The untalented Ms. Novakova

The Česká Miss beauty pageant on Fri. was full of lessons. The most obvious was that the CR is doing something right when it comes to producing beautiful women. The event was also proof that a former beauty-pageant winner (Michaela Maláčová) can become a successful entrepreneur. Václav Havel showed that he can entertain a crowd, and Mayor Pavel Bém confirmed that he's not above taking part in a prearranged campaign stunt. The wonders of silicon were also on full display. The saddest revelation, though, was that these gorgeous women have no appreciable talent. During the talent section, the best skit was a young lady dancing with her dog. (The dog stole the show.) We can't expect all these women to grow up to be the next Eva Urbanová, Magdalena Kožená or Michaela Maláčová, but their parents might at least see to it that they can do a decent song or dance routine. [Czech Republic Prague ODS TV Nova]