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Receive heartfelt greetings from the Kingdom of Narcissus.
Slovenia🎭 Culture15 days ago

Receive heartfelt greetings from the Kingdom of Narcissus.

The article discusses a new book titled 'Pozdrav z Jesenic 2,' which compiles 220 postcards depicting the development of Jesenic between the two World Wars. The book was created by stamp collector Dušan Prešern and author Tone Konobelj. It features historical postcards divided by locations, including mountain views of the Karawanks, industrial buildings, cultural centers, schools, hotels, restaurants, shops, mountain huts, and significant events such as processions, strikes, and the proclamation of Jesenic as a city. Many of the postcards are black-and-white due to the offset printing technique, which allowed larger print runs but ended hand-coloring. The postcards include messages like 'Lep pozdrav z Jesenic' and some more unique phrases. The book highlights architectural remnants from the period, many of which still stand today, though some have deteriorated. The first volume of 'Pozdrav z Jesenic' focused on pre-World War I postcards.

An Australian library has waived the overdue fee for a book returned after a staggering 150-year delay. The book, Antiquities of Athens, was found in a home in the town of Kiama by its current owner, Ross Simmons, during recent renovations. It had been embedded in a sealed fireplace for decades, undisturbed and forgotten. The book, which dates back to 1856, was originally borrowed from the Kiama Public Library, which opened in 1872. It was the 506th item in the library’s inventory, which contained around a thousand titles at the time. According to library manager Michelle Hudson, this marks the oldest overdue return ever recorded by the library. The book was discovered inside a wall cavity within a sealed chimney, where it remained for over a century. Ross Simmons believes the book was borrowed by his great-great-grandfather, John Simmons, who was the first resident of the house. At the time the book was checked out, John Simmons would have been living in the house, while his children were too young to read such material. The library's records show that the book was lost sometime shortly after the library opened, though there is no record of who last borrowed it. If the overdue fee had been charged today, taking into account inflation, it would have amounted to approximately 28,000 Australian dollars (around 17,000 euros). However, the library will not pursue any payment from Simmons. Inside the book, there is a notice stating that the overdue charge would be three British pence per week, along with a list of library rules. These rules included returning books and paying any overdue fees before borrowing another title. Hudson speculated that the borrower might not have returned the book because they did not want to pay the fine. Unfortunately, there is no record of who last borrowed the book, as the catalog of loans from the 19th century does not survive. Hudson admitted that the library lacks evidence confirming who the final borrower was. She added that the library will not put the book back into circulation, as they do not want to risk losing it again for another 150 years. Membership in the library was once a serious affair. The outdated regulations stated that households could borrow up to three books if it was known that at least six family members could read. Today, individuals do not need to prove their reading ability to join the library. Similarly, in the 1870s, patrons who arrived drunk were not allowed to borrow books. While the library no longer has explicit rules against intoxication, staff can still refuse service to anyone whose behavior disrupts other users. In a separate development, a new book titled Greetings from Jesenice 2 has been published, featuring 220 postcards from the period between the two world wars. The book was compiled by stamp collector Dušan Prešern and author Tone Konobelj. It tells the story of Jesenice’s development through these historical images, including scenes of local landmarks, cultural institutions, schools, hotels, restaurants, shops, mountain huts, and significant events such as processions, strikes, the proclamation of Jesenice as a city, performances by gymnasts, agricultural fairs, the first May Day celebration on Poljanah, and even a theatrical performance of Plavž. Many of the postcards are black-and-white due to the offset printing technique, which allowed for larger print runs and marked the end of hand-coloring. Most of the postcards were taken by the well-known Jesenice photographer Fran Pavlin, with some attributed to Andrej Čufer and others remaining anonymous. Prešern expressed satisfaction that his collection of nearly 600 different Jesenice postcards has already been featured in a second book. The publication, released by the publisher Medium in a print run of 500 copies, is available in bookstores and can also be borrowed from the Jesenice library. Meanwhile, in a column for Slovenske novice, Masha Močnik reflected on the cultural significance of coffee, describing it as both a pleasure and a complex emotional experience. She noted how coffee has historically been a symbol of status, particularly in the 19th century, and how it continues to evoke a range of feelings from nostalgia to rebellion. Močnik also mentioned a recent exhibition held at the Khislstein Castle dedicated to the mythical drink, highlighting its journey from tropical plantations to human cultures and customs. She humorously recounted her own unpleasant encounter with a coffee bean that turned out to be a mouse dropping, leading her to adopt a more cautious approach to grinding her beans. Despite this, she acknowledged that small amounts of insect particles are legally permissible in many ground foods, including coffee.

5 reports

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 97Objective 9220 days ago
Australian Library writes off arrears for book returned 150 years late

In August 2026, a book titled 'Antikvitete v Atenah' was returned to the public library in the Australian town of Kiama after a record-breaking 150-year delay. The book had been borrowed by someone in the 19th century and remained hidden inside a sealed chimney in a house undergoing renovation. The book was damaged due to being exposed to heat over decades. Library director Michelle Hudson noted that while some books are occasionally returned after several decades, this case set a new record. The book, which was part of the library's inventory since 1856, was likely borrowed by the first owner of the house, John Simmons. Although the overdue fee would have amounted to around 28,000 Australian dollars today, the library decided not to charge the family. The book’s cover included a notice stating a fine of three British pence per week for late returns, but there is no record of who last borrowed it.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a historical event involving a library and a book return, focusing on cultural heritage rather than politics. There is no indication of political bias in the framing, sourcing, or emphasis of the story.

Why factuality (97): This article provides precise information including the name of the discoverer (Ross Simmons), the book title (Antikvitete v Atenah), and the estimated fine amount (28,000 Australian dollars). It also includes direct quotes from Michelle Hudson and contextualizes the historical background of the lib

Why objectivity (92): The article maintains an objective tone, presenting the events as they occurred without editorializing or bias. It focuses on reporting the facts and includes multiple perspectives (from the discoverer and the librarian) without favoring either side.

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 9021 days ago
A book walled in a fireplace returned to the library 150 years late

A book borrowed by someone in the 1870s was discovered in a sealed chimney during home renovations in Australia. The book, 'Antiquities of Athens,' was originally part of a library collection opened in 1872. It was borrowed by someone whose family has now returned it after a delay of over 150 years. The overdue fine would amount to approximately 28,000 Australian dollars today. Library director Michelle Hudson noted this is the oldest item ever returned to the library. The book will now be displayed in the local history collection rather than being available for loan again.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a historical cultural artifact and its return to a library, focusing on the discovery and implications for the library's collection. There is no political framing, controversy, or ideological emphasis present in the content.

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the discovery of a book returned after 150 years, mentioning the library's opening year (1872) and the fine calculation based on inflation. It cites quotes from Michelle Hudson and provides relevant details like the book title and the location (Kiama). The only minor i

Why objectivity (90): The tone remains neutral and factual throughout, avoiding any biased language or subjective interpretation. It presents the story objectively, focusing on the facts of the discovery and the library’s response without taking sides or adding personal commentary.

Gorenjski glas logoGorenjski glasIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 8015 days ago
Receive heartfelt greetings from the Kingdom of Narcissus.

The article discusses a new book titled 'Pozdrav z Jesenic 2,' which compiles 220 postcards depicting the development of Jesenic between the two World Wars. The book was created by stamp collector Dušan Prešern and author Tone Konobelj. It features historical postcards divided by locations, including mountain views of the Karawanks, industrial buildings, cultural centers, schools, hotels, restaurants, shops, mountain huts, and significant events such as processions, strikes, and the proclamation of Jesenic as a city. Many of the postcards are black-and-white due to the offset printing technique, which allowed larger print runs but ended hand-coloring. The postcards include messages like 'Lep pozdrav z Jesenic' and some more unique phrases. The book highlights architectural remnants from the period, many of which still stand today, though some have deteriorated. The first volume of 'Pozdrav z Jesenic' focused on pre-World War I postcards.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a cultural project involving historical postcards and their role in documenting regional history. There is no political framing, bias, or controversy present in the content. The information is presented neutrally, focusing on the historical and cultural significance of the knj

Why factuality (75): The article provides detailed information about the book 'Pozdrav z Jesenic 2' created by collector Dušan Prešern and author Tone Konobelj. It describes the content of the book, including historical context, locations covered, and specific examples of postcards. The information aligns with typical d

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains informative and descriptive, focusing on the content and significance of the book. There is no overt bias or emotional language, though the article does highlight certain aspects of the postcards as 'more original,' which may slightly lean towards appreciation rather than neutrality

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 60Objective 7025 days ago
Ice cream in a thousand years

The article explores the history of ice cream, tracing its origins back to ancient times and highlighting its cultural significance across different eras. It mentions that the first recipe was brought to Europe from China in the 13th century by Marco Polo, who introduced frozen desserts to Italy. The piece reflects on childhood memories associated with ice cream, such as collecting coins for ice cream cones during holidays and family traditions like homemade ice cream. It contrasts traditional flavors with modern innovations, noting the loss of simplicity in today’s diverse range of options. The article ends with a nostalgic reflection on the enduring appeal of ice cream despite changing trends.

Bias read (Center): The article is focused on cultural and historical aspects of ice cream, with no political framing or ideological leaning. It presents information objectively, discussing the evolution of ice cream without taking a stance on contemporary issues or policies.

Why factuality (60): The article discusses the origins of ice cream, mentioning Marco Polo bringing recipes from China to Italy in the 13th century. While this is generally accepted in popular history, it lacks precise scholarly references. The claim that 'sladoled' originated in China over 1000 years ago is somewhat va

Why objectivity (70): The tone has a nostalgic and reflective quality, with a focus on personal memories and cultural nostalgia. While not overtly biased, the article leans toward an emotional and storytelling approach, which slightly reduces its objectivity. The inclusion of folklore and poetic references suggests a mor

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 5519 days ago
The column of the Mass of the Strength of the Cockroach

The article is a personal reflection by Maša Močnik on her experience with coffee, particularly focusing on a negative encounter involving a rodent in her coffee. She discusses the cultural significance of coffee throughout history, noting its role as a status symbol in the 19th century and its association with artists like Ivan Cankar and Ivana Kobilica. The author recalls a distressing morning where she discovered a rodent in her coffee, leading to a detailed account of her reaction and subsequent research into the presence of insect particles in ground foods. She concludes with a critical observation about the lack of awareness regarding such contaminants in processed foods.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural aspects of coffee consumption and includes historical references to Slovenian art and literature. It does not engage with politics, policy, or current events directly, nor does it present any biased framing or slant toward specific political ideologies.

Why factuality (60): This text seems to be an incomplete or fragmented article, possibly cut off mid-sentence. It contains some literary references but lacks clear factual claims about a specific event. The mention of 'ščurkofetarica' and related associations is more metaphorical than factual, making verification diffic

Why objectivity (55): The writing is highly emotive and metaphorical, suggesting a strong personal narrative. The tone is subjective and expressive, leaning into dramatic and poetic language rather than presenting balanced or neutral information.

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