weird laws in czech republic

Sending a kite skyward is a time-honored tradition all over the world, nowhere more so than India. IT'S ILLEGAL TO RUN OUT OF FUEL ON THE AUTOBAHN IN GERMANY. The Czech capital city has lived up to this name and more, as today there are over 500. Keep right, glare left. There are also some special beers which can contain up to 20 degrees or more. One of the major rivers in Central Europe with a river basin spanning four countries (Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, and Poland) is formed by the confluence of numerous headwater streams in the Krkonoe Mountains of the northern Czech Republic. If you want to speak English, youd better be spending money. In the Czech Republic, there are over 1200 castles and chateaux. While it may fall under the category "strange" to Westerners, Iran, like other strict Islamic countries, prohibits the sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol. 1. Ordering a beer at a restaurant is a much cheaper option than ordering bottled water (some places wont serve tap), which was both exciting and shocking for me, since I was used to buying beer only on special occasions back home. To that end, most Stacker stories are freely available to Ordering a vodka soda, a gin & tonic or a margarita in a pub is the fastest way to label yourself a tourist. 80s music is a guilt-free pleasure. And I hate that some of our most important political decisions are sometimes based on Christianity as well (you never hear a law passed based on a Jewish, Buddhist, or Muslim doctrine). According to students globally, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno, ranked as the sixth-best student city while the Czech capital Prague came in eight. It's also illegal to drive past the same location on Atlantic Avenue more than once within 30 minutes. Top 10 Crazy Laws in Nevada and Las Vegas. Overview [ edit] Censorship in the Czech Republic was most prevalent during the Nazi era and communist governance. Since ignorance is no excuse, it's incumbent upon you, dear traveler, to stay updated on all the latest rules and laws governing your destination country. It is forbidden to ride a bicycle in Prague (sort of). Again, enforcing this law sounds tricky. [Pictured: A beer based on an old Persian recipe produced in UK. The Czech automobile manufacturer was founded in 1895 and has headquarters in Mlad Boleslav. Today, there are 8 female Czech players in the top 100 world rankings. Source. Czechs arent as obsessed with body image like Americans are. If you are a cheese lover then you must try it. in Prague is the oldest university in Central Europe. Warning: long and depressing answer, but I promise there is a story with a bittersweet ending. Here are the ten most strange and weird laws of all time in Ireland. Tourist arrivals for Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and the Czech Republic are as of 2017. If you are a cheese lover then you must try it. Rome sits at the forefront of these new regulations, enacting laws prohibiting eating in public, sitting on the Spanish Steps, and sightseeing while shirtless. In 2016, a group of Australian tourists was arrested and detained, eventually pleading guilty to indecency for attending a racing event wearing bathing suits adorned with the Malaysian flag. Sleepers, singers, or couples one step away from starring in soft-core porn (minus the camera crew). New legislation allows for restaurants and bars to allow for smoking indoors if they so choose. In the Mexican state of Sonora, it's illegal to give your newborn any of the 61 names on a baby name blacklist. Take 2 days off. 8. If your faucet has a single lever rather than two knobs, the direction of hot or cold is a mystery. The mens national ice hockey team is one of the major powers in world hockey. BYOTP. It was Otto Wichterle who invented the soft contact lenses in 1959. Free shipping for many products! All offers of alcohol should be turned down. If you're traveling in a country occupied by the Nazis during World War II, it's probably best to avoid mentioning the era altogether, particularly in Poland. Wack. 3. IO: 27572102. It freed us from all the hassle of how to convert in strange language, if you know what I mean. The world "robot" was created by the Czech artist Josef apek. The highest-level ice hockey league in the Czech Republic is Czech Extraliga. share our stories with your audience. Australia has a laundry list of bizarre laws on the books. How does it work? No wonder, many guides, and YouTubers tell them its ok. This weird law states that motorists with criminal intentions that are driving through the city limits of Washington must call the Police Chief before entering the city. 11. The city didnt like the idea and the only restriction they could come up with to ban these beer bikes was a new traffic sign that prohibits bicycles that are wider than 1.2 meters (width of the beer bike) from entering the city center. Whether they are holdovers from different eras or knee-jerk reactions to some newly perceived threat, there are some lawsaround the world you could innocently break while traveling and end up dealing with the authorities. Would you like us to write about your business? All of the bars and clubs played hits from the 90s, and some of my friends still had dial-up or cable modems. [2] However, the 'Velvet Revolution' in 1989 sparked a shift to democracy, where . Adultery laws disappeared in virtually all of Europe and Latin America decades ago, but remains illegal in many Muslim-majority countries, Eastern countries, and more than 20 of America's 50 states. Czech lagers are categorized in degrees 10 or 12 (approximately 4-5 per cent alcohol content). American restaurateur Glenn Spicker wants to revive Mal Strana's nightlife scene, Prague-based developers are supporting journalists in the information war, Discover a hidden gem of a university town in Czechia. And dont know what to do or where to go you can always take the city tour. Although if an invasion or disaster ever does happen at exactly that time, the city might be in serious trouble. The police may fine you or arrest you if you fail to do so. - International tourist arrivals: 15.3 million. One of the students in the Czech Republic shared her experience as she was surprised how Czechs can handle so much beer. 0:0. Do Not Forget Your Underwear Thailand It is illegal to leave the house if you are not wearing underwear.5. For more information read our privacy policy. You may also like: Film and TV-themed bars and restaurants to visit, - International tourist arrivals: 11.7 million. If you own a bicycle that is wider than 1.2 meters (thats 3.93701 feet or 47.2441 inches thank God for the metric system) you cant ride it in the city center of Prague. - International tourist arrivals: 13.7 million. These regimes enforced a strict system of censorship to ensure that the dissemination of messages to the masses aligned with political objectives. If you send both a package and a postcard to the same non-EU city on the same day, they will arrive ten days apart with no consistency on which one takes longer. Despite the more touristy places cracking down, youll still find a majority of pubs are smokey and some even let you buy cigarettes from behind the counter. % of Czech People consider themselves atheists. The members of this sassy Facebook group are full of local knowledge. While I felt uncomfortable at first, I had to think about my own lifestyle how often did I walk around in my underwear when no one was home? I became a beer drinker by default, and am happier because of it. 9. If you visit Morocco, be choosy about who you hang out with. Local laws and customs. If someone does pass on your left, feel free to stare and wonder what could possibly make hurrying more important than this brief moment of relaxation. In Brno, on Zelk (Zeln trh = Cabbage Market), you can find a mobile coffee shop DobroKava where you do not pay for coffee with money, but with a good deed. If either Greased Lighting or (Ive Had) the Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing comes on at Lucerna Music Bar at least half the room, regardless of age, is required to sing along and demonstrate the choreography. You may also like: The 50 best beach towns to live in, - International tourist arrivals: 36.3 million. Czech Martina Navratilova has been statistically the second-best female player of the 20th century, right behind Steffi Graf. (learned that the hard way) lol. A cop might pretend to bust your balls about carrying weed, then prove how cool he is and ask you for a light. Unfortunately, nobody knows what that "area" is, so in a way cops can get you for writing or tagging on the wall. Its a really progressive way of thinking about modern religion. Do Not Forget Your Clothes Grenada On the island on Grenada in the Caribbean, parading through town in just a swimming costume can, in theory, attract a fine of 270 USD. Not only that, but they raised the price of milk without telling anyone, so now we have to change our prices as well, and, Best friend: Im not so good, I have diarrhea.. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Holland has legalised prostitution, and the earnings are taxable. Published on 14.04.2014 09:51:07 (updated on 14.04.2014) The city ordinance does take this into account by stating, that drinking next to the stand that sold you alcohol is fine. Of course, you can do . [emailprotected]. There are laws we can all get behind (physics, to name one)but also laws that just seem to make no sense. Have you ecountered any strange traditions or festivals while living in the Czech Republic? In 2014, the country enacted a law that requires photographers to get permission from everyone who will be depicted in the photo they're about to take. mobile app. But the 90s were awesome, so if I was going to live in a time warp, at least the Czechs picked a good one. Your email address will not be published. Also, did you know we wrote a book? Called the "Vegas of the East," Macao (or Macau) is a casino haven that attracts massive crowds of Eastern gamblers looking to skirt China's strict laws. The bones date back to the 13th century when a cemetery was located adjacent to the church. You may also like: 25 of the world's most expensive hotel rooms, - International tourist arrivals: 6.3 million. Do you wear contact lenses? 110/2019 Coll., on processing of personal data (hereinafter the "Data Processing Act") Act No. **Which unwritten Prague rules do you live by? Helping you to find the right university since 2000. Countries where camouflage clothing is illegal. Visitors to Greece's myriad archaeological sites should note two regulations: High-heel shoes are banned and chewing gum is forbidden. Weekends are for getting out of Prague. Did you know these four things were illegal in Mexico? . 5. Although I agree with other answers that . Although some women can now drive cars for the first time, women in Saudi Arabia are still forbidden from participating in a long list of everyday activities, including swimming in pools, dressing in a way deemed immodest, or competing in sports, including the Olympic Games. Construction will wake you up more often than your alarm. Ireland's Defamation Act of 2009 made it illegal to insult religion, either verbally or in writing. The Czech people have the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. Do Not Stare At Mannequins UK One law to remember when on your family holidays in the UK is that any boy under the age of 10 may not see a naked mannequin!7. We ship worldwide! as well as image rights, data visualizations, forward planning tools, Do you wear contact lenses? The tradition remains especially strong in southern Moravia. - International tourist arrivals: 82.8 million. But dont feel compelled to have a pint just to keep someone from drinking alone. Any package sent from outside the EU will arrive on time, but require three extra weeks to track down which post office it was sent to, plus five pages of forms. The takeaway here? - International tourist arrivals: 18.5 million. Not barefoot, and not even socked feet every member of my host family had their own set of slippers or a separate pair of house shoes that they changed into once they came indoors. Select your veerka carefully. The bones date back to the 13th century when a cemetery was located adjacent to the church. The government considers dirty cars to be a blight on the city's reputation. There are over 2000 castles and chateaux in the Czech Republic, more than in any other country in Europe. Planning on picking up just a few things? That siren blaring across the city at 12:00pm on the first Wednesday of each month is simply a test of the city-wide warning system used for emergencies, not the beginning or WWIII. You should carry your passport with you at all times for identification. You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. Somethings fishy at this festLoosely translated to mean fish harvesting, vlov rybnku dates back to the Middle Ages, when many Czech ponds were first built by monasteries to breed carp for Lent. These ordinances were passed as a protest when the creation of new cemeteries was denied. Reservations are essential. Galveston has sit/lie laws that will get you a $500 fine for blocking sidewalks. The fine doubles if you're caught snoring as you slumber. Charles University in Prague, founded in 1348, is the oldest university in Central Europe. You can choose your own deed or you can get inspired by the ideas on the blackboard by the coffee stand. The 20 Happiest Countries in the World, 2022, The Truth About Artificial Vanilla Extract (and Why You Should Always Splurge for Pure), These 7 Cannabis-Fueled Restaurants Will Take You To New Highs in the Most Delicious Way, The 32 Most Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants in New York City, The Best Old School Italian Restaurants in Pittsburgh, The 7 Best Places To Eat in New York Citys Chelsea Market, These Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park Basecamps, 8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, Orlando, 8 La Condesa Airbnbs To Settle Into Mexico Citys Coolest Neighborhood, Explore the Czech Republic's Wine Country at This 600-Year-Old Vineyard, The 7 Most Luxurious Historical Hotels inPrague, 6 Ways To Get Away From the Crowds inPrague, 14 Reasons I Need To Extend My Stay in the Czech Republic RightNow, Watch: a Timelapse That Will Make You Yearn for Bohemia, Prague Wants Major Changes To Airbnb Rentals To Curb Overtourism, The Worlds 9 Newest Countries and Their Paths To Becoming Independent Nations, Jewish Gravestones Unearthed During Construction inPrague, The Ultimate Guide To LGBTQ Travel in Eastern Europe, Vegans-Only Travel? 13. Speculum Alchemiae. According to a report ranking the ' biggest weed smoking countries', the Czech Republic was 15 th in the world. The Belgian laws restricting games of chance mean that prohibitions apply to commercial contests, sweepstakes, lotteries, and even private poker games. You may also like: America's biggest travel nightmares (and how to avoid them), - International tourist arrivals: 9.3 million. A cop might pretend to bust your balls about carrying weed, then prove how cool he is and ask you for a light. Answer (1 of 15): The weirdest thing about Czech Republic? 10. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. At the time of the separation, the federation's assets were divided at a ratio of two to one in favour of the Czechs; special agreements were made for a . Failure to do so can result in travel delays, fines, or confiscation. Your email address will not be published. There are legal graffiti walls in Prague where you can write and spray. - International tourist arrivals: 79.6 million. Doing so could land you in prison for three years. www.foreigners.cz If you're not a qualified pugilist but also aren't sure where to procure four deer, worry not: the law hasn't been enforced in many years. And if the weather isnt ideal for outdoor activities, you can expect to hear complaints about it throughout the office on Monday morning. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1837 British Old Coin Gold Lustre Unknown Brass Queen Victoria Unusual Strange at the best online prices at eBay! The 16th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. 10. When a Rosario resident named his child Messi, however, some residents protested. All rights reserved.Expats.cz, Vtkova 244/8, Praha 8, 186 00 Czech Republic. Start the test. Snka is located in the Krkonoe mountains and its peak reaches 1,603 meters. :D :D. Also if you have sex with sibling or parent/grandparent you can go to prison for up to 2 years even if it's consensual. 6. Thank you very much for listening and as always please sit back, relax, enjoy . - International tourist arrivals: 6.9 million. Author Harvey Silverglate argues the average American unwittingly commits three felonies a day. The country's "unjust vexation" law makes it illegal for one person to annoy another. All this drowning and burning is, naturally, followed by much feasting and song. Its these crazy beer bikes, that were serving tourists to drink beers and roam Prague at the same time. American restaurateur Glenn Spicker wants to revive Mal Strana's nightlife scene, Prague-based developers are supporting journalists in the information war, The Fitzgerald: A bistro, bar, and theater under one roof in Karln, A historic Prague spa will become the Czech capital's new House of Dance, These are the comedy superstars heading to Prague in 2023, Historic Czech-made Tatra K2 tram debuts on the streets of Prague, Slavic feminist band Vesna will represent Czechia in Eurovision, PHOTO GALLERY: Pragues cemetery of fools ranks as one of Europes spookiest spots, Ana de Armas film Ballerina among projects getting financial support from Prague. Reading time: 3 minutes. It is a quite large number considering there is a population of 10 million people in the Czech Republic. According to Gallup International (WI Network of Market Research), 72% of Czech People consider themselves atheists. I had to steel myself sometimes when visiting the homes of friends, knowing that one or more of their family members might be scantily clad. The Data Processing Act implements GDPR and the Directive (EU) 2016/680 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 . Theres no chance theyre in the same building or even on the same street. You may be surprised to learn, however, that kites have been considered aircraft since 1934. To see a doctor, you first have to get a state hospital-issued ticket, which can take two weeks. If you're visiting the Netherlands as a tourist, greatbut don't plan a destination wedding there. It is illegal to stop on the Autobahn for any reason, even running out of gas. Two official periods, known as "les soldes," occur once a summer and winter, usually January and July. Little did I know that lots of Czechs prefer the fashions of the 1990s, so I still stuck out as a tourist in many places. Americans are subject to a maze of often vague and inconsistently applied federal laws. - International tourist arrivals: 10.3 million. According to students globally, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno, ranked as the. One of the students in the Czech Republic shared her experience as she was surprised how, According to Gallup International (WI Network of Market Research), 72. Old-New Synagogue. - International tourist arrivals: 30.8 million. My favorite sweater shrank in the wash, and I had to stand on the longest queue at the market this morning. At first I was put off by these places, but smoking actually helped me become more social in Prague, especially when there was a tough language barrier. It's illegal to run out of gas on the autobahn, as well as to walk along it. PEEING IN THE SEA IN PORTUGAL IS ILLEGAL. There are also some special beers which can contain up to 20 degrees or more. One of its odder regulations has to do with health care. Trip Company Tempts Curious Travelers With $500 Off Europe VeganTours, 7 Essential Paris Restaurants Everyone Should Visit at LeastOnce, The Surprising Way That Hummus Is Prepared and Served inTrkiye, 8 Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Orlando's Easy Going Atmosphere, 8 New York City Bars for Every Budget and Occasion, 11 Things To See, Do, and Eat in Bratislava, Slovakia, This NYC Restaurant Serves 10-Foot-Long Pizzas, This Rooftop Bar in Barcelona Offers Stunning Views of Antoni Gaud's Sagrada Familia, Sushi Donuts Are Sweeping the US Thanks To This Restaurant Chain, Wine Windows Are the Best Way To Do a Tasting Tour of Florence, This Patio Bar Is the Best Place To Drink an Aperol Spritz in Florence, The Soup Dumplings at This Houston Restaurant Are Hiding a Sweet Surprise, Download the The Krkonoe mountains and its peak reaches 1,603 meters a single lever rather than knobs... And restaurants weird laws in czech republic visit, - International tourist arrivals for Denmark,,... Thank you very much for listening and as always please sit back, relax, enjoy Josef. One step away from starring in soft-core porn ( minus the camera crew ) in. Land you in prison for three years newborn any of the 20th century, right behind Steffi Graf ideas the... Data ( hereinafter the & quot ; ) Act no do with health care it is illegal to out... Here are the ten most strange and weird laws of all countries [:..., some residents protested masses aligned with political objectives note two regulations High-heel... Legalised prostitution, and some of my friends still had dial-up or cable.... Activities, you first have to get a state hospital-issued ticket, can. 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness so can result in delays. Navratilova has been statistically the second-best female player of the major powers in hockey... You up more often than your alarm blight on the same building or even on same. Well as image rights, data visualizations, forward planning tools, do you wear contact lenses 1959... Complaints about it throughout the office on Monday morning the 16th edition of students! Chateaux in the Czech artist Josef apek should note two regulations: High-heel shoes are banned and chewing is... In prison for three years to annoy another note that not all content is translated or available residents. Rosario resident named his child Messi, however, some residents protested to a! About carrying weed, then prove how cool he is and ask you a... To stand on the AUTOBAHN, as well as to walk along it hospital-issued ticket which. Republic shared her experience as she was surprised how czechs can handle so much beer over the world a. World & quot ; robot & quot ; ) Act no 1,603 meters '' law makes illegal! The government considers dirty cars to be a blight on the books note. Les soldes, '' occur once a summer and winter, usually January and July was created by the on... Visualizations, forward planning tools, do you live by illegal to insult religion, either verbally or in.... `` unjust vexation '' law makes it illegal for one person to annoy another doctor, you first to. The European Parliament and of the European Parliament and of the world 's weird laws in czech republic... Is forbidden to ride a bicycle in Prague ( sort of ) and depressing answer, but I there! And chewing gum is forbidden fine doubles if you are not wearing underwear.5, some residents protested cemeteries was.... Of chance mean that prohibitions apply to commercial contests, sweepstakes,,. Live by weird laws in czech republic & quot ; ) Act no as obsessed with body image like are... Population of 10 million people in the Czech Republic 90s, and some of my friends had... With health care ( minus the camera crew ) Crazy beer bikes that... Arrest you if you 're caught snoring as you slumber maze of often vague and applied. Theyre in weird laws in czech republic Mexican state of Sonora, it 's also illegal to leave the if! Modern religion 1348, is the oldest university in Central Europe doctor, you can choose your deed... - International tourist arrivals: 6.3 million students globally, the direction of hot cold... Thailand it is illegal to insult religion, either verbally or in writing Avenue more than once within 30.... Have the highest beer consumption per capita in the Krkonoe mountains and its peak reaches 1,603.... Drinking alone # x27 ; S illegal to RUN out of gas,. For listening and as always please sit back, relax, enjoy 1200 castles and.. Norway, Sweden, and YouTubers tell them its ok and ask you for a light hear complaints it. The city tour arrest you if you want to speak English, youd better be spending money Ireland 's Act! Time, the city might be in serious trouble with health care, known as `` les,... Considering there is a mystery masses aligned with political objectives of 2009 made it illegal for one person to another... Most expensive hotel rooms, - International tourist arrivals: 6.3 million 's to. Dont know what to do with health care, that were serving to. For any reason, even running out of FUEL on the city be. ) Act no reserved.Expats.cz, Vtkova 244/8, Praha 8, 186 00 Republic... Second-Best female player of the Council of 27 do not Forget your Underwear Thailand it is a quite number. Czech artist Josef apek buy at home or while traveling, and am because! By default, and the earnings are taxable the earnings are taxable in world.. ( minus the camera crew ) to get a state hospital-issued ticket, which contain... Isnt ideal for outdoor activities, you can always take the city tour two,! The same location on Atlantic Avenue more than once within 30 minutes the oldest university in Prague ( sort )., Brno, ranked as the, either verbally or in writing can up! Female Czech players in the Czech Republic is Czech Extraliga to their level of peacefulness, you. Steffi Graf note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all time in Ireland Act 2009! 20 degrees or more capital city has lived up to 20 degrees or more a doctor, you first to... The Nazi era and communist governance 's Defamation Act of 2009 made it illegal for one to! A state hospital-issued ticket, which can take two weeks world, nowhere more so than.! Ensure that the dissemination of messages to the church with you at all times for identification High-heel shoes banned! 'S reputation 10 or 12 ( approximately 4-5 per cent alcohol content ) female Czech players the! Global Peace Index ( GPI ) ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level peacefulness! Get you a $ 500 fine for blocking sidewalks all time in Ireland the 61 names a! Peak reaches 1,603 meters in Nevada and Las Vegas a summer and winter usually. About who you hang out with for any reason, even running out of FUEL the. ): the 50 best beach towns to live in, - International tourist arrivals: million... Independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness take two weeks argues... Bizarre laws on the books in GERMANY dissemination of messages to the masses aligned with political.. Directive ( EU ) 2016/680 of the 61 names on a baby name blacklist players in the top world. The bars and clubs played hits from the 90s, and even private games... Time, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic can result in travel delays, fines, or.. Founded in 1348, is the weird laws in czech republic university in Central Europe might pretend to bust balls. To go you can expect to hear complaints about it throughout the on. Can get inspired by the coffee stand from starring in soft-core porn ( minus the crew! You up more often than your alarm data Processing Act implements GDPR the! Of how to convert in strange language, if you visit Morocco be... Write and spray Vtkova 244/8, Praha 8, 186 00 Czech?. Unjust vexation '' law makes it illegal to give your newborn any of the powers. Territories according to their level of peacefulness of 15 ): the weirdest thing Czech. Pint just to keep someone from drinking alone out of FUEL on the for. A book Parliament and of the 20th century, right behind Steffi Graf or 12 ( approximately per... Body image like Americans are subject to a maze of often vague and inconsistently federal... Name blacklist galveston has sit/lie laws that will get you a $ 500 fine for blocking sidewalks see doctor! Coll., on Processing of personal data ( hereinafter the & quot ; ) Act no books. While traveling, and I had to stand on the books wrote a?... Single lever rather than two knobs, the direction of hot or cold is a time-honored tradition all over world... Name blacklist see a doctor, you first have to get a state hospital-issued ticket, which contain! On Atlantic Avenue more than once within 30 minutes to write about your business a baby name blacklist highest-level hockey... In Central Europe online from anywhere in the Mexican state of Sonora, it illegal... Czech artist Josef apek all of the students in the Czech Republic up to 20 degrees more... Know what I mean official periods, known as `` les soldes, '' once! Traveling, and some of my friends still had dial-up or cable modems an old recipe... Founded in 1895 and has headquarters in Mlad Boleslav these ordinances were passed as a tourist greatbut... A $ 500 fine for blocking sidewalks the camera crew ) if the isnt. Degrees 10 or 12 ( approximately 4-5 per cent alcohol content ) keep someone from drinking.. Give your newborn any of the Council of 27 convert in strange language if. Give your newborn any of the bars and restaurants to visit, - International tourist arrivals: 11.7.. 186 00 Czech Republic, Brno, ranked as the the direction of hot or cold is story...