in 2017. The brand’s flagship model designed by former BMW stylists and engineers is 4.83 meters long and has a wheelbase of 2.9 meters. The body of the car is very attractive and resembles a Gran Tourismo-type limousine. The dynamic body line and stylistic details such as additional air intakes on the hood and side mudguards or quadruple exhaust pipe outlets betray the car’s sporting character. Indeed, this car does provide a lot of sporting excitement. Under the hood you can find inline, turbocharged engines: the 245 hp gasoline 2.0T GDi and the 200 hp diesel 2.2 CRDi. The strongest version with a 3.3-liter V6 engine has 366 hp. Power in all the engine versions is transmitted via an 8-stage rear-axle or dual-axle automatic gearbox (AWD). The standard equipment is quite opulent, and includes elements previously only available in premium cars. Even then, the car can be equipped with several more packages. Many fans of the brand might regret that as of next year, after a facelift, model year 2021 Stingers will only be available with the most powerful V6 engine, with power increased to 370 hp and prices starting from about PLN 239,000. The good news is that you can still find models from the year 2020 with inline units in the brand’s showrooms.

Prices start from PLN 152,000.

VOLVO V90

The Volvo V90 is a 5-door middle-high class (E) estate. The model debuted on the market in 2016. Based on the floor plate of the XC90 II generation model, it is 4.93 meters long, with a 2.94-meter wheelbase and a 560/1526-liter trunk. The silhouette is very attractive. Despite its considerable size, the body is slim and balanced in its proportions, and the front part with air intake to the radiator (grille) and T-shaped reversed LED lamps (Thor’s hammer), together with the rear lamps that deeply overlap the trunk lid, are already characteristic and distinctive stylistic elements of the brand. The drive uses turbocharged internal combustion and diesel inline engines with a capacity of 2 liters from the Drive-E family: the gasoline T5 with 254 hp and T6/320 hp, the diesel D4/190 hp and D5/235 hp, and the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid engine with total power of 400 hp. Power is transmitted to the front axle or all-wheel drive (AWD) via a 6-speed manual transmissions or an 8-speed automatic. Even the standard equipment in the basic model versions is very extensive and includes virtually all the elements that affect comfort and, above all, the driving safety offered by Volvo - a brand that has already become synonymous with safety.

Prices start from PLN 222,000.

PORSCHE 911

The Porsche 911 is probably the world’s most famous 2-door middle-class sports car (D). It was first presented in 1963. The 8th-generation model with the 992 factory code was launched in 2018. The new 911 is 4.5 meters long; it is wider, longer and lower than its predecessor, but has the same 2.4-meter wheelbase. The model is available in three body versions: coupé, convertible and T-top (with a folding roof over the front seats). The characteristic style of the body and interior has remained the same for several decades, becoming synonymous with a sports car, and the changes are rather evolutionary. The new model is most easily recognizable by its narrow rear lights connected by a led light strip. These cars feature double-charged, 6-cylinder Boxer-type engines of 3- or 3.8-liter capacity. Depending on the model, they can accelerate the car up to 100 km in 2.7 seconds (Turbo S), but always less than 5 seconds. Power is transferred to the rear axle or two axles (AWD) by means of a 7-speed manual gearbox or an 8-step dual-clutch PDK automatic. The standard equipment of individual models is complete. Still, the optional extras that buyers like to consider can increase the car’s price by up to a half. There are practically no two identical Porsche 911 models on the market!

Prices start from PLN 528,000.

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a 4-door SUV from the middle class (D). This model debuted in 2003. Counting from 2012, the current model is the third generation on the market. The car’s body and interior were given a facelift two years ago. The visually attractive design, especially of the front part, is a strong point of the car, which measures 4.65 meters and has a wheelbase of 2.67 meters, providing a comfortable journey for five adult passengers. The trunk has a capacity of 591/1742 liters. Even the standard equipment of the basic Invite Plus version includes 7 airbags, 16-inch aluminum wheels, daytime running lights and LED rear lights, roof rails, 60:40 folding rear seats, cruise control, two-zone air conditioning, a radio with CD/MP3 and 6 speakers, and a hands-free system with Bluetooth. Options include an electrically operated roof window, leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a 360-degree camera system and the “Mitsubishi Power Sound System” audio system with 6 speakers and an external 510 W amplifier, as well as satellite navigation. The car has a gasoline 2.0 MIVEC 150 hp engine. Power is transmitted to both axles (4WD) through a seamless CVT automatic gearbox. There is also a plug-in hybrid: 2.4 PHEV with total power of 224 hp, with power to both axles (4WD) and a 6-stage automatic gearbox.

Prices start from PLN 141,000.

GREAT GEAR

Compiled by Bartosz Grzybiński

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1/ MiVue™ M760D MiVue™ M760D - Detachable GPS Rider Dash Cam this is the first product on the market fully dedicated to motorcycles. The device allows to record the situation both in front and back of the motorcycle.Dual cams use Sony’s premium STARVIS™ CMOS and are equipped with F1.6 large aperture. Through Mio’s professional image adjustment, the colours are saturated without distortion. Under the dim lights of the starry sky, every detail is displayed more accurately in comparison to be seen with the eye. One-button emergency recording lock file can be easily activated. Main device has a built-in GPS positioning system - able to calibrate time automatically and record cruising tracks. Camera has also a built-in WiFi with point-to-point transmission function. Dash cam can be easily connected to mobile phone to get live-view, downloading and sharing videos. www.mio.com/pl

2/ Continental WinterContact TS 860 S Excellent snow performance for outstanding driving pleasure. Interlocking and interrelation is always a crucial factor when it comes to traction and acceleration on snowy roads. Thanks to the special construction of the traction sipes the pattern always stays flexible for more adaptation on snowy ground. Additionally the new designed snow grooves enhance the collection and compression of snow in the main circumferential grooves which get linked with the snow crystals on the road. This interlocking significantly raises the traction and handling comfort on snow covered roads. Ultimate winter performance enhanced by German technology. www.continental.pl 3/ ZTE MC801A MC801A is the first ZTE second-generation desktop router supporting 5G Stand Alone (SA) technology. This means full support for the available infrastructure of the latest, fifth generation networks, without the need for parallel support of LTE technology. The router is equipped with a multidirectional antenna with 9 dBi gain, enabling high data transmission speeds even at long distances from the base station. This is a very important and useful feature especially today, with still incomplete 5G transmission infrastructure. The device has been awarded with the iF Design Award 2019 for its special design beauty. The upper casing has been decorated with a rosette with an oval slot that allows ventilation. The unique cooling system used here, which does not require a fan, significantly translates into quieter router operation. www.ntt.pl

GEAR

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4/ Xicorr Mistral A watch inspired by a car. The latest product of the Warsaw-based Xicorr company is a casual model of the Mistral watch. As is common at Xicorr, the name and style of their products comes from the history of our automotive industry. The Mistral is a special version of the Polonez car - export version. Its characteristic feature was the appearance of the dashboard, where the “gril” reigned supreme. This characteristic dashboard design, designed by Zbigniew Watson at that time has been considered not only innovative, but also extravagant. The presented model of the watch with a red dial has a characteristic square figures on the dial, a description of the minutes on the outer ring and hour markers on the edge of the central square. With fairly wide hands, the watch provides easy and reliable reading of indications. The graphic design of the dial and the entire set of indications perfectly correspond to the Mistral dashboard. Both the shape of the case and the look of the watch are similar to Polish native Polonez car. www.odczasudoczasu.pl

5/ Healy Healy is a microcurrent medical device that has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration only for local relief of acute, chronic, and arthritis pain and muscle soreness due to overexertion. Healy also has non-medical applications that use Individualized Microcurrent Frequencies (IMF) to harmonize your Bioenergetic Field. Experience your Healy Frequencies! www.iHerbs.store/healy

6/ Blender Blendtec Blendtec Designer 725 is a perfect combination of power, precision and classy style. Unique touch control panel, not unlike that of high-end smartphones, will immediately catch your eye. There are no physical buttons or dials - just beautiful, smooth and functional surface. Blendtec has 2 significant features that distinguish it from other blenders available on the market. Instead of traditional, sharp blades - thick, hammer-like propeller, that smashes ingredients instead of cutting them. The practical advantages of this is it won’t dull (since it’s blunt already) and loose it’s effectiveness, plus you don’t have to be afraid of cutting yourself while cleaning. Instead of traditional, rounded jar - rectangular type, that provides more accurate blending without noticeable particles. Ingredients don’t circulate around the jar, but are bouncing off the walls and get back to the blending vortex. Thanks to this, Blendtec makes the most delicious, velvety smoothie possible. www.zdroweimarkowe.pl

THE

Musical summer in lower silesia

After the Second World War, artistic life was successfully revived in health resorts in Lower Silesia. Music festivals of international rank began to be established. In 1946 the Chopin Festival in Duszniki Zdrój began, in 1962 Moniuszko Festival in Kudowa Zdrój and three years later Henryk Wieniawski Festival in Szczawno Zdrój.

Barbara Deręgowska

International Moniuszko Festival , Photo SowiWeb W ieniawski is one of the most outstanding Polish violinists and composers. The international festivals organized every year are a reference to the artist’s two stays in the years 1855 and 1857 and his concerts in this charming Lower Silesian health resort - former Bad Salzbrunn. During the festival not only the works of the patron but also his brother Józef Wieniawski and his daughter Irena Poldowski are performed. You can also hear works by other European composers of the 19th and 20th century. The concerts are attended by outstanding violinists from Poland and abroad.

This year’s 55th festival took place exceptionally in autumn. Due to the pandemic it was postponed from June to September 10-13. The Inaugural Concert was dedicated to the memory of the recently deceased outstanding conductor Józef Wiłkomirski. Luke Hsu from the USA, winner of the Wieniawski International Violin Competition in Poznań in 2016, played his program sensationally. The audience gathered in the Spa Theatre heard, among others, the Overture to Gioacchino Rossini’s Opera “The Thief’s Magpie”, Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor Op. 22 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat major “Eroica” Op. 55. The soloist was accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra of the Sudeten Philharmonic.

The Spa Theatre hosted the Chamber Concerto. The violin was played by Hanna Pozorska, winner of First Prize at the 17th International G. Ph. Telemann Violin Competition in Poznan. The artist was accompanied by Julita Przybylska-Nowak, a Wrocław-based pianist, soloist and chamber musician. The concert was conducted by Marek Dyżewski, an outstanding expert on music, a great lecturer, known

THE BUZZ

and liked at all Polish music schools. The next day you could hear Dyżewski in the Spa Theatre, where he had a lecture entitled Understanding the phenomenon of Henryk Wieniawski. On the same day in the evening a chamber concert was held, in which Jarosław Nadrzycki, the winner of many prestigious international violin competitions in the world, performed. In addition to Henryk Wieniawski’s works, the program included works by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Benjamin Britten and Wojciech Kilar and his thrilling Orava.

On the last day of the Festival in the afternoon a Promenade Concert was held in the Walking Hall in the Spa Park. The Continuo String Quartet performed, consisting of two violinists: Andrzej Musiał and Urszula Maćkowska, viola player Marianna Piecha and celloist Robert Stencel. The program included works by Wieniawski, Fryderyk Chopin, Antonin Dvorak, Fritz Kreisler and popular melodies from films. The festival ended the same day with the Final Concert at the Spa Theatre, which was performed by Jakub Jakowicz and accompanied by the Silesian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra with the Ukrainian conductor Yaroslav Shemet.

Chopin Festival in Duszniki Zdrój, Arcadi Volodos Chopin Festival in Duszniki Zdrój, Federico Colli

Despite a common pandemic and many adversities, Chopin appeared again this year in Duszniki Zdroj. This time the preparation of the Festival was connected with great unknown, extreme emotions and fears. But it worked. “The Duszniki Festival is one of the first Polish festivals this year that did not give up”, says Piotr Paleczny, the artistic director of the Festival. “The jubilee edition guaranteed a high, international level. The evening recitals were played by eminent artists from all over the world, who have been the festival audience’s favorites for years”. Such names as Szymon Nehring, Yuliana Avdeeva, Federico Colli, Dmitri Alexeev, Jan Jiracek von Arnim, Philippe Giusiano, Arcadi Volodos, Alberto Nose and Kevin Kenner aroused great artistic emotions. Whereas the afternoon recitals at the Chopin Manor House were planned to help young Polish pianists who are preparing to participate in the upcoming Chopin Competition in Warsaw in this difficult period. Another project this year was a series of recitals called Prelude, also a kind of support for talented Polish artistic youth. All the recitals of the young pianists enjoyed great interest of the audience. Both those listening to the concerts in the Chopin Manor House and those sitting on deckchairs in the park and watching direct transmissions of the recitals on a screen. They performed among others: Piotr Alexewicz, Tymoteusz Bies, Adam Kałduński, Kamil Pacholec, Zuzanna Pietrzak, Piotr Pawlak, Jakub Kuszlik and Andrzej Wierciński. The Spa Park, thanks to the loud-

speakers set up, became one big green concert hall during the Festival.

The 58th edition of the International Moniuszko Festival in Kudowa was held at 27-29 August. It is one of the oldest music festivals in Poland. Since 2012 the artistic director is Stanisław Rybarczyk, an outstanding conductor and cultural animator. For more than 50 years the festival has been organized by the Moniuszko Cultural Society, which splendidly presents the work of the great Polish composer. For many years an important partner supporting the project has been the Centre of Culture and Art in Wrocław.

Over the course of several festival days in August, several dozen outstanding singers and musicians, mainly from Polish opera houses, performed. Also artists from Japan and France.

The guest of honour of this year’s Festival is Elżbieta Janowska Moniuszko, a descendant of the father of the national opera Stanisław Moniuszko. She performed during a special meeting and added splendor to the final concert entitled “Moniuszko for fun”.

During the inaugural concert, the audience heard the Lottery in concert version, another premiere of Moniuszko’s youth

Henryk Wieniawski Festival in Szczawno Zdrój Henryk Wieniawski Festival in Szczawno Zdrój

opera. This time in the new editorial office of the score performed by Dr. Swiatlen Niemahaj, a Belarusian musicologist.

The whole festival started with a film adaptation of Halka opera from 1929. Although the film was made in a silent version, the festival audience had the opportunity to listen to the wonderful arias performed live by outstanding singers and the Śląska Opera Orchestra.

During the festival they also had an opportunity to hear the outstanding chamber musician Cantores Minores Wratislavienses and a concert of religious works by Moniuszko and his contemporaries. Attractions included such events as the Kiepurowski balcony concert and meetings with the authors of books about Moniuszko, and also opera director Roberto Skolimowski.

New Horizons and The American Film Festival – this year together

In November, Wrocław hosted Poland’s largest and one of Europe’s largest virtual festivals of the latest feature cinema - a combined 20th edition of the New Horizons IFF and the 11th American Film Festival. During 11 days you could see over 170 films (nearly 140 feature films and 40 short films) from several dozen countries. The vast majority of the titles were screened for the first time in Poland, and individual films could be seen on a special online platform integrated with the nowehoryzonty.pl website. This year, safety is a priority - that is why the organizers invited you to comfortably participate in the event at home.

The combined editions of the festivals were attended by a total of over 122,500 people. There were nearly 40 Q&A meetings with the creators. Through social media channels the viewers participated in discussions with festival guests and followed the materials accompanying the shows.

In the rooms of the New Horizons Cinema and Lower Silesian Film Centre several symbolic but very important screenings took place, organized according to the guidelines of the Chief Sanitary Inspector. At the opening of the New Horizons Festival, a feature-length animation by Mariusz Wilczyński, Kill It and Leave The City, which was made for the first time in Poland, was presented. On the same day Sweat - the latest film by Magnus von Horn

Truth to Power: Barbara Lee Speaks For Me

The Metamorphosis of Birds

from the official selection of this year’s Cannes Festival and the opening section of Oslo/Reykjavik’s famous Gunda by documentary film master Victor Kossakovsky - was shown.

The opening film of the American Film Festival was awarded at the Venice The World to Come Mony Fastvold, with the outstanding Vanessa Kirby and Katherina Waterson in the leading roles. The New Horizons closed with the latest work by Thomas Vinterberg Druk, with the super star Mads Mikkelsen in the lead role. The American Film Festival completed the recording of David Byrne’s legendary American Utopia concert, directed by Spike Lee.

The showcase of the New Horizons are uncompromising films by artists looking for new forms of expression - presented in the competition section. 12 productions from around the world competed for the Grand Prix. Among them there were productions from Lesotho This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection by Lemohang Jeremiah Moseses, Kala Azar by Janis Rafa from Greece, Éden by Ágnes Kocsis from Hungary, Santuário by Joshua Gila from Mexico, and A Metamorphose dos pássaros by Catarina Vasconcelos from Portugal. Poland was represented by Grzegorz Zariczny - Simple things and Filip Jan Rymsza - Komar (Mosquito).

The jury awarded the Grand Prix of Birds Metamorphosis of Catarina Vasconcelos. The Portuguese director’s film was also considered the best by the festival audience.

“For the film-esej, which distils from memory mesmerizing images and constructs in the imagination sensitive words that have the power to control time - tame the past and heal the future. For the visual love letter to all our moms, in which the intimate and private, dragging us into its poetic space, becomes something personal and universal thanks to the power of metaphor and aura of fairy tales. For the humanistic-naturalistic treatise on cultivating human bonds and bonds between man and Nature, reminding us that they permeate in an organic and timeless way, and we, like birds, seas and trees, are one of many components of the Universe. For a work that gives solace and hope, which we all so especially need now,” this is how the jury justified the verdict. The Grand Prix winner received a prize of 15000 euros.

The jury also decided to award a distinction for The Trouble with Being Born directed by Sandra Wollner.

In the competition sections of the American Film Festival - Spectrum and American Docs (22 titles in total) the viewers saw a review of new trends and young talents of American cinema and the most famous documentaries presenting different faces of America. The productions evaluated by the festival audience competed in two categories: feature film and documentary. The Spectrum competition included Danny Madden’s Beast Beast, Freeland Maria Furloni and Kate McLean, and Shiva Baby Emmy Seligman. The award, funded by BNY Mellon in the American Docs section, was contested by: They Call Me Dr. Miami Jean-Simon Chartier, Truth to Power: Barbara Lee Speaks For Me Abby Ginzberg and Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President Mary Wharton.

Traditionally, the AFF jury was the audience. Of the plots in the Spectrum section, Jeremy Hersh’s The Surrogate turned out to be the best.

In the American Docs section the audience chose Truth to Power: Barbara Lee Speaks For Me Abby Ginzberg.

All 34 films from the three competition sections will be available online for viewers all over Poland.

Warsaw’s Wielki Theater opens virtual doors

Teatr Wielki – Opera Narodowa (Grand Theatre – Polish National Opera) in Warsaw Teatr Wielki has put on its website recordings of its opera and ballet performances, as well as musical fairy tales.

Visitors will also find there animated films showing the theater’s history over the centuries and a virtual walk around the building, designed by Antonio Corazzi and erected between 1825 and 1833. The theater’s beautiful façade has been preserved in its original, Corazzian version to the present day.

The intriguing history of the building is shown through historical iconographic materials, some never published before, like the pre-war glass negatives on which Corazzi’s drawings were preserved before they burned down during the Warsaw Uprising.

The virtual tour around the theater’s interiors highlights the diversity of styles, a result of the work of a large group of designers.

The axis and the main element defining the interior, is the staircase, binding the interior at all its levels. The opulent form of the stairs is a reference to the most successful opera house designs. The decor diversity of the interior is a continuation of this idea. In the Main Foyer marble mixes with terrazzo. Among the details worth noting are floor mosaic made of fragments of wood coming from many different varieties of trees, art-deco chandeliers and tapestries by Tadeusz Gronowski, the mosaic clocks by Barbara Pniewska-Krasińska, the ornaments of the balustrades by Zofia Demkowska or the reliefs illustrating the Abduction of the Sabine Women, created by Franciszek Strynkiewicz.

The auditorium, with its stunning ceiling full of ceramic elements that bring to mind a constellation of stars, has a completely different, modernistic character. vod.teatrwielki.pl

Take a tour of Warsaw National Museum from your coach

Everyone now can experience the best of Warsaw’s National Museum’s collections in the comfort of their own home thanks to a unique digital project.

As of November 2020, all internet users interested in art can take a virtual walk around the temporary exhibition “Poland. The Power of Images”.

On display are works by the most outstanding Polish artists of the 19th century, including Stanisław Wyspiański, Aleksander and Maksymilian Gierymski, Jan Matejko, Leon Wyczółkowski, Józef Mehoffer, Olga Boznańska, Józef Brandt, Józef Chełmoński, Jacek Malczewski, Wojciech Kossak and Artur Grottgert. Each of these works has been scanned in 3D technology and made available on the museum’s website in the form of a guided virtual walk which features graphics elements commonly used in computer games.

The project was prepared by the museum with the technological support of Huawei Poland. http://polskasilaobrazu.mnw.art.pl/

Explore Jewish Warsaw with a mouse click

The POLIN Museum in Warsaw makes its interiors available in the Street View technology. The platform users can go on a virtual tour of the 1,000-Year History of Polish Jews, the core exhibition, as well as a number of temporary exhibitions, such as Warszawa, Varshe. The online project is available in several language versions, including English, French, Spanish, Czech, Russian, French and Indonesian.

The main exhibition at Polin presents a narrative on the history of Jews in Poland up to the Holocaust, through historical objects, multimedia, graphic elements and models.

Warszawa, Varshe is the first exhibition that presents Jewish settlement across the whole of pre-war Warsaw. During the virtual tour visitors are transferred to the forgotten world of multicultural Warsaw, are be able to walk around the city and meet the Jewish community which shaped

the Polish capital. The journey through six typically Jewish districts begins in the 16th century and ends in 1939. Prior to World War II Warsaw was inhabited by over 350,000 Jews who made up almost 40 percent of the capital’s population.

Located on the site of Warsaw’s former Jewish ghetto, the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews opened on April 19, 2013, and its standing exhibition in October of the following year.

The museum’s postmodern building was designed by Finnish architects Rainer Mahlamäki and Ilmari Lahdelma. The Hebrew word Polin in the museum’s name means either “Poland” or “rest here” and refers to a legend connected with the arrival of the first Jews in Poland, where they happened to find secure space to prosper after having been expelled from the majority of European kingdoms. http://virtualtour.polin.pl/

Visit Warsaw Royal Castle

All internet users can view the premises and collections of Warsaw’s Royal Castle in Warsaw on their own computer screens. Built in the 15th century, the castle served as residence of Mazovian princes. Once the capital was moved to Warsaw from Krakow, the castle served as seat of the king and the government. The castle has been renovated repeatedly and destroyed completely during World War II. It was rebuilt between 1971-1988 using castle remains and rubble.

The baroque-classicist monument now houses a museum whose collection

online

includes original paintings by Rembrandt and the canvases of Bernardo Bellotto, known as Canaletto, which were used during the post-WWII reconstruction of Warsaw.

During a virtual walk around the castle’s interiors visitors can view the Royal Apartments, the Library and the Throne Room. The can also take a look at the Senator’s Hall, in which in 1791 the 3rd May Constitution , the first constitution in Europe and the second in the world, was passed in. https://www.zamek-krolewski.pl/en/your-visit/your-visit

Explore Warsaw Rising Museum from home

The English and French language version of the website www.1944.wp.pl allows Internet users from all parts of the world to take an interactive tour of the Warsaw Uprising Museum in the Polish capital. An online visit to this unique place will help visitors understand the history of the biggest resistance operation in Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. On August 1, 1944 thousands of poorly-armed Warsaw residents stood up against the occupying Germans. Initially intended to last several days, the revolt continued for over two months before being suppressed by the Germans. The uprising claimed the lives of 18,000 insurgents and around 200,000 civilians.

The multimedia exhibition of the Warsaw Uprising Museum shows not only the military history of the 63 days of fighting but also the everyday life of the civilian population. During their interactive tour guests can view hundreds of artifacts ranging from weapons used by the insurgents, copies of the insurgent press and maps to love letters and archival photographs. The three-dimensional technology allows the visitors to take a close look at the exhibits, enlarge and rotate them. They can watch reenacted scenes, documentary films, and interviews with insurgents.

At the heart of the museum there is a steel monument that passes through all the floors of the building. Its walls are covered with the dates of each day of the uprising and with bullet marks. You can hear the sound of a beating heart that symbolises the life of Warsaw in 1944 coming from inside.

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1/ Iconic Mood Watch is back

An American watch and lifestyle company Fossil has re-launched a chic and modern version of its popular classic model of Mood Watch.

As part of the collectible Archival Series, the watch features the signature color-changing dial and mood decoder based on the wearer’s heart rate. The back of the watch is engraved with each mood color’s meaning. Black stands for anxiousness or excitement, blue green for calmness and relaxation, dark blue for happiness and love, green for sensitivity, amber green for uneasiness, and amber for nervousness.

The classic silhouette stays modern with a look that combines minimalist design and maximum style. It is available in a black-on-black 42mm steel plated case or 32mm rose gold-tone case that comes with black leather straps. Each watch is individually numbered, packaged in a smiley face-covered tin can package. www.fossil.com

2/ Neck Area in Focus Smooth and defined neck and decollete suggest youth and vitality and they deserve at least as much attention and beauty treatment as the face does. By spending more time on smart phones and other devices we are prone to developing stubborn horizontal lines on the front of the neck, known as “tech neck”. Two new products developed by Natura Bisse’s help to address the multiple needs of the delicate neck area.

Inhibit Tensolift Neck Mask, made from natural bamboo fibers and highly concentrated in hyaluronic acid transforms the appearance of the skin in just one application. It helps diminish the appearance of wrinkles, firm the skin and boost luminosity.

A cutting-edge Inhibit Tensolift Neck Serum is crafted with a powerful, ultra-concentrated formula that increases collagen production. Shiitake extract, extract from the Edelweiss plant and hyaluronic acid, help to sculpt the chin, even skin tone on the delicate neck and decollete area while minimizing wrinkles and revealing a more radiant, youthful look. www.missala.pl

3/ Delightful Scent of Childhood A new unisex perfume Sintra from Art Land collection by Memo Paris has been inspired by a journey to a green village on the outskirts of Lisbon. The fragrance is reminiscent of childhood years thanks to its sweet marshmallow note. The heart of absolute orange is followed by the earthy bitterness of the petitgrain, contrasting with the softness of the vanilla. Both mellow and airy, thanks to the presence of musks, it has a very round, floral and fruity sweetness. www.perfumeriaquality.pl

NTT SYSTEM DOUBLES THE PROFIT

IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 2020 NTT SYSTEM

Capital Group achieved a net profit of 7.1 million PLN, which is more than 100 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The Management Board of NTT System provided preliminary, consolidated financial data of the Capital Group. In the period from 1 January to 30 September 2020, the net profit amounted to 7.1 million PLN, while the revenues amounted to 501 million PLN. This represents an increase of almost 103 percent compared to the profit achieved in the first three quarters of 2019, i.e. 3.5 million PLN, which was achieved with the revenue of 363.4 million PLN. Both the third quarter, considered separately, and the two previous quarters were record-breaking for one of the key computer hardware manufacturers and IT distributors. “Distribution and sales in times of pandemic is a kind of drive without a hold, because both the supply WOMEN IN HIGH-TECH COMPANY:

MERCEDES-BENZ’S JAWOR ELEC-

tric motors and batteries factory has already produced over 80 thousand 110 kW/160 hp and 140 kW/190 hp diesel engines. Production tests of gasoline engines are in progress. The engines and batteries for the compact models of Mercedes-Benz Class A, CLA, GLA, B and the flagship models of Class C, GLC, E and S come off the production lines.

“We are glad that Jawor production increases the balance of Polish exports. All engines “Made in Poland” go to our factories worldwide. Soon we will be able to say the same about electric batteries”, says Dr. Andreas Schenkel, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland, the company managing the plant. “Production of batteries for plug-in hybrid vehicles began in October with the launch of the first of three production lines. The next two will start in the first quarter of next year. Ultimately, the plant in Jawor will produce over 100 thousand batteries for plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles”, adds Schenkel. chain and the internal market are constantly changing,” says Tadeusz Kurek, NTT System CEO. “However, we have reasons to be satisfied. In addition to the very good sales of computer hardware, we are also seeing large increases in the mobile equipment segment. Moreover, we have just signed an annex to one of the factoring agreements, under which the financing limit has been increased from 11 to 18.5 million PLN. We look into the future with optimism, because such actions, high equity and very good results prove the trust the company enjoys among recipients, sup-

BREAKING STEREOTYPES

pliers and financial institutions”, added Kurek. 665 60%

432 40%

35 Average 1087 age Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Polnad

In addition to launching production of electric batteries, the company has recently celebrated the employment of a thousand employees. This is a unique feature in the network of Mercedes factories, where the average share of women in the crew does not exceed 15 percent.

“There is no innovation without diversity of age, gender, background or education. Innovations are created in a culturally and socially diverse environment. Poland is a rather homogeneous country, but we care about this diversity by actively encouraging women to work. They do well in a high-tech factory and already make up 40 percent of the entire crew. This proves that we have managed to change the stereotypical thinking that industry and new technologies are areas reserved for men”, says Dr. Ewa Łabno-Falęcka from Mercedes.

NEW VIENNA HOUSE PROJECT

THE VIENNA HOUSE CHAIN DOES

not give up its development plans and continues to work on its investment in Katowice. Vienna House R.evo is a completely new hotel concept, which, thanks to its diversity, will enrich the hotel base in Upper Silesia.

“In today’s reality, the most important thing is to diversify your portfolio and offer a wide range of products. We believe that the concept of Vienna House R.evo will definitely fit in with the latest trends and travelers’ requirements. Its coworking and restaurant offer will also be addressed to the local client, which will increase the business opportunities of the facility”, says Tomasz Piórkowski, Regional Director of Vienna House for Southern Poland.

Vienna House R.evo is a revolution on the hotel market. It combines the functionality of a hotel, flexibility of an apartment and homely atmosphere of a guesthouse. It provides guests with many more possibilities in terms of length of stay and type of accommodation. The hotel also combines the elegance of an exclusive hotel and a casual character close to the young generation of millenniums. Vienna House R.evo Katowice will offer 203 rooms, including as many as 50 spacious suites, and an extensive coworking zone will consist of separate office rooms and shared space with desks for rent, a café and a game zone. In the basement there will be an intimate cinema and the restaurant will draw inspiration from foodtruck culture. The hotel is located in the very center of Katowice. The investor is Pinewood Investment Management, the studio BWM Architekten is responsible for interior design. The opening is planned for the end of 2021.

LUBLIN IN THE POLISH CIRCULAR HOTSPOT NETWORK

LUBLIN IS THE FIRST LOCAL

government in Poland to join the Polish Circular Hotspot network, which promotes the concept of closed-circuit economy. As one of four Polish cities, it is developing a zero-even strategy.

With a population of 340 thousand, Lublin is the largest economic and academic center in Eastern Poland, and at the same time the only city in the macro-region with a metropolitan profile. It is one of the most dynamically developing Polish cities, and at the same time it is at the top of the rankings evaluating the quality of life. In Lublin’s smart city concept it plays a key role, changing through sustainable city management. One of the elements of this process is the gradual evolution of the economy towards a circular economy.

“We are now at a very important moment - we are designing the future of our city in the perspective until 2030. We are already on the path of intensive development towards a smart, innovative, high-tech city. However, we must not forget that this development is sustainable and in addition to providing excellent investment conditions, we want our compact city to remain extremely comfortable to live in”, says Dr. Mariusz Sagan, Director of the Strategy and Entrepreneurship Department of the City Hall.

LOTOS RAIL WITH THE MOST MODERN LOCOMOTIVE IN EUROPE

LOTOS KOLEJ, THE SECOND LARGEST RAIL CARRIER

in Poland in terms of transport work and a leader in the market of dangerous goods transport, is expanding its fleet with the most modern multi-system Vectron locomotive in Europe. The vehicle was purchased with support from the European Union funds, through the Centre of EU Transport Projects for the implementation of intermodal transport. The delivery of the locomotive is planned in 2021. Vectron is the most modern universal locomotive from Siemens Mobility on the European market, with a modular design that allows easy adaptation to the requirements of use and specific driving conditions in different countries and different operating conditions.

“The purchase of the Vectron locomotive was realized within the framework of a project co-financed by the European Union, with very good cooperation with the Centre of EU Transport Projects. Providing a high level of transport services requires reliable rolling stock, which is certainly the case with the Vectron locomotive. We have experience in operating this locomotive, which has good traction parameters, is easy to operate, guaranteeing the drivers high comfort and safety at work”, says Anatol Kupryciuk, CEO of LOTOS Kolej.

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