http://www.croatia.org/crown en-us http://www.croatia.org/crown N/A letters@croatia.org Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:42:55 +0000 20 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11449/1/The-Apostle-of-the-Sunderbans-The-Life-and-Mission-of-Fr-Ante-Gabric-Servant-of-God.html The 176-page biography vividly depicts the holiness and Spartan lifestyle of Fr Ante Gabriæ, whom Mother Teresa (now St Teresa of Calcutta) hailed as the "living love of Jesus." Fr Ante's tomb at Maria Palli has become a place of pilgrimage, which people of all faiths visit to pray for his intercession. To Croatians and to the faithful of Baruipur Diocese, he's already a saint. He set sail for India on October 20, 1938, at 23. On October 20, 1988, exactly fifty years later, he breathed his last at Mariapalli parish, which he had founded on January 20, 1975. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Sun, 15 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11276/1/Poziv-Hrvatima-u-iseljenitvu-koji-su-prikupljali-donacije-Neka-vaa-pomoae-trajno-ostane-zapisana.html Nenad Bach, osnivaè ÂœCROWN-a (Croatian World Network) pokrenuo je akciju pomoæu koje bi pomoæ Hrvata iz iseljeni¹tva stradalima u potresu, ali i inaèe pomoæ Hrvata iz iseljeni¹tva Domovini, trajno ostala zapisana, te pomoæu koje bi svima bilo vidljivo koliko je tko i iz koje dr¾ave uplatio. Bach smatra kako je hrvatsko iseljeni¹tvo uvijek pomagalo i poma¾e kad je najgore, bezuvjetno, od srca i velikodu¹no, a za uzvrat nikad nije tra¾ilo ni¹ta. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Sat, 02 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11273/1/GoFundMe-Campaign-Launched-To-Assist-With-Croatian-Earthquake-Relief-Efforts.html We are monitoring the situation in Croatia following the devastating earthquake that struck near the towns of Petrinja and Sisak, and caused major damage and loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who died and are injured, all those impacted, as well as with the first responders and volunteers who continue their search and rescue operations. As global Croatian organizations, we stand united with our homeland. We call on all of our members and friends to join us. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 29 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11131/1/Boyan-Slat-founder-and-CEO-of-the-Ocean-Cleanup-project.html On May 11th 2017, Boyan Slat, Founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, the Dutch foundation developing advanced technologies to rid the oceans of plastic, announced a design breakthrough allowing for the cleanup of half the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in just 5 years. The main idea behind The Ocean Cleanup is to let the ocean currents do the work. An installation of U-shaped screens channels floating plastic to a central point. The concentrated plastic can then be extracted and shipped to shore for recycling into durable products. Boyan Slat has been recognized as one of the 20 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs Worldwide (Intel EYE50), and is the youngest-ever recipient of the UNÀ™s highest environmental accolade: Champion of the Earth. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Thu, 20 Dec 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11136/1/Dr-Bozo-Skoko-published-8220Understanding-Croatia---A-Collection-of-Essays-on-Croatian-Identity8221-2018.html Through a collection of essays about Croatian identity, image, politics, culture, way of life and special traits, the book speaks about Croats, their history, finding its way in the European Union, and mentality. It was written on the basis of numerous facts and studies, nevertheless, it is very readable, entertaining and educational. For this reason, it will undoubtedly be an excellent handbook for getting to know Croatia and the Croats. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Sun, 21 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11106/1/Nenad-Bach-posjetio-poduzece-Hedona-u-Krizevcima-koje-zaposljava-osobe-s-invaliditetom.html Nenad Bach je 24. kolovoza 2018. posjetio Kri¾evce, a cilj njegova posjeta bila je socijalno poduzeæe Hedona. I sam osoba koja se godinama bori s bole¹æu, posebno je senzibiliziran za svaki projekt koji ukljuèuje osobe ogranièenih moguænosti. Hedona, projekt zapo¹ljavanja osoba s invaliditetom sve vi¹e prerasta u uspje¹an proizvodni brand, kri¾evaèku èokoladu! Nenad Bach u ambijentu Choco bara Hedone, u zgradi Razvojnog centra i tehnolo¹kog parka, razgovarao je s Goranom Borèiæem, direktorom Hedone i Petrom Gatariæem, predsjednikom Udruge osoba s invaliditetom Kri¾evci. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ®ubriniæ) Sun, 26 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11073/1/2019-Heritage-History-and-Cultures-of-Croatia-Hosted-by-Robert-Jerin.html We invite you to join noted genealogist, Robert Jerin, for this custom designed exploration of beautiful Croatia. We'€Â™ll have a chance to meet with local villagers as well as professionals working in the field of genealogy. We will learn why the gem we call Croatia has been sought after (or coveted) over the centuries. We'€Â™ll explore the rugged landscape as we work our way north along the Dalmatian coastline. We'€Â™ll visit towns with thousands of years of history, and port cities that pre-date Roman history. Tour dates are May 9-22, 2019. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 30 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11038/1/Heritage-and-History-Tour-of-Croatia-and-its-Islands-September-14-30-2018.html We invite you to join noted genealogist, Robert Jerin, for this custom designed exploration of beautiful Croatia. We'€Â™ll have a chance to meet with local villagers as well as professionals working in the field of genealogy. Also encountering artisans and experts dedicated to studying the rich history, culture and heritage of Croatia. Not only will we walk the paths of our ancestors and notable figures in history but we will visit several places featured in major American motion pictures. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 09 Jan 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11016/1/The-Magic-of-a-Christmas-in-Croatia-and-Slovenia.html We often recall Christmas with our Croatian grandparents; the celebration of the birth of Christ throughout the holiday season, the special customs and the aromas of special foods. Now you can recreate those memories by joining us for our Christmas in Croatia and Slovenia Tour. All of Europe has focused on Zagreb during the Advent season as, Zagreb has won the title as the City with the "ÂœBest Christmas Market" in all of Europe. Great News, we will be doing another Advent Season tour to Croatia and Slovenia. rjerin26@yahoo.com (Robert Jerin) Mon, 18 Sep 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11011/1/Tomislav-quotTomquot-Mihaljevic-is-named-new-CEO-of-the-Cleveland-Clinic.html In just a few months, Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic (left) will take over as the new president and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic. The incoming CEO was born in Croatia and is a naturalized American citizen. He earned his medical degree from the University of Zagreb's medical school in Croatia and completed his residency in cardiovascular surgery at the Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery of the University of Zurich in Switzerland before coming to the United States. He speaks Croatian, English and German. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 05 Sep 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11004/1/NFCA-Newsletter-Summer-2017.html We are proud to announce that the NFCA is working directly with the NY City Croatian Catholic community at Sts. Cyril Methodius Church to host a Sunday 1:00 pm, October 1st music event-fundraiser-salute to honor NFCA's "40 Under 40" winners and to benefit the Banja Luka Catholic Diocese. Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011 will be one of the featured Croatian American guests in attendance. Next, the NFCA continues a myriad of projects to help Bosnian Croats within political, diplomatic and humanitarian projects. ruksj@aol.com (Steve Rukavina) Fri, 11 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10959/1/Croatia-to-Play-in-United-States-for-First-Time-on-May-27-2017.html The Croatian national football team will play for the first time in the United States in May. Croatia will play a friendly against Mexico on 27 May 2017 in Los Angeles at the Memorial Coliseum, the Croatian Football Federation announced. The match, which will kick-off at 16:30 local time, will be the first match in North America for Croatia. The national team have already played in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. croatiaweek1@gmail.com (Croatia Week) Tue, 28 Feb 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10957/1/Ping-Pong-Parkinson-Hosted-by-Westchester-Table-Tennis-Center-.html The Westchester Table Tennis Center seeks to raise awareness for Parkinson's disease and improve health of those diagnosed by hosting a Parkinson's Night every Wednesday at 7:30 pm, starting on March 1st, as part of the 'Ping Pong Parkinson' campaign. Will Shortz, owner of the center, crossword editor of the New York Times, as well as puzzlemaster for NPR, and Nenad Bach (left), a Croatian American recording artist, composer, performer, producer, and peace activist, are both avid ping pong players. They have joined hands to use ping pong to combat the scourge of Parkinson's disease. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 22 Feb 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10951/1/Vukovar-Water-Tower-Restoration-Project-Fundraising-Report.html On September 30, 2016, the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and the Sounds of Croatia Radio Program in Toronto launched the Vukovar Water Tower Restoration Project Fundraising Campaign. Through the fundraising efforts of the Chamber and the Sounds of Croatia and, thanks to the overwhelming support of the Croatian-Canadian community living primarily in Toronto and surrounding areas in Ontario, we were honoured to present the City of Vukovar with a donation of C$205,000 (approximately 1,100,000 kunas). stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 02 Feb 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10935/1/Tom-Begich-Croatian-American-is-New-State-Senator-in-Alaska.html Tom Begich (left), Croatian American from Alaska, has been elected to the State Senate there and won in the Anchorage downtown “J” district. Tom ran unopposed in the general election after he won the August 16th Democratic primary with 62% of the vote against Ed Wesley. The Senate seat opened up when long time Democratic State Senator Johnny Ellis retired after 24 years. This popular incumbent endorsed Tom in the competitive primary race which was a key endorsement. Tom ran an energetic and issue-oriented campaign to win a strong majority of votes in this crucial party primary. This was Tom’s first campaign for office and he will be sworn in to the Alaska State Senate on January 17, 2017. ruksj@aol.com (Steve Rukavina) Tue, 20 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10931/1/NFCA-Announces-822040-Under-40quot-Winners-from-USA-.html The NFCA in Washington, D.C. is proud to announce the first ever group of “40 Under 40” Croatian Americans chosen for an award which celebrates the success and commitment of the next generation. These selections recognize the talent, the accomplishments, the potential and the pride in their Croatian heritage of these forty honorees under the age of forty. “We looked nationwide for forty Croatian Americans who have demonstrated leadership, career success and dedication to Croatian causes,"said Andrea Novak-Neumann, “40 Under 40” committee member and NFCA officer from Minnesota. On the photo Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011. ruksj@aol.com (Steve Rukavina) Tue, 06 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10921/1/OZANA-nonprofit-organization-for-persons-in-need-founded-in-1991-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb.html OZANA is a non-profit organization for persons in need founded in 1991., upon the initiative of Katica Radoniæ, who worked in the Camphill, in Scotland, and wanted to share her great experience in her native city. OZANA was founded with the mission to enhance the quality of lives of children and young persons with developmental difficulties, as well as of their families. Various activities are organised through different workshops, using mostly natural materials. In 2016, OZANA celebrates 25 years of existence. On the photo Vjera Lukaveèki, director of OZANA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Wed, 16 Nov 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10880/1/-Croatian-American-Community-Announces-quot40-Under-40quot-Program-for-USA-.html On August 1, 2016, the National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation (NFCA) announced a nationwide search for nominations for Croatian Americans who are rising stars and notable within their profession. The NFCA Cultural Foundation collaborating with the Croatian Fraternal Union (CFU) and Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP), will work together, to find, nominate and then select "40 Under 40" winners who will be announced in late October. ruksj@aol.com (Steve Rukavina) Sun, 07 Aug 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10836/1/Association-of-Croatian-American-Professionals-First-In-Person-Conference-Held-in-Washington-DC-.html The First In-Person Conference of the Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP) held in Washington, DC on April 21st and 22nd was a resounding success. The conference highlighted seven different panels to showcase Croatian Americans’ talent, success and commitment within the fields: National Diaspora Organizations; Future of the U.S. Croatia Relations; Entrepreneurship and BioTechnology; Medicine - Focus on Cancer and Health Tourism; Croatian Space Program; Croatian Arts and Entertainment in the USA; Legal Topics-Immigration and Real Estate. ruksj@aol.com (Steve Rukavina) Sun, 01 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10807/1/Whats-This-Croatian-Village-Doing-in-McKinney-Texas-Story-by-Money--Time.html Jeffory D. Blackard is the Chief Executive Officer of Blackard Global, Inc., USA. The culminating effort of the previous 30+ years of development and construction led to the creation of Adriatica, a $350 million plus, development in McKinney, Texas. Adriatica is the re-creation of the Croatian fishing village, Supetar on the island of Braè. The meaning of the name of "Supetar" is "Sveti Petar", that is, "Saint Peter". Mr. Blackard challenges the current process of urban development by going back to the basic philosophies that define an authentic village. Through diverse financed ventures all around the world, returns to the reverberations of a dying communal society and brings them back to life with unmatched elegance. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Tue, 01 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10810/1/Pavo-Jurisic-published-an-important-monograph-about-50-years-of-pastoral-care-among-Croats-of-Melbourne.html The monograph And the hand of the Lord was with them / Celebrating 50 Years of Pastoral Care among Croats of Melbourne, written by Dr Pavo Juri¹iæ, is dedicated to Croatian immigrants in Australia, especially those in Melbourne who lived their faith and represented their homeland, and to their fellow countrymen in Australia, their new homeland which accepted them and gave them shelter. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Sun, 21 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10752/1/First-Conference-Organised-by-Croatian-Returnees-for-Croatian-Returnees-October-26-30-2015.html Over 50 participants from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Ecuador, Finland, France, Canada, Hungary, Macedonia, Germany, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, USA, Switzerland and Venezuela will take part in the first ever conference organized by Croatian returnees for Croatian returnees. The conference, which will be held from 26-30 October in Zagreb, is supported by domestic companies, agencies and institutions. croatiaweek1@gmail.com (Croatia Week) Mon, 19 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10750/1/Nenad-Bach-Newsletter-October-2015.html Nenad Bach: Several months passed like a wink and here we go into another Fall or should I say Autumn of 2015. There is no perfect moment to start a family, build a home, produce an album or finish the Newsletter... I am trying to finish this Newsletter for the last few weeks and finally today is the day. I will try to remember at least 5% including a performance with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and visit to the Emergency Room in Croatia. I am searching for boredom but can't find it. Here are few Events I would like to share with you. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10749/1/A-Castle-for-Croatia-in-Australias-capital-Canberra.html The Lifestyle Magazine CAPITAL for in and around Canberra, in the 14th issue of January - February  2005, published a luxorous article  A castle for Croatia, written by Ainsleigh Sheridan and with excellent photos of Elizabeth Hawkes. The story of the Croatian embassy is as epic as Croatia's history. It was built entirely through the efforts of Croatians living in Australia. Furthermore, local architect Antony Mikulic won a selective competition to design the embassy, which the Royal Institute of Architects awarded with a commendation in 2001. The article is based on the interview with His Excellencey Dr Mladen Ibler (on the photo), the then ambassador of the Republic of Croatia in Australia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Fri, 09 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10726/1/Hrvoje-Prpic-Trillenium-creating-beautiful-online-shops-in-VR-3D-and-mobile.html Trillenium is developing a proprietary platform. It's a key enabler of the next phase of online fashion retailing. They have experience of doing this before: their founder, Hrvoje Prpic, is one of Europe's most successful retail entrepreneurs. His previous exit was one of the biggest domestic IPOs in Croatia and the Central Europe region. Trillenium intends to bring virtual reality, 3D, gaming and mobile technologies together with an interactive and social shopping adventure. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Mon, 10 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10720/1/Josipa-Majic-from-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-is--founder--CEO-of-Teddy-the-Guardian-global-enterprise-.html Josipa Majic is the founder and CEO of Teddy the Guardian, Zagreb, Croatia, the first smart teddy bear on the market. During play, the teddy bear seamlessly captures the child's heart rate, saturation of blood with oxygen and body temperature, and wirelessly sends the data on a mobile app. This creates a truly child friendly experience for hospitals and home care. With specialization in medical technology, Majic's work places a special emphasis on a more human approach to patients and users. She has previous experience in delivering medical applications and wearable technology solutions. On the photo Josipa Majic and Ana Burica, Zagreb, authors of the idea of Teddy the Guardian. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Sun, 26 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10712/1/Paul-Musin-promoter-of-Cricket-in-Croatia-and-creator-of-the-portal-Croatia-Week.html Originally from New Zealand, Paul Musin (left) moved to Croatia, and is a member of the Croatian Cricket Federation, where his primary role is to administer and develop the game of cricket in Croatia, right from coaching kids in schools, up to everything to do with the Croatian national side. If that weren't enough to keep him busy, he decided to create the now popular website Croatia Week. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 10 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10686/1/Nenad-Bach-to-be-featured-on-Hudson-Valley-Artist-Spotlight-May-15-2015.html Croatian-American musician and composer Nenad Bach (left) will be featured on Hudson Valley Artist Spotlight with Kathy Millar on 100.7 WHUD. The program aims to introduce listeners to the artists who live and perform in the Hudson Valley and Westchester, New York. The interview will  air on 10:30 p.m. this Friday May, 15, and it will also feature Nenad's song "Everything is Forever". stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 12 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10677/1/Brittain-Kovac-is-waking-up-debt-free-in-America.html Brittain Kovac’s great grandmother came from Croatia and settled in Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, KS. Her family loved the openness of the space, and the opportunity to own and care for land. Their entrepreneurial spirit was passed down to Brittain’s dad and to her as well. They also passed down the sense of responsibility that comes with any such opportunity: the need to give back. When Brittain was around 13, she went on a mission trip to the heart of Jamaica. “It literally changed my life and the direction that I had planned for my future,” she says. tajci.official@gmail.com (Tajci Cameron) Wed, 22 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10665/1/Robert-Benmosches-family-appoints-Libertas-Foundation-to-administer-donations-in-his-memory.html Libertas Foundation is accepting donations honoring Robert Benmosche's amazing life. The Benmosche family would like to use funds raised to help the Dubrovnik hospital - Children's Unit and other humanitarian causes in Dubrovnik and Croatia that he cared about dearly. All donations are tax deductible. Dubrovnik5@aol.com (Niko Hazdovac) Fri, 03 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10664/1/Direct-flights-from-Toronto-to-Croatia-start-June-22-2015-New-York-Chicago-USA-When.html Proponents of non-stop airline flights between North American cities and Croatia received a major boost this month when America’s Ambassador to the central European nation said the U.S. is working out the details to once again make direct travel a reality. "I am happy to see that arrivals by American citizens to the Dubrovnik County are growing,” said US Ambassador Kenneth Merton. “I hope this year there will be even more visitors. It is good to see progress here at Dubrovnik Airport. For Croatia, it is important to plan for growth." caroline@profilecoms.com (Caroline Spivak) Mon, 30 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10662/1/Croatian-American-Radio-Club-of-Chicago-Celebrates-80th-Anniversary.html Like many great things Croatian, it all starts from a social gathering. Think legendary soccer team Hajduk Split. The soccer team was started after a group of students in Prague went to a pub after a soccer game. It was during this 'social gathering' the great club was created in 1911. 24 years later in 1935, another 'social gathering' took place, this time in Chicago in the home of Ivan Majdak. It was agreed a radio station was needed for the Croatian-Americans in Chicago, as a means to hear news of the homeland, news of the community, and preserve the language and traditions, a way to keep the cultural identity alive. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Sun, 22 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10654/1/President-of-Croatia-Kolinda-Grabar-Kitaroviae-visits-New-York-City.html Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic (left) was at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday March 6, 2015 for an event marking International Women's Day and the 20th anniversary since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and she also meet with representatives of the Croatian community in New York. She also attended the "No Ceilings: Full Participation Project", a Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton event, and met with former President Bill Clinton and former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 11 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10643/1/10-Annual-Heritage-and-History-Tour-of-Croatia-with-Robert-Jerin-September-12---September-26-2015-.html Join noted genealogist, Robert Jerin, for this custom designed exploration of Croatia’s history and heritage. We’ll have a chance to meet with local villagers as well as professionals working in the field of genealogy while we tour this country rich in tradition and benefiting from a confluence of cultures for thousands of years. This year’s tour will include a tour of places on the lovely, but often overlooked, Istrian Peninsula, Gorski Kotar known as the Green Heart of Croatia, including Mrkopalj, Plitivice Lakes Park, Slavonia, the centuries old pilgrimage town and church of Marija Bistrica, Zagreb and Samobor. Included are many scrumptious traditional meals and several performances by Croatian musical groups including Klapa and Tamburitza. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 20 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10640/1/Documentary-about-Mia-Slavenska-Mia-a-Dancers-Journey-to-be-screened-in-NYC-on-January-31-2015.html Don't miss the only New York City screening of "Mia, a Dancer's Journey," January 31st, 3:30 p.m. at Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater. The film is a daughter’s promise to tell her mother’s story which serves as the starting point for this documentary on the life of the celebrated Croatian ballerina Mia Slavenska, which becomes a fascinating and moving reflection on historical memory, national identity, and the power of dance. The film retraces Mia’s journey from tumultuous prewar Europe through her emergence as a glamorous ballerina of the Ballets Russes and a star attraction on stages across America, culminating with her return to her homeland. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 14 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10622/1/Announcing-the-formation-of-the-Association-of-Croatian-American-Professionals.html We’re very pleased to announce the formation of the Association of Croatian American Professionals. We are an association of professionals in the United States, and around the world, interested in building a lifetime of professional connections to support the business, networking, and social activities of our members. Our members represent all facets of the international professional community, such as scientists, doctors, engineers, attorneys, journalists, artists, business executives, accountants, etc. We also welcome professionals of non-Croatian heritage who are active in the Croatian community. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Mon, 20 Oct 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10617/1/Poziv-na-akciju-Pokretom-protiv-Parkinsona-3p-u-Maksimiru-Zagreb-4-listopada-2014-u-10-sati.html Program za subotu 4. listopada 2014.: Park Maksimir u Zagrebu, 10-15h prezentacija naèina vje¾banja, 11h zajednièko hodanje Putem Nade (podr¹ka borbi  oboljelih od Parkinsonove bolesti i sindroma), 12h koncert Nenada Bacha, Radojke ©verko i gostiju, 17 h projekcija filma „Everything Is Forever“ (Kino Tu¹kanac). Nakon projekcije filma bit æe razgovor s Nenadom Bachom. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ®ubriniæ) Sun, 28 Sep 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10606/1/Tomislav-Braliae--Klapa-Intrade-USA-and-Canada-2014-Tour.html Over the decades certainly became one of the most popular Croatian music groups. From the one of the most awarded a cappella groups in 90’s, to “mega stars” delivering breathtaking performances in sold-out arenas and stadiums! Their international performances include multiple visits to: USA, Australia, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Germany, Ukraine, Bosnia, and Italy. During their second visit to the USA & Canada, they will showcase their unique talent that stays true to the core of Croatian culture and heritage. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Sun, 24 Aug 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10576/1/My-Little-Piece-of-Land-attractive-brochure-about-Croatian-farmers-published-by-Suske-consulting-in-Germany.html   The project "My Little Piece of Land", initiated by Suske consulting, Germany, focuses on visual and written portrays of 14 farmers from protected areas in Croatia and their favourite places in the landscape. The "favorite places" will be presented with a traveling exhibition in public buildings nationwide. This accompanying brochure offers more information about the farmers using original quotations regarding their approach towards farming, relation to the landscape, every day work, farming traditions, the beautiful and the difficult side of being a farmer in Croatia and more. On the photo Marija Martinko, a member of the project team. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ®ubriniæ) Fri, 27 Jun 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10565/1/Ljubo-Krasic-director-of-Croatian-Ethnic-Institute-in-Chicago-USA.html The Franciscans established the Croatian Ethnic Institute in 1975, with headquarters in Chicago, for the purpose of preserving and promoting the Croatian heritage in the United States and Canada. This foundation was established with one far-sighted goal, namely, that all which is valuable and in any way related to the Croatians could be found in one place and used for various kinds of research. An additional goal of the Institute was to promote Croatian history, culture, literature, and heritage. The current director of the Croatian Ethnic Institute is fra Ljubo Krasiæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Thu, 22 May 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10552/1/Goran-Visnjic-in-an-appeal-for-the-Croatian-Scholarship-Fund.html The Croatian Scholarship Fund recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dinner in Sacramento. The crowd was surprised with a video message from movie and television actor Goran Visnjic congratulating the Croatian Scholarship Fund on its many years of success. Goran in the video reminds the audience to bid early and often for a special live auction item, which is lunch in Los Angeles with Goran. This item received the highest bid in the live auction with spirited bidding for several minutes before the final winner was announced at the CSF Gala Dinner. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 29 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10548/1/The-Croatian-Academy-of-America-celebrates-61-years-1953---2014.html The Croatian Academy of America is celebrating its 61st anniversary with its Annual Dinner to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Appetito Ristorante in New York City with cocktails starting at 6:30 p.m. and dinner starting at 7:30 p.m. The keynote address will be made by Frank Jankac on “Enemy Aliens: Recovering the Unknown Story of the Internment of Croats in North America During World War I”. An additional presentation will be made to commemorate the work of the late Karlo Mirth. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 18 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10535/1/Croatian-Fraternal-Union-CFU-founded-in-1894-in-the-USA-celebrates-120-years-of-existence.html From a membership of less than 300 in 1894, the Croatian Fraternal Union, or in Croatian - Hrvatska bratska zajednica, has grown into an organization with approximately 60,000 members worldwide. The history of the Croatian Fraternal Union actually coincides with the history of the Croatian people in North America. From the beginning, when an itinerant young newspaperman came to Pittsburgh from Chicago in the late fall of 1893, Zdravko V. Mu¾ina attracted more than 300 people to a meeting on Jan. 14, 1894, to organize a mutual benefit society for all Croatians. On the photo Mr. Bernard Luketich, president of CFU. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Sun, 16 Mar 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10507/1/Joza-Vrljicak-writing-about-Croatian-Government-Advisory-Council-for-Croats--Abroad.html Mr. Joza Vrljièak from Buenos Aires, Argentina,  participated in the First Meeting of the Advisory Council to the Government of the Republic of Croatia for Croats Living Abroad, which was held in Zagreb on 18th to 20th December 2013. The Council was established by Croatian law in 2012 and it is formed by 55 representatives of Croatians from around the globe. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljièak) Sun, 19 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10504/1/Dr-Peter-Kuzmic-authority-on-Christian-response-to-Marxism-and-on-Christian-ministry-in-post-Communist-contexts.html Dr. Peter Kuzmic is the foremost evangelical scholar in Eastern Europe and is considered an authority on the subject of Christian response to Marxism and on Christian ministry in post-Communist contexts. He co-founded and directs Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, Croatia, the first evangelical theological school in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. He also founded Timisoara Theological Institute, a Romanian school affiliated with ETS. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Fri, 03 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10498/1/Frok-Zefi-Catholic-priest-historian-and-publicist-in-Croatia.html Besides his regular duties in his parish, Don Frok Zefi (on the photo) is very active as a historian and publicist. Till now he has published about a dozen of books and monographs, most of them in Zagreb and Osijek, and some of them printed in Albanian as well. No doubt, the greatest Albanian in history was legenedary Mother Teresa, educated as a girl by Croatian Jesuits. The greatest expert in the history of Albanians was distinguished Croatian scientist and polyglot Milan pl. ©ufflay (1879-1931). darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ®ubriniæ) Fri, 13 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10489/1/Croatian-events-in-Argentina-2013-Buenos-Aires-Celebra-Croacia-Klapa-Kastav-Chaco-etc.html   Joza Vrljièak sent us numerous video recordings and photos concerning the Croatian Day celebrated in Argentinean capital Buenos Aires, in November 2013. It is estmated that there are about 300,000 citizens of Croatian origin in Argentina. Croatian community in Argentina is very active, espeically in the field of culture. Numerous Croatinas contributed in various ways to the prestige and wellbeing of Argentina. Probably the best known among them is Juan (Ivan) Vucetich 1858-1925, the father of the scientific dactiloscopy, that is, of identification by fingerprints. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljièak) Thu, 05 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10488/1/Its-not-a-Velvet-but-a-Snowflake-Revolution.html Why a Snowflake? Simple. A snowflake is innocent, unique, gentle and clean, just like the vast majority of us. A snowflake is a child's joy just like we all want to be joy and pride for our children because we did something for their future. But a snowflake upon snowflake, though gentle, can become a deep snow and an avalanche. Then they have a power that cannot be ignored. Croatian Hamed Bangoura started a non-violent Snowflake Revolution on Facebook, asking for fundamental change in a Croatian political arena. They expect over 50.000 snowflakes in 48 hours. Democracy by example. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 04 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10481/1/How-do-Croatians-Communicate-By-David-Byler-8th-Generation-Croatian-American.html "How do Croatians Communicate" is a vital topic for many of us. Croatian musicians, poets, artists, politicians, preachers, and marketing people of all varieties, no less than those from any culture or from any ethnicity, are communicators. Our success depends on persistent and pervasive communication. A song heard only by a few birds in the forest, as pleasant and appreciative an audience as they may seem to be, is somehow unsatisfying to us. Our satisfaction is not derived from the wealth or power that our communication might yield but about our "voice" being heard and perhaps eliciting a response from our audience. slavonac46@gmail.com (David Byler) Tue, 12 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10450/1/WTTW-Chicago-to-rebroadcast-documentary-film-quotThey-Never-Walked-Alonequot-on-Velika-Gospa.html Thursday, August 15, 2013 the day of the Feast of the Assumption (Velika Gospa) WTTW Prime in Chicago will be rebroadcasting the documentary film called "They Never Walked Alone" that celebrates 100 years of St. Jerome Croatian parish located in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood. The film will air starting at 2:00 pm CST. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 14 Aug 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10434/1/NFCACF-Elects-New-President-Paul-Tonetiae-Kunder.html The National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation (NFCACF) has elected a new President, Mr. Paul Ton¹etiæ-Kunder, to succeed Mr. Bill Vergot who is retiring after serving two terms as President since 2011. Mr. Ton¹etiæ-Kunder of Coral Springs, Florida is a third generation Croatian American originally born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Both maternal and fraternal grandparents came from Croatia in the early 1900’s (Samobor and Grubi¹no Polje), and they settled in the Western Pennsylvania area. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Mon, 01 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10416/1/The-Council-for-Croats-outside-of-Croatia-is-founded.html The council will assist in designing and implementing policies, programs and activities in relation to  Croats who live beyond the borders of our beautiful country. Members of the council are among the most prominent representatives of the Croatian community from around the world, as well as representatives of the most important institutions in the country. All of them will help the Croatian government in designing and implementing policies, programs and activities in relation to the Croats living outside its borders. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 06 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10412/1/Don-Wolf-author-of-autobiographical-photo-monograph-Croatian-Love-Story.html Long before Don Wolf was born, the outline for A Croatian Love Story was formed in the 1900’s. An ethnic neighborhood was the site where determined women and men struggled to build, to educate and to become citizens. These Croatian immigrants formed the strong shoulders supporting cherished traditions as they learned to live in and to love their new country. Don’s photographs depict Croatian life both in the United States and in Croatia. His writing preserves generations of memories. This book is a tribute to those who came before and a blessing to those who are yet to come. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ®ubriniæ) Sun, 26 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10408/1/Call-for-proposals-for-international-conference-on-Croatian-history-language-and-migration.html The conference to be held from 5-7 February, 2014, honours 30 years of Croatian Studies at Macquarie University in Sydney Australia. The focus of the conference is on the development of the identity and political consciousness of Croatians in Croatia or abroad through the exploration of the construction and expression of personal and group identities of Croatians of all social classes, in all periods from the Middle Ages to the modern day. Themes include but are not limited to: identity, history, language, art, trans-national communities, literature and politics of Croatians in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and all the other places where Croatians live as a minority group or diaspora community. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10407/1/How-can-Croatian-science-help-Croatia-to-overcome-the-crisis.html The Arguments radio show on Croatian Catholic Radio, directed by Marijan O¾aniæ,  discussed to what extent science in Croatia is connected with economy and whether science can help Croatia to overcome economic crisis. Zvonko Benèiæ and Igor Èatiæ (on the photo), professors at the University of Zagreb, were invited as competent experts from the field of engineering sciences, who can tell us a lot about it because they have spent their entire working life connected with economy. m.ozanic@raza-tpz.hr (Marijan O¾aniæ) Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10404/1/Michael-Coren-interviewed-Judith-Reisman-who-visited-Croatia-in-support-of-Karolina-Vidovic-Kristo.html Sun News Networks' Michael Coren interviews Judith Reisman on The Arena. They discuss the recent visit of Judith Reisman and Tim Tate to Croatia in support of Karolina Vidoviæ-Kri¹to, a respected and successful journalist and tv host, who got suspended after reviewing Tim Tate's documentary on her public television show. On the photo Judith Reisman and Karolina Vidoviæ-Kri¹to. We also provide a related article by Mons. Nikola Radiæ, island of Krk, and a lecture by Dr. Ivan Poljakoviæ from the University of Zadar, both in Croatian. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10383/1/Buenos-Aires-Argentina--Registracija-biraca-za-izbore-zastupnika-iz-Republike-Hrvatske-u-Europski-Parlament.html Pozivaju se na aktivnu registraciju u Veleposlanstvu Republike Hrvatske u Buenos Airesu:  biraèi koji nemaju prijavljeno prebivali¹te u Republici Hrvatskoj, a ¾ele se upisati u posebni popis aktivno registriranih biraèa u najbli¾em diplomatskom predstavni¹tvu Republike Hrvatske (VRH Buenos Aires) kako bi mogli ostvariti svoje biraèko pravo na izborima zastupnika iz Republike Hrvatske u Europski parlament. Pozivaju se na prethodnu registraciju u diplomatskim misijama i konzularnim uredima Republike Hrvatske u inozemstvu biraèi koji imaju prijavljeno prebivali¹te u Republici Hrvatskoj, a na dan izbora borave u inozemstvu. Na slici g. Joza Vrljièak, Buenos Aires. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljièak) Wed, 13 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10351/1/CroExpress-a-newspaper-that-is-better-informing-the-Diaspora.html Marina Stojak (left), is the editor-in-chief of CroExpress, a monthly newspaper published out of Hannover Germany. She recently sat down and talked about the paper's beginnings, response of the readership and countries that they hope to expand to.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10334/1/Government-office-for-Croatians-outside-of-the-Republic-of-Croatia-is-looking-for-advisors-.html The Government office for Croats outside of the Republic of Croatia is looking for advisors. This will be an advisory body that will offer aid in creating policies, activities and programs in relation to the  Croats outside of the Republic of Croatia. Advisors will have a four year mandate and will represent communities in their country of origin. The call for the nomination of representatives of the Croatian community in the Government Council is open to November 10, 2012. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 25 Oct 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10300/1/Civic-Innovation-for-a-Better-Future-seminar-in-Zagreb-September-14-15-2012.html The Civic Innovation Incubator (Croatia), with support of The Leadership Institute (USA) will hold a two day seminar, in Zagreb, titled "Civic Innovation for a Better Future". The objective of the seminar will be to discuss how to foster and empower a culture of creativity and innovation in the younger generation. New times create new problems. New technologies offer new opportunities. New solutions are required and for this creativity and innovation are required. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 25 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10287/1/Congratulations-to-the-graduating-class-of-2012-especially-Peter-Christopher-Novakovic.html Graduation is a rite of passage and the editorial staff at Croatian World Network would like to congratulate the graduating class of 2012 and wish them all the best in their future endeavors! We would also like to congratulate a special graduate  from El Segundo High School in Los Angeles. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 27 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10282/1/Zagreb-Technopolis---Silicon-Valley-on-the-Sava-River-in-Croatia.html Zagreb Technopolis, or the Silicon Valley on the Sava River, is a large science and technology park of 236 000 m2 envisaged on the site of the never completed hospital. That would be the place of the future science and technology park for high-tech firms, an entrepreneurial zone for large productive enterprises, business schools and various accompanying facilities like multimedia halls, conference rooms, laboratories, banks, restaurants, kindergarten. Zagreb Technopolis won’t be just some large office area for accommodation of various big and small firms. It will be the place where entrepreneurs, companies and products for export will be developed, and new jobs opened. m.ozanic@raza-tpz.hr (M.Sc. Marijan O¾aniæ) Mon, 25 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10278/1/Mobilne-aplikacije-Vatrenih---Mobile-applications-of-Croatian-soccer-team-on-iPhone-Android-and-Blackberry.html   Mobilne aplikacije Vatrenih. Sada je moguæe sve informacije o Hrvatskoj nogometnoj reprezentaciji saznati i u pokretu! Trenutno je moguæe instalirati aplikacije na mobilne ureðaje koje proizvode iPhone, Android i Blackberry. ©kljocnite na logo kako biste odmah instalirali aplikaciju na svoj ureðaj i pristupali cijeloj statistici, povijesti, kolumnama i najsvje¾ijim vijestima nogometne reprezentacije., Android aplikacija zahtjeva verziju 2.2 ili noviju, iPhone i iPod aplikacija zahtjeva verziju iOS-a 4.3 ili noviju, BlackBerry aplikacija za BlackBerry Playbook te BlackBerry 10 Beta - Uskoro! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 09 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10263/1/Bosnia-and-Herzegovina-where-the-God-weeps.html Even though religious freedom is enshrined in the 1995 constitution (Article 2), there are alarming cases of discrimination and violence. Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox have all reported many cases of aggression and religious intolerance. Religious practice is relatively low but there are some areas where religion is taken very seriously. Examples of this include the Croatian Catholic communities in Bosnia, where they are a minority. They find themselves in a difficult position, fighting for survival... Martyred nuns have been beatified in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2011. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 23 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10262/1/Porez-na-inozemne-mirovine.html U ime Hrvatskog svjetskog kongresa, mjerodavnim institucijama u Hrvatskoj, pismom se obratio Josip Ante Sovulj, tajnik HSK-a za odnose s hrvatskim dr¾avnim ustanovama, a na temu nejasnoæa oko poreza na inozemne mirovine. Pismo donosimo u cijelosti. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 22 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10254/1/Izaslanstvo-idovske-zajednice-u-Australiji-nazoeilo-sastanku-s-Hrvatima-u-Geelongu.html Na inicijativu Generalnog konzulata Republike Hrvatske u Melbourneu, nedjelju 29. travnja 2012. godine u Geelongu, drugom najveæem gradu u australskoj saveznoj dr¾avi Viktoriji, odr¾an je drugi povijesni susret izmeðu predstavnika hrvatske i ¾idovske etnièke zajednice u Viktoriji. Sastanak je odr¾an u Centru Hrvatske Zajednice Geelong, koji je ¹irom otvorio vrata visokim gostima iz ¾idovske zajednice. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 05 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10232/1/NFCACF-Supports-New-Visa-Waiver-Program-Reform-Legislation-in-US-Congress.html The National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation (NFCACF) has announced it's full support for reform of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) which would include Croatia's participation. In a recent letter to the US Senate Judiciary Committee, NFCACF President Bill Vergot cited full support for S. 2046 as another "crucial milestone for the growing relationship between our two countries.  The 'Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act of 2012’ would enable Croatia to soon join the VWP. foleycoinc@earthlink.net (Joe Foley) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10214/1/Tarara-Croats-and-Maori-in-New-Zealand-monograph-by-Senka-Bozic-Vrbancic.html Maori called us Tarara. , as we speak so fast... At the beginning of the twentieth century, as Croatians left Dalmatia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire for the brave new world of New Zealand, Drawing from official documents, oral histories, novels, letters, newspaper articles, marriage certificates, and much more, Senka Bozic-Vrbancic on the photo explores relationships between Maori and Croats. How has their collective identity been shaped by changing legal regulations from colonial times to the bi cultural New Zealand of today? Croatian and Maori Christmas concert for 2011 in New Zealand. Dame Mira Szászy b. Petrièeviæ was the first Maori woman with university degree. Her father was Croatian. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10194/1/Incorporating-the-Diaspora-in-Contemporary-Croatian-Studies--The-Harriman-Institute.html This series of short presentations will introduce the exciting and dynamic developments at the University of Rijeka’s new campus, as well as outline the university’s goals for expanding international cooperation, exchange, and Croatian language education. There will also be a focus on how to strengthen cooperation and exchange between the University of Rijeka and Croatian émigré communities in the United States, including knowledge transfer, student exchanges, contributions of returning scholars, and development opportunities. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 22 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10176/1/A-tale-of-two-presidents-and-two-diasporas.html Sunday, September 18th 2011 and Monday September 19, 2011 saw the presidents of Hungary Pal Schmitt and of Croatia Ivo Josipovic (left) meet with members of their communities in the United States in Cleveland and New York respectively. Their visits displayed a remarkable divergence with regards to relationships with their diaspora communities. Maybe Croatia can learn from Hungary in strengthening relations with Croatian communities scattered around the world? stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10142/1/PRIJEDLOG-ZAKONA-O-ODNOSIMA-REPUBLIKE-HRVATSKE-S-HRVATIMA-IZVAN-REPUBLIKE-HRVATSKE.html Ustavom Republike Hrvatske utvrðena je ustavna obveza Republike Hrvatske da ¹titi prava i interese svojih dr¾avljana koji ¾ive ili borave u inozemstvu i promièe njihove veze s domovinom. Temeljito proèitajte dokument, pro¹irite ga, po¹aljite prijateljima koji imaju ideje i znaju ih napisati. Predugo smo èekali ovakav dokument da bi pro¹ao samo kao jedna od toèaka na Saborskim sjednicama. Dakle, radi se o dokumentu koji æe se pretoèiti u zakon, i tu smo u prilici sugerirati, savjetovati, tra¾iti i obrazlagati sve ¹to nas ti¹ti, ¹to nam nedostaje, ¹to mozemo pobolj¹ati, pojednostaviti te ubrzati procese sjedinjenja dijaspore i matice domovine. Idejni zaèetnik dokumenta je Dr. Ivan Bagariæ. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10141/1/A-Strong-Voice-for-Croatian-Canadians-The-Legislative-Legacy-of-Borys-Wrzesnewskyj.html Outside of this strong legislative record, Wrzesnewskyj delivered several statements on the floor of the House of Commons including: commemorating the anniversary of Boris Cikovic’s death, drawing attention to the need to lift visitor visas for Croatia, urging the recognition and commemoration of the internment of Croats in Canada from 1914 to 1921, and paying tribute to martyred Aloysius Cardinal Stepinac. Over the years, Wrzesnewskyj attended or addressed several Croatian Canadian gatherings in his capacity as Member of Parliament. These have included the annual business awards ceremonies of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the summer gatherings of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodges, and the special mass celebrated by Josip Cardinal Bozaniæ in Toronto. stangranic@hotmail.com (Stan Granic) Thu, 14 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10136/1/Branka-Kandic-Splavski-and-her-Croatian-fairy-tales-as-medicine---Bajka-kao-lijek.html Branka Kandiæ-Splavski is a specialist in family medicine and in her soul, a fairy tales writer. In 2004 after her first book ANDREA'S SHELL had been published her personal and professional life took a new direction: one of her patients was dying of brain cancer. She was no longer able to move, or speak, she was laying motionless and communicated only with her eyes. In the process of catching the public ear and eye, informing and educating the society about the patients' rights and neccessity for dignified care in the lives of severely ill people the fairy tale idea once again served as a bridge. vladom@xnet.hr (Vladimir Mihajloviæ) Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10123/1/18th-Annual-Convention-of-the-NFCA-to-Take-Place-in-Pittsburgh-June-4-2011.html  The 18th Annual Convention of the National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation (NFCA) will take place in Pittsburgh on June 4, 2011 at the Clarion Hotel in Greentree, located just outside of Pittsburgh.  Delegates from throughout the United States are expected to attend. foleycoinc@earthlink.net (Joe Foley) Fri, 03 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10116/1/Vlada-usvojila-Strategiju-odnosa-Republike-Hrvatske-prema-Hrvatima-izvan-Domovine.html Vlada Republike Hrvatske usvojila Strategiju odnosa Republike Hrvatske prema Hrvatima izvan Republike Hrvatske. Predvidjeno je i donosenje Zakona (kao instrumenta provedbe Strategije), Savjeta Vlade i Ureda Vlade za Hrvate izvan RH (operativnog tijela), izvjescuje za CROWN Dr. Ivan Bagariæ (lijevo), Predsjednik Odbora Za Hrvate Izvan Republike Hrvatske. Strategy for the relations between the Republic of Croatia and the Croatians outside the Republic of Croatia. ivan.bagaric@zg.tel.hr (Dr. Ivan Bagaric) Thu, 19 May 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10082/1/Ivan-Dragicevic-Returns-to-Australia-with-Medjugorje8217s-Message.html In June 1981, six children witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary on  Podbrdo Hill, in the parish of Medjugorje in western Herzegovina. Ivan Dragicevic (left) was one of these children; he was 16 years old then. Years after coming to terms with the holy role that has unwittingly evolved for him, Ivan has been traveling to the four corners of the world to share his experience and spread the messages from the Virgin Mary. violicalvert@optusnet.com.au (Violi Calvert) Wed, 23 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10079/1/Perforations-Festival-to-be-held-in-New-York-City-March-11-21-2011.html Zvonimir Dobrovic (left) in association with La MaMa will be bringing the Perforacija Festival from Croatia to  NewYork. The Peforations Festival is a live arts festival featuring some of the leading contemporary performing artists from Southeast Europe. The festival will be held at Club La MaMa in New York City, March 11-21, 2011. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10075/1/My-Wifes-Husband-Premieres-makes-US-premiere-March-9-8211-24-2011.html Little Fish Theatre (LFT) in San Pedro is kicking off its 2011 Mid-Week Series with the comedy MY WIFE’S HUSBAND by Croatian playwright Miro Gavran, directed Don Schlossman. A favorite in Croatia, LFT will be presenting the US Premiere of the English translation of the play. This production features Croatian actress Iva Hasperger (left). stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10074/1/Michael-Mazzeo-Gallery--hosts-exhibit-by-Hrvoje-Slovenc-March-3-to-April-23-2011.html Michael Mazzeo Gallery is pleased to present Home Theater, a solo exhibition of large-scale,multiple-panel, color photographs by the New York based, Croatian photographer, Hrvoje Slovenc (left). The work will be on view from March 3 through April 23, with a reception for the artist on Thursday, March 10, from 6 – 8 PM. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10038/1/NFCA-Leaders-Meet-With-US-State-Department-and-National-Security-Council.html A delegation of members of the National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation (NFCA) met with the White House’s National Security Council staff and several US State Department policy officials earlier this month to discuss the current status of relations between the United States and Croatia and to express their concerns about the ongoing problems faced by Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). foleycoinc@earthlink.net (Joe Foley) Sun, 21 Nov 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10028/1/Zvonimir-Ranogajec-preserves-the-story-of-the-Croatian-diaspora-on-film.html   This historic image of Croatians demonstrating in Washington D.C. for Croatian independence in 1991 is one of many that Zvonimir Ranogajec has captured on over 250 documentary films spanning a period of 30 years about the Croatian communities in Canada and the United States. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 13 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9993/1/Chichi-may-be-the-oldest-dog-in-the-world-and-vacationing-in-Croatia.html  On Morton Street in the West Village lives a small poodle nearly the same color as the pavement upon which he takes his seven-times daily constitutional. He may very well be the oldest dog on the planet. But he may not live long enough to wear his crown. According to a long string of people who have owned the little canine, he is at least 22 years old, possibly 24. Chichi in Zadar, Croatia (photo). mspudic@aol.com (Michael Spudiæ) Sun, 25 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9973/1/CACF-raises-over-150000-at-8th-Annual-Golf-OutingAwards-Dinner.html The Croatian American Charitable Foundation held its 8th Annual Charity Golf Outing and Awards Dinner at North Hills Country and Cherry Valley Club in Long Island, New York. Over 230 golfers and 60 companies help raise money to help the American Cancer Society, Doctors Without Borders, The Cam Neely Foundation and Croatian Mine Action Centre. jperos@croatiancharities.com (John Peros) Mon, 24 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9965/1/Davor-Suker-to-Hold-Mini-Clinic-for-Charity-in-NYC-May-15-2010.html Davor Suker (left) will be holding a “Mini Clinic for Charity” on Saturday, May 15th 2010 at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) campus in Old Westbury, Long Island from 10am-1pm. The clinic will be for children between the ages of 9-14 and all proceeds will benefit the CACF and its ongoing battle for removing mines in Croatia. jperos@croatiancharities.com (John Peros) Tue, 27 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9956/1/Croatians-of-Chicagoland-book-set-to-launch-May-17-2010.html The Chicago area is home to more than 150,000 people of Croatian descent. In its heyday, the community grew so robust, it was known as the "second Croatian Capital." In her new book "Croatians of Chicagoland, " Maria Dugandzic-Pasic examines how this community and its leaders, clergy, laborers, politicians, athletes, benevolent societies and social organizations helped build and shape Chicago's history. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9947/1/US-Census-2010-IMPORTANT-for-Croatian-American-families-.html  I have not seen any brochure, any instructions to help Croatian American families on how to fill the US Census 2010. Every 10 years we have Census here in the United States of America. There is no obvious way to understand where to put your heritage. Proper census guaranties many benefits to follow for the community in general. So I posted a detailed sample of the question 9 of the Census. There are 2-3 million Croatian Americans, but when we count the census, not even close. So, take your pen and fill it properly. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 22 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9937/1/17th-Annual-NFCA-Cultural-Foundation-Convention-to-be-held-May-15-2010.html The National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA) Cultural Foundation 2010 Assembly of Delegates will take place in Monroeville, Pennsylvania within the Greater Pittsburgh area, the weekend of May 14-16. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9934/1/Croatian-president-awards-lifetime-achievement-award-to-Hedvig-Hricak-MD.html Radiological Society of North America President Hedvig Hricak, M.D., Ph.D., Dr. h.c., an internationally recognized leader in radiology research and public education, received a lifetime achievement award from Croatian President Stjepan Mesic at a December ceremony in Croatia. Dr. Hricak is a native of Croatia. mijat.marko@gmail.com (Marko Mijat) Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9933/1/Steve-Rukavina-met-Barack-Obama-at-the-White-House.html National Federation of Croatian Americans President Steve Rukavina (left) and his wife Diane met with President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama at a December holiday party at The White House. The NFCA President was thrilled to meet the President and to extend well wishes from the Croatian American community. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9906/1/Merry-Christmas-Happy-New-Year-2010-Happy-Holidays-Blagoslovljen-Boiae.html Merry Christmas Happy New Year 2009 Happy Holidays Blagoslovljen Bo¾iæ Sretna Nova 2010 Happy Hanukkah Happy Kurban Bajram  Happy Kwanzaa. We wish to all of us THE WORLD PEACE more transparency in human behavior and a safe planet. NO MORE WARS. No Fear in a new decade. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9805/1/CroatianDatingcom-connects-single-Croatians-from-around-the-world.html   CroatianDating.com is a Croatian owned and operated website. The founders realized that although some Croatian singles do not (or no longer) attend Croatian functions and events,  many are interested in finding a soul mate of their own heritage. As a result, the site was launched in response to  increasing demand for Internet based personals for single adult Croatians world wide. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9750/1/Croatian-World-Games---Zadar-2010-Interview-with-Franjo-Pavic.html The second Croatian World Games, also known as Crolympia will be held in Zadar in July, 2010, and organized by the Croatian World Congress, the main association of expatriate Croatians in the world. Interview with Mr. Franjo Pavic, head of the organisation committee for Germany and coordinator for Europe anton@bulic.net (Anton Bulic) Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9685/1/U-Hrvatskom-Saboru-utemeljen-Odbor-za-Hrvate-izvan-Republike-Hrvatske.html Sa zadovoljstvom vas obavje¹æujemo da je odnedavno u najvi¹em zakonodavnom i predstavnièkom tijelu Hrvatske, Hrvatskom Saboru, utemeljen Odbor za Hrvate izvan Republike Hrvatske.  Kako biste se mogli bolje upoznati s radom odbora, u prilogu vam ¹aljemo podrobniji prikaz njegovog sastava, ovlasti i uloge. ivan.bagaric@zg.tel.hr (Dr. Ivan Bagaric) Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9686/1/CROWN-Croatiaorg-Supports-National-Day-of-Service-on-Monday-January-19-2009.html  Dear Fellow Croatian Americans: We have been asked from the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009 Co-Chairs to invite groups and Croatian Americans to participate in a National Day of Service on Monday, January 19th which is a national holiday honoring Martin Luther King. The most popular community service events so far seem to be volunteering at food banks, senior centers, day care centers, homeless shelters and legal or medical clinics. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9677/1/Merry-Christmas-Happy-New-Year-2009-Happy-Holidays-Blagoslovljen-Boiae.html Merry Christmas Happy New Year 2009 Happy Holidays Blagoslovljen Bo¾iæ Sretna Nova 2009 Happy Hanukkah Happy Kurban Bajram  Happy Kwanzaa. We wish to all of us THE WORLD PEACE more transparency in human behavior and a safe planet. NO MORE WARS. No Fear. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 23 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9662/1/Croatian-village-celebrates-victory-of-US-senator-Mark-Begich.html Mark Begich's victory in the U.S. Senate race in Alaska is being celebrated in a Croatian village where his grandfather once lived. Begich's grandfather left the small village of Podlapaca in central Croatia almost a century ago to seek a better life in America. Croatian Nikola Begic, who says he's the new senator's cousin, was quoted by one paper as saying their extended family had endured poverty and wars in the past, so the senator's victory "may be God's reward now." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9596/1/Matica-Iseljenika-Newsletter-Srpanj-2008.html Misija Hrvatske matice iseljenika je ocuvanje i razvitak hrvatskoga kulturnoga identiteta, materinskoga jezika i obicaja Hrvata koji ¾ive izvan maticne zemlje. Uz kulturne i dru¹tvene aktivnosti podupiremo projekte iz svih podrucja ljudske djelatnosti od gospodarstva do ¹porta, koji doprinose afirmaciji hrvatskoga imena u svijetu. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9539/1/Croatian-American-Day-in-Chicago-May-8-11-2008.html Klapa Grdelin (left) will be performing at several venues in celebration of Chicago's annual Croatian-American Day. Several events are being planned throught the city to celebrate Croatian culture and heritage. zmatkov@mvpei.hr (Zorica Matkovic) Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9498/1/CROWN-Forum-launches-today-March-2-2008.html The CROWN Forum launches today,  on March 2, 2008 and will introduce a greater degree of interactivity between CROWN, its members and people interested in Croatia and its culture. To access the forum point your browser to www.croatia.org/forum and register. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Sun, 02 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9407/1/17th-Annual-Traditional-Celebration-of-the-Feast-of-Sv-Vlaho---St-Blaise.html Sv. Vlaho Committee of Southern California Presents Traditional Celebration of the Feast of Sv. Vlaho - St. Blaise Patron Saint of Dubrovnik. It is 17th Annual Gala Dinner / Fundraiser at ST. ANTHONY CROATIAN PARISH CENTER  714 ALPINE ST., LOS ANGELES on Saturday, February 2, 2008. Great tradition, great show, great cause. Dubrovnik5@aol.com (Niko Hazdovac) Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9406/1/Abortion-in-Croatia-is-Down-90-Since-1989.html Croatia has experienced a very dramatic drop in the abortion rate from 1989 when the nation's 51,289 abortions were nearly equal to the number of live births. The latest statistics, from 2005, indicate there were 4,563 abortions - a drop of nearly 90% since 1989.  Significantly the law on abortion has not changed. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9385/1/Buenos-Aires-Argentina-HR-Tango-in-action-again-on-Dec-23-2007.html On December 23rd 2007, the Argentina HR Tango Dance Company Argentina presents "Genesis." Directed by Guillermo Terrazas, the group will interpret different styles through Argentine popular dance. willyterrazas2003@yahoo.com.ar (Willy Terrazas Muller) Sun, 16 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9361/1/Croatian-American-Cultural-Center-hosts-6th-Annual-SF-Bagpipe-Festival.html An Extraordinary Anthology of International Bagpipe Music in San Francisco. As always, the Gala Concert will feature a variety of piping traditions found around the Winter Solstice. Enjoy Swedish, Hungarian and Croatian traditional Christmas pipe music as well as New Year celebrations from Scotland and the Hungarian Csángó people of Moldav. johndaley@mindspring.com (John Daley) Wed, 28 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9334/1/San-Francisco-150th-Anniversary-of-Croatian-culture-celebration-on-Nov-18-2007.html   Celebrate with us the Sequicentennial 150th Anniversary of Croatian culture in San Francisco. Bring the whole family for a day of fun, enjoyment and culture. There will be non stop music from 2-8PM in two rooms, dancing, singing, and food. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9309/1/HELP-Croatian-Girl-Annie-Plenkovich-missing-in-Missoula-Montana---SOLVED.html Annie Plenkovich, 17, went missing from the Missoula Public Library on Wednesday afternoon. Police describe the suspect as a white male in his 30's or 40's with thinning hair with glasses. He was last seen wearing blue jeans with an unzipped jacket, and a light colored T-shirt. JKraljic@msn.com (John Kraljiæ, Esq) Thu, 18 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9303/1/66-out-of-300-Croatian-Lipizzan-horses-returned-home.html 66 Lipizzan horses stolen from the Lipik Stud during the Serbian aggression on Croatia in 1991 has been returned. This is a part of about 300 Croatian Lipizzans kept in Serbia, belonging to the Lipik Stud, counting progeny. A part of them starved from hunger and inappropriate treatment. ipuscenik@yahoo.com (Ivan Pu¹æenik) Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9294/1/Zrinski-in-Concert--HR-Tango-Klapa-BA-Orquesta-TCZrinski-27-de-Octubre-de-2007.html Croatian Community is strong, vibrant  and healthy in Argentina. Big gala on October 27th 2007 at the Centro Cultural Croata de San Justo, Ocampo 2946 San Justo Buenos Aires with HR Tango, Klapa BA, Orquesta T.C.Zrinski. Sponsored by a local ministry of culture. willyterrazas2003@yahoo.com.ar (Willy Terrazas Muller) Tue, 09 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9231/1/Celebration-at-the-Dubrovnik-Maritime-College.html Fifty years ago 22 young students graduated from the Dubrovnik Maritime College. On September 14, 2007 in Dubrovnik, Croatia, a special celebration is in the works to mark this event. argosy@sympatico.ca (Capt. Ivan I. Coric) Fri, 24 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9191/1/Diaspora-Disenfranchised---The-Ethnic-Cleansing-of-the-8220Diaspora-Entity8221.html   Diaspora is called upon to invest or just spend and send money for BiH, the Government of BiH and the Office of the High Representative have exhibited no priority in addressing the needs and rights of the Diaspora community. By Prof. Ramic, Ing. Vrljicak & Ambassador Sacirbey aconvenientgenocide@mac.com (Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey) Wed, 08 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9194/1/Volunteers-sought-for-Dubrovnik-Symphony-Orchestras-USA-Tour.html  The Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra will be touring the USA, November 1-12, 2007. frankmustac@yahoo.com (Frank Mustac) Tue, 07 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9177/1/Inventory-of-Heritage-Organisations-in-Europe-IHOE---Croatia.html IHOE projekt daje pregled europskih nevladinih organizacija (NGO sektor) koje se bave ba¹tinom u naj¹irem smislu. Organizacije s podruèja ba¹tine pozivaju se da se registriraju na portal osmi¹ljen kao on line baza podataka koja æe se objaviti u studenom 2007.   vesna@matis.hr (Vesna Kukavica) Thu, 02 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9176/1/Who-wants-to-close-the-Embassy-of-Bosnia-Herzegovina-in-Buenos-Aires-.html   About the Bosnia-Herzegovina Embassy in Buenos Aires. A news item published in the Banja Luka Nezavisne Novine states that the Bosnia-Herzegovina embassies in Argentina and South Africa, as well as the general consulate in Bonn are going to be closed... a note by Joza Vrljicak. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljièak) Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9091/1/New-Zealand-David-Cunliffe---speech-for-Croatian-National-Day.html   Thank you for inviting me to your national day celebrations tonight here in the Croatian heartland of West Auckland....There has, of course, been a strong, successful Croatian presence in New Zealand for well over a century. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 29 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9082/1/Croatia-Today---May-2007.html     : presscro@yahoo.com (Josip Babiæ) Wed, 20 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9073/1/NFCA-Press-Release--14th-Annual-Delegates-Assembly.html The National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA) completed a very successful 2007 Annual Assembly of Delegates held in Philadelphia at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel.   foleycoinc@earthlink.net (Joe Foley) Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9071/1/Sacramento-festival-celebrates-all-things-Croatian.html The festival, now held at the Croatian American Cultural Center, marked its 25th anniversary. More than 5,000 people attended from throughout the region and the Bay Area.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9024/1/San-Francisco-Mandolin-Festival-April-22-2007.html    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 18 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8998/1/George-Washington-University-Slavic-Cultural-Festival-March-31-2007.html     frankmustac@yahoo.com (Frank Mustac) Tue, 27 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8985/1/Marta-Mestrovic-Deyrup-Digital-Scholarship-Access-for-a-Connected-World.html   Keynote Address: Croatian Academy of America Annual Meeting, February 24, 2007. When I was asked to speak to you about the topic of digital scholarship, I thought at once about the activities of the Croatian Academy of America in particular in regards to its publication, the Journal of Croatian Studies. The journal, which began publication in 1960. deyrupma@shu.edu (Marta Mestrovic Deyrup, Ph.D.) Mon, 12 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8959/1/Global-PACT-Training-in-Zagreb-June-24th---July-21st.html Do you have the desire to make the world a better place, but feel that so many issues seem too overwhelming to approach? Where do you even begin if you want to make a meaningful change?   uvanovic.r@neu.edu (Robert Uvanovic) Fri, 23 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8935/1/New-York-30th-Anniversary-of-Rudar-Soccer-Club-Sunday-March-4.html    In a few weeks, or more exactly on March 4, 2007, Istrians and other Croats from the New York area will have another opportunity to enjoy the music and dances of their old homeland. This program will mark the conclusion of Rudar Club's 30th Anniversary celebrations. eleonor@aol.com (Eleonora Turèiinoviæ) Fri, 09 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8934/1/Croatia8217s-Quality-of-Life-Ranks-18th-in-the-World.html   International Living Magazine recently announced its top choice countries in terms of quality of life, with Croatia placing 18th out of the 193 countries officially recognized. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 09 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8933/1/Svecano-proslavljena-Festa-Svetog-Vlaha-u-Los-Angelesu-3-veljace-2007.html U subotu 03. veljace 2007., veliki Hrvatski centar Sv. Ante u Los Angelesu bio je premalen kako bi primio sve dubrovkinje, dubrovcane, sve Hrvate koji su tako daleko od Domovine dosli odati pocast nasem Parcu i dostojno proslaviti festu Svetog Vlaha.   Dubrovnik5@aol.com (Niko Hazdovac) Fri, 09 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8932/1/Austrian-Grants-for-Croatian-PhDs-under-35-years---1000-Euros-a-month.html  Call for Applicants / Expression of interest. We would like to encourage in particular applicants from Southeastern Europe for PhD students and PhDs under 35 years stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 09 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8931/1/Dogs-life-Brightens-up-with-new-Centre-in-Croatia.html Only a few years ago, Neven Silvestar Kovacevic's idea of a day-care centre for dogs met with dismissive smirks in his native Croatia. Today, his Nesi daycare centre for dogs is proof that innovative entrepreneurship is taking root in this European Union candidate country.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 09 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8920/1/Croatia-Gifts-established-by-Pam-Kelley-and-Melissa-Obenauf.html     letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 30 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8914/1/Kansas-City-Performance-of-Croatian-Medieval-Music-Saturday-February-24th.html    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8913/1/Kansas-City-World-Heritage-Sites-in-Croatia-on-Exhibit-January-28---March-11.html    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8912/1/Chicago-HNNK-Hrvat-2nd-Annual-Super-Bowl-Party-Sunday-February-4.html    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8904/1/Ambassador-to-Croatia-Visits-Pittsburgh.html  Robert Bradtke (left), the United States ambassador to Croatia, lived in the Pittsburgh area just a short time.But he remembers those few years fondly, he said during a recent visit to the Croatian Fraternal Union of America in Wilkins. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 18 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8899/1/Los-Angeles-Sixteenth-Annual-St-Blaise-Fundraiser---February-3-2007.html     Dubrovnik5@aol.com (Niko Hazdovac) Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8877/1/Subscribe-to-CROATIAN-CHRONICLE-and-CROATIAN-TV-AMERICA.html   SWEEPSTAKES   vmiocic@croatianchronicle.com (Visnja Mioèiæ) Fri, 22 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8862/1/Web-stranica-wwwlijepanasadomovinahrvatskacom-ponovo-se-nalazi-na-internetu.html     i.grgic@comcast.net (Ivica Grgiæ) Sat, 09 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8852/1/Magnificent-Christmas-Concert-in-Astoria-New-York-on-December-18th-2006.html     rzubovic@aol.com (Don Robert Zubovic) Tue, 05 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8835/1/Skup-Hrvata-i-njihovih-prijatelja-zakazan-za-9-i-10-prosinca-2006-u-Las-Vegasu.html   hssd@hssd.hr (Niko ©oljak) Fri, 24 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8834/1/Istrian-American-Cultural-Day-November-26-2006.html     Msantale@aol.com (Maria Santalesa) Thu, 23 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8829/1/U-HRVATSKU-SE-VRAAEA-SEDMERO-VRHUNSKIH-ZNANSTVENIKA.html     mmarusic@mef.hr (Prof. Dr. Matko Maru¹iæ) Thu, 23 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8826/1/Dr-Franjo-Topiae-gostuje-u-New-Yorku-u-srijedu-22-studenog-2006.html Dr. Frano Topiæ, predsjednik Hrvatskog kulturnog drustva (HKD) Napredak gostovat ce u New Yorku u srijedu, 22. studenog, 2006 u maloj dvorani Hrvatskog centra na Manhattanu. Sastanak i susret s Dr. Topiæem pocinje u 19 sati. Pozivaju se svi clanovi i prijatelji Napretka da prisustvuju ovom sastanku! Kate@aol.com (Katarina Deletis) Mon, 20 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8815/1/America8217s-Oldest-Croatian-Church-Could-Be-Sold-To-Italians.html   Despite efforts of Pittsburgh Croatians to buy the closed church and convert it into a shrine. St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church, built in 1901 and worshipped in until it was closed in 2004, could soon be bought by the Follieri Group. vmiocic@croatianchronicle.com (Visnja Mioèiæ) Tue, 14 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8791/1/Croatian-Hall-in-Biloxi-MS-to-be-Rebuilt.html The Slavonian Lodge, in Biloxi, MS was the gathering place for Croatians in the area. In 2005 it was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. The American and Croatian flags fly over its remains. The local Croatians have committed themselves to rebuilding their lodge. Read more&   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 07 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8774/1/Croatia-Today---Embassy-of-the-Republic-of-Croatias-Newsletter-October-2006.html : presscro@yahoo.com (Josip Babiæ) Tue, 31 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8747/1/Croatians-in-London-Newsletter-No-24-October-2006.html Ivan Klapez is a renowned sculptor living in London. His work is to be featured at the London Art Fair and a new book, 'Destination Art' will also cover his sculptures. I intend to make a sculpture of Alojzije Stepinac [Croatian Cardinal imprisoned by communists] and Julius Nyerere. The reason I chose Stepinac is that he is a historical character from the Croatian church and Croatian national history. brigall@yahoo.co.uk (Brian Gallagher) Sat, 21 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8724/1/A-Celebration-of-Croatian-Dance-Music-and-Food.html   The Koraci Croatian folklore ensemble will celebrate its fifth annual Autumn Festival on Sunday, October 8. This year, the all-day event will feature several guest performers in what promises to be an entertaining celebration of traditional Croatian music, dance, arts, crafts and food. dalmatinac99@vip.hr (Ante Katalinic) Tue, 26 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8705/1/Don-Zuboviae-Vas-poziva-na-sastanak-s-Predsjednikom-Mesiaeem-i-Premierom-Sanaderom.html POZIVAM VAS  NA SUSRET S PREDSJEDNIKOM STJEPANOM MESIÆEM I PREMIEROM IVOM SANADEROM U ÈETVRTAK 21. RUJNA U 5:15 pm U ©KOLSKOM AUDITORIUMU (SCHOOL AUDITORIUM) U ASTORIJI, NEW YORK   DON ROBERT ZUBOVIC CONTACT: RZubovic@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 20 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8692/1/Pismo-Ministrice-Ministarstvo-Vanjskih-Poslova-i-Europskih-Integracija.html ®elim vam dobrodo¹licu na web stranice Ministarstva vanjskih poslova i europskih integracija namijenjene informiranju pripadnika hrvatskog naroda koji ¾ive izvan granica Republike Hrvatske.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Mon, 11 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8691/1/Mirjana-Bohanec-8211-Vidoviae-promovirana-novom-pomoaenicom-ministrice-u-Upravi-za-hrvatske-manjine-iseljenitvo-i-useljenitvo.html   Obavje¹tavamo sve hrvatske udruge u iseljeni¹tvu da je 25. kolovoza 2006. godine novom pomoænicom ministrice u Upravi za hrvatske manjine, iseljeni¹tvo i useljeni¹tvo imenovana gospoða Mirjana Bohanec - Vidoviæ. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Mon, 11 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8500/1/E-WEEKLY-BULLETIN-13-2006-Croatian-Embassy-in-Washington-DC.html Weekly Bulletin - Embassy of the Republic of Croatia   http://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/WeeklyBulletin_2006_13.pdf  emil@konoba.com (Emil Jakovèeviæ) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8499/1/H-Croatian-Chronicle-Klapa-Astoria-obiljeila-15-godina-postojanja.html New York- Koncertom u Crkvi "Most Precious Blood" u Astoriji Klapa Astoria obilježila 15 godina postojanja Dugotrajni pljesak, pozivi na bis i suze ganua u o ima vjerne publike, bili su kišne ve eri u Astoriji, u subotu trei lipnja najbolji pokazatelja da je njujorška dalmatinska klapa u svojih petnaest godina postojanja dostigla zavidnu razinu kvalitete, ali i respekta, kako publike tako i stru ne glazbene kritike. Kako je u predstavljanju klape naglasio vl . Robert Zubovi, voditelj hrvatske katoli ke misije u Astoriji pod ijim okriljem djeluje i klapa, ovaj je koncert ujedno i predstavljanje bogatog kulturnog života i stvaralaštva Hrvata u ovoj aktivnoj zajednici. A svojim nastupom te ve eri, lanovi klape su, predvoeni maestrom Sranom Berdoviem dokazali da su, ne samo najkvalitetniji kulturni proizvod ove aktivne njujorške zajednice, ve vjerojatno i jedan od najboljih kulturnih dostignua kojima se mogu pohvaliti Hrvati u iseljeništvu uope. Mješovita klapa Astoria nastupila je u sastavu Sandra Dragojevi (sopran), Jure Sinov i (bariton), Marin Lazo, Sran Berdovi (tenori), Tomislav Smodlaka, Josip Lacmanovi (basovi). Osim tradicionalnih hrvatskih klapskih pjesama renomiranih autora poput Magdia, Stipišia, Fia i Kraljevia, klapa Astoria izvela je i nekoliko novih skladbi, koje je napisao maestro Bardovi. Svaka skladba nailazila je na odli an prijem kod publike, u kojoj su se, osim lanova hrvatske zajednice, medija i predstavnika diplomacije na elu s generalnim konzulom RH Petrom Ljubi iem, ovaj put našli i razni stru njaci i profesionalci glazbene struke iz cijelog New Yorka. Nakon koncerta od svih njih klapi su stizale samo pohvale i estitke. U proteklih petnaestak godina djelovanja, klapa Astoria prošla je više zanimljvih faza; mijenjala se postava, u jednom trenutku i ime klape je promijenjeno u klapu Lubin, ali kako je u kratkom pregledu povijesti naglasio Jozo Lackovi; na svu sreu ubrzo je klapi vraeno ima Astoria, koje je ostalo, i na koje su danas svi ponosni. Od samih po etaka rada, klapa i klapsko pjevanje u Astoriji pružali su uto ište i predstavljali poveznicu s rodnim krajem mnogim Hrvatima u New Yorku. U proteklih nekoliko godina klapa je veoma aktivna u svom djelovanju; nakon snimljenog prvog CD-a 2004. godine ÂMisa dalmatinskaÂ, klapa Astoria upravo radi na dovršetku svog drugog nosa a zvuka na kojem e predstaviti kompilaciju dalmatinskih pjesama snimljenih u proteklom periodu. Zapaženi su i veoma uspješni nastupi klape na NY Festivalu etno glazbe, u Chashema Off Broadway Theater, te u dvorani Golliard Concerts of Steinway. Ubrzo nakon toga klapa je snimila jednosatnu radijsku emisiju za New Sounds na radijskoj postaji WNYE 91.5 FM, koja je u cijelosti bila posveena tradiciji klapskog dalmatinskog pjevanja. Prošle godine klapa Astoria je zabilježila izvrstan uspjeh na svom prvom nastupu u Omišu na Festivalu klapskog pjevanja, gdje joj je dodijeljena Bron ana plaketa u kategoriji novih skladbi. Ove godine takoer putuju u Hrvatsku gdje ih ekaju nastupi po hrvatskim gradovima u sklopu turneje dalmatinskih klapa iz iseljeništva a u organizaciji Hrvatske matice iseljenika. Vrhunac slavljeni kog koncerta nastupio je kada se klapi pridružio njen umirovljeni lan Radoslav Koštan; koji je svojim recitacijama i još uvijek gromkim i prepoznatljivim tenorom pokazao da iako u mirovini, ne može bez klape, a ni klapa bez njega! Na kraju koncerta klapi su se pridružili i njeni bivši lanovi koji su ovaj nastup pratili iz publike, a svi zajedno doživjeli su veliki pljesak i ovacije oduševljene publike. Klapi Astorija estitamo 15. roendan i želimo još dugo uspješnih godina; svima nama na radost i ponos! Formatted for CROWN by Croatian ChronicleSubscribe to Croatian Chronicle letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8498/1/H-Croatian-Chronicle-Hrvatska-Brazil-u-Astoriji.html Boje Hrvatske na ulicama New Yorka Vidi foto galeriju - Brazil:Hrvatska Svjetsko nogometno prvenstvo uvijek je odli an povod za razvijanje nacionalnih zastava i ponosno isticanje pripadnosti svom narodu. A New York, kao grad koji je poznat po velikom broju raznih kultura i etni kih grupa, ovih se dana pretvorio u centar nogometnog veselja. Šarene zastave viju se nakon utakmica, odjekuju sirene i pjesma...Astoria, u kojoj živi i veliki broj Hrvata, i u kojoj se nalazi i redakcija Hrvatske kronike, idealno je mjesto za provjeru nogometnog pulsa. Prva utakmica hrvatske reprezentacije protiv Brazila izmamila je stotine hrvatskih navija a na ulicu i u barove u kojima se gledao prijenos uživo. Naše su se trobojnice ponosno vijorile i nakon utakmice, iako se nije slavila pobjeda. No nije nedostajalo pozitivnog duha; ovaj put slavila se dobra igra, a sljedei put bit emo valjda bolje sree, poru uju naši navija i. Kritike su upuene samo na ra un brazilskih navija a koji su, iako brojni, tek s malom bukom proslavili pobjedu nad Hrvatima: Da je bilo obrnuto, nas bi se sigurno ja e ulo, moglo se uti na ulicama Astorije. Sada ostaje samo pri ekati sljedeu priliku za slavlje – utakmicu protiv japana 18. lipnja! Formatted for CROWN by Croatian Chronicle Subscribe to Croatian Chronicle letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8497/1/H-Croatian-Chronicle-Piknik-Hrvatske-zupe-sv-Cirila-i-Metoda-na-Hrvatskoj-zemlji.html BOONTON, NJ Na Hrvatskoj zemlji održan prvi veliki župni piknik Hrvatske župe sv. irila i Metoda Uz prekrasno vrijeme, pjev pti ica i lagano pirkanje osvježavajueg povjetarca, skoro tri tisue Hrvata odlu ilo je provesti sun anu nedjelju 11. lipnja uživajui u prvom velikom župnom pikniku na Hrvatskoj zemlji u New Jerseyu. I dok su oni strpljiviji veinu svog vremena proveli u redu za pe enu janjetinu, iji se miris širio zelenim travnjacima od ranog jutra, drugi su odmah nakon svete mise i procesije oko jezera, odlu ili prepustiti se arima prirode, te uživati u prekrasnom krajoliku. Bila je to prilika da se još jednom sretnu stari prijatelji i rodbina koju ne viamo više tako esto, a brojni su župljani ÂŽupe sv. irila i Metoda iskoristili ovu nedjelju i druženje kako bi se, pred odlazak u domovinu pozdravili sa svojim župnikom fra Ivicom Majstoroviem, koji odlazi u Chicago. Fra Ivica je najavio svoj skori odlazak, te rekao kako zbog redovnih izmještaja pastoralnog osoblja koje se dogaa svakih nekoliko godina, ÂŽupu osim njega napuštaju i sestre Milka i Zdravka. Novi župnik bit e fra Nikola Pašali, koji je zadnjih nekoliko godina vodio ÂŽupu svete Lucije u Troyu pored Detroita. Ekipa HRT-a America prezentirala je svoje nove programe i najavila prijenos svih utakmica sportskog prvenstva u nogometu, a za susjednim štandom mlada ekipa XSL Imports predstavila je odli no vino Bibich i izvrsno maslinovo ulje koje uvoze iz šibenskog kraja. Središnji sportski dogaaj piknika i ove je godine bio nogometni turnir, koji je zbog aktualnog Svjetskog prvenstva, i trenuta ne popularnosti ovog sporta privukao brojnu znatiželjnu publiku. Ove godine za sudjelovanje se prijavilo deset nogometnih ekipa, a pobjedu su odnijeli mladi i nadobudni Heroji, koji su u finalu svladali svoje nešto starije protivnike iz Croatie. Ivica Kaji, jedan od organizatora turnira isti e kako je ovo bio posebno uspješan turnir zbog sve veeg interesa mladih ekipa, a ove godine nastupili su i oni najmlai igra i, od kojih e se, kaže Kaji, na jesen formirati mladi tim nove Croatie. Nogometni klub Croatia dugi je niz godina djelovao u New Yorku i ostvarivao odli ne sportske rezultate, a ugašen je po etkom devedesetih. Za obnavljanje kluba postoji veliki interes, a i ovaj turnir je pokazao da za budunost nema straha. Vidi foto galeriju - ÂŽupni piknik Formatted for CROWN by Croatian Chronicle Subscribe to Croatian Chronicle letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8496/1/E-Croatian-Chronicle-2006-Croatian-American-Fourth-Annual-Charity-Golf-Outing.html 2006 Croatian-American Fourth Annual Charity Golf Outing Once Again Raises Tens of Thousands of Dollars for Two Humanitarian Causes By Josip Bogovic On May 22 the 4th annual Croatian-American Golf Outing took place at the North Hills Country Club in Manhasset, Long Island. The event was blessed by great weather, by its participants, organizers and volunteers who care about the underlying reason for its existence. The outing was created to raise money for de-mining in Croatia and to fund the efforts of the American Cancer Society. There is perhaps nothing nobler, in our earthly existence than to help our fellow citizens in need. Members of the executive committee of this not-for-profit organization, which is a part of the Croatia Fund, Inc., are Vladimir Blaskovic, Chairman, Pete Radovich, Honorary Chairman, Vedran J. Nazor Secretary, Tomislav Nogalo, Treasurer, John Belancich, Gerald Maric, Joseph Grgas, Boris Grzic, John Ivica Kajic, John Ivica Glavinic, Susan Naletilic, Vincent Naletilic, Nikola Peneva, David Rosini, Darko Smilovic and Ivan Starcic. To organize an event that includes in excess of fifty players, over 250 dinner guests, a raffle and a book that needed to be published listing the sponsors and other important information, is a large logistical task, not to mention the rules a not-for-profit organization has to deal with. The people who organized it themselves have very busy lives without a moment to spare. The host for the formal program was the Emmy Award winning CBS sports producer Pete Radovich. With his quick and humorous wit, Radovich is a natural host. He uses his connections in the media and sports worlds to auction very hard to get tickets and events. For example, he auctioned off two pairs of tickets for the upcoming Super Bowl in Miami. Just those four tickets raised over 10 thousand dollars. The folks who won the auction will also receive a grand tour of the event, including a behind the scenes look at the spectacle and a trip to the commentator’s box. Over the years, Radovich has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the above causes. At dinner were special guests from the Croatian community including the Consul General of Croatia Mr. Petar Ljubicic, who also played a round of golf, and Croatia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Mr. Amir Muharemi. Also in attendance were Fra Ivica Majstorovic and Don Robert Zubovic, as were representatives from the American Cancer Society and Mr. Zach Hudson from the UN organization Adopt-A-Mine Field. This organization matches the contribution given by the Croatian-American Golf Outing Organization. Mr. Hudson made a detailed speech about the work Adopt-A-Minefield has done in Croatia along with the money it has received from the Croatian-American Golf Outing Organization. “The playgrounds and fields in the village of Medvedi have been cleared with the money donated by last year’s golf outing,” said Zach Hudson. Mr. Hudson also mentioned that there is much more work to be done for there are over five thousand anti-tank mines, five thousand anti-personal mines and over 40,000 unexploded ordinates placed on Croatian soil. Thanks to all the above mentioned individuals and organizations, and especially to the Croatian business community under the leadership of Vladimir Blaskovic, who are caring and astute enough to make such an event possible. This event is an example of a collective effort with people at their best and all who contributed in some way are worthy of praise for making today a better world. Click here for Photo Gallery of Golf Outing 2006 Formatted for CROWN by Croatian Chronicle Subscribe to Croatian Chronicle letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4680/1/E-Canadian-Member-of-Parliament-Borys-Wrzesnewskyj-to-the-Canadian-Croatian-Chamber.html ÂRemarks by Canadian Member of Parliament Borys Wrzesnewskyj to the Canadian-Croatian ChamberÂ(from left to right): Kitchener City Councillor Berry Vrbanovic (past president of Queen Helena Croatian Folklore Group), former three-term Member of Parliament for Cambridge Janko Peric, Associate Critic for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre Borys Wrzesnewskyj, and the President of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce John Marion.ÂM.P. Borys Wrzesnewskyj addresses business awards ceremony of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce Ottawa - Borys Wrzesnewskyj, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre and the Associate Critic for Foreign Affairs addressed the 4th Annual Business Excellence Awards ceremony of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce on April, 21, 2006. In his speech, Wrzesnewskyj underscored the contributions of Croatians to Canada, including those who served in the Canadian armed forces during World War II:'Dobra vecer dragi prijatelji Hrvati i Hrvatice! I'd like to begin by thanking John Marion, the President of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, for inviting me to be here today.Ever since the Croatian metallurgical expert Master Jacques, or should I say 'strucnjak Jakov', accompanied Samuel de Champlain on his voyage to our country's shores in the early 17th century, the presence of Croatians in their new homeland of Canada has steadily increased.The Croatian community and the Ukrainian community, of which I'm a part, share similar experiences here in Canada. Both started arriving in larger numbers at the close of the 19h and beginning of the 20th centuries. The hearty Croatian Licani, from whom my Parliamentary colleague Lynn Yelich, M.P. draws her ancestry, were part of the block settlement in Kenaston, Saskatchewan, just like the tens of thousands of Ukrainians who settled the prairie provinces.Since that time Croatian-Canadians, like Ukrainian-Canadians, have experienced both heartache and hardship, including the sad chapter of Canadian history when members of both communities were forced behind barbed wire and into hard labour during Canada's first national internment operation.But today, we are not here to speak about the sad episodes, but to showcase the exceptional contributions of members of your community to the mosaic of our great nation.And your community has much to be proud of. Croatian Canadians like Navy Captain Marijan Zadrijevac, Air Force officer Nikola Zunic, Navy officer Anton Milos, and some 27 others from Kenaston alone, served in Canada's armed forces during World War II. Larry Dosen, currently at the national office of The Royal Canadian Legion, is a retired Brigadier-General. And with sport legends like George Chuvalo, Senator Frank Mahovlich and his brother Pete, Marty and Matt Pavelich, and Sandra and Val Bezic, you have shown that you are an integral part of Canada. Each day, hundreds of visitors to our nation's capital walk past the World War I memorial at Lyon and Wellington streets that was carved by renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic.I am pleased to see that Janko Peric, one of the moving forces behind the establishment of the Chamber back in 1995, is here with us today. I look forward to working with your community to build on the legacy Janko established as a successful three-term Member of Parliament and the first ever Croatian-born Canadian MP.Back in 1988, members of your community, led by many of your most successful business leaders, came together and raised a million dollars to establish the Chair of Croatian Language and Culture at the University of Waterloo. And during the very difficult period of the early 1990s when you were forced to watch the daily destruction of villages, towns and cities where many of you were born, grew up in, or where you had family members who became refugees overnight, your community came together like never before. You placed aside your generational and ideological differences and undertook tremendous initiatives to provide humanitarian assistance in the form of food, clothing, medicine, and badly needed medical equipment.I'd like to congratulate the Chamber on its ongoing success in supporting members of your business community and fostering deeper Canada-Croatia economic ties. This is essential given that we live in a world that's become a global village. However, as you look forward, I'd also encourage the Chamber to continue playing a leadership role in supporting the educational, cultural, and promotional efforts of the Croatian community in Canada. By building and nurturing these institutions for your community, you will also strengthen the fabric of the mosaic we know as Canada.Cestitam clanovima komore na dosadasnjem radu i zelim sve najbolje u buducem razvoju vaseg programa. Hvala vam!' Borys Wrzesnewskyj, is the Liberal Member of Parliament for the Toronto riding of Etobicoke Centre, Associate Critic for Foreign Affairs, and Treasurer of the Canada Croatia Parliamentary Friendship Group. He has served as a member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Standing Committee on Transport, the Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Special Liberal Caucus Committees on Immigration and Global Affairs. Since his university days Wrzesnewskyj has been keenly interested in the promotion of civil and human rights, and has dedicated much of his life to promoting tolerance and assisting various communities in a number of humanitarian causes both in Canada and abroad. In the late 1980s to 1991 he worked with former Soviet political prisoners to help establish democratic fronts in the former Soviet Union. Throughout the recent crisis in Ukraine, Wrzesnewskyj worked tirelessly to reach all-party consensus in Canada's Parliament to support the struggle for democracy in Ukraine. In 2004 he spearheaded a unanimously accepted House of Commons motion on October 26, an emergency debate on November 24, and another unanimously accepted motion on November 25. He was instrumental in securing the Government of Canada's commitment to send 500 election observers to Ukraine for the December 2004 Presidential election. In 2005 he personally organized and financed Canadian Parliamentary fact-finding missions to Somalia and Darfur, Sudan.Dear Nenad, Please find below the remarks by Canadian Member of Parliament Borys Wrzesnewskyj to the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce. Also included is a photograph from the event. I'm sending this your way because I thought your readership would be interested in the speech. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Regards, Stan Stan Granic Parliamentary Assistant Borys Wrzesnewskyj, M.P. Etobicoke Centre Associate Critic for Foreign Affairs wrzesb@parl.gc.ca (613) 947-5000 tel.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4679/1/E-WEEKLY-BULLETIN-12-2006-Croatian-Embassy-in-Washington-DC.html ÂWeekly Bulletin from Croatian Embassy in Washington DCÂApril 29 - May 12, 2006 [Vol. 3, Issue 12] letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4681/1/E-WEEKLY-BULLETIN-8-2006-Croatian-Embassy-in-Washington-DC.html ÂWeekly Bulletin from Croatian Embassy in Washington DCÂFebruary 7 - March 17, 2006 [Vol. 3, Issue 8] letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4682/1/E-WEEKLY-BULLETIN-3-2006-Croatian-Embassy-in-Washington-DC.html ÂWeekly Bulletin from Croatian Embassy in Washington DCÂJan 13-20, 2006 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4683/1/E-WEEKLY-BULLETIN-12-2006-Croatian-Embassy-in-Washington-DC.html ÂWeekly Bulletin from Croatian Embassy in Washington DCÂDec 31- Jan 5, 2005Jan 6-12, 2006 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 17 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4684/1/E-Subscribe-to-Croatian-Chronicle.html ÂSubscribe to Croatian ChronicleDear Friends,For three consecutive years the Croatian Chronicle, an independent newspaper, has recorded the life of Croatians in North America, successfully bringing together Croatian communities in the United States and Canada.We, a small group of enthusiasts, started the newspaper in very humble circumstances with the goal of filling the media vacuum that has existed in the Croatian community in North America for many years.The complicated and costly process of creating, printing and distributing the newspaper has been financed from the very beginning through advertising and subscriptions. That is why, dear friends, we are taking this opportunity to write to you in the hope that you will appreciate the existence of a Croatian publication and that you and your friends will support us through subscribing, as well as by recommending us to your fellow Croatians.The Croatian Chronicle is an informative and interesting newspaper that every two weeks brings you news, stories and commentary from Croatian communities in the United States and Canada, as well as numerous features from Croatia.If you subscribe to the Chronicle by January 31st, you will still be able to participate in the draw we organize every year for our subscribers in cooperation with a number of generous sponsors.With valuable prizes courtesy of the Croatia Travel and Pan Adriatic travel agencies, and a little bit of luck, you could win a trip for two to Dubrovnik or Zagreb. And the friendly staff at the Hotel Dubrovnik in Zagreb and the Hotel Palace in Dubrovnik will ensure the lucky winners enjoy a number of unforgettable days in the most elite hotels in Croatia. Another sponsor is HRT America whose generous gift package includes satellite equipment and a one-year subscription for all-day programming of âSlika Hrvatske.â€?Donât miss your chance to genuinely experience Croatia: until the end of January, a one-year subscription to the Croatian Chronicle will only cost you $50 (Canada US$70, Other Countries US$135)! Now, you can subscribe on line atwww.croatianchronicle.com When you subscribe you will join an already informed and united Croatian community, as well as contribute to the growth of a Croatian publication that is necessary if we are to be a strong and respected community. Let our presence be felt! Welcome to the Croatian Chronicle. We look forward to our successful partnership and wish you a happy and healthy 2006! ViÅnja Miocic Editor ÂSanja Floricic BogovicDirectorwww.croatianchronicle.com Tel. 718 278 5760 info@croatianchronicle.com ÂOp-edÂThanks to few individuals, we have a newspapers that are worth reading. I strongly support Croatian Chronicle and I think that 10-20.000 subscription should be achievable. Unfortunately we have to rely on ourselves, although I think that the government should support such effort, but on the other hand, our independence is priceless. The best and easiest way of support is to subscribe. ÂNenad BachEditor in Chief, CROWNDragi prijatelji,Croatian Chronicle - Hrvatska kronika - je nezavisna novina koja vec trecu godinu zaredom svjedoci o zivotu Hrvata na Sjevernoamerickom kontinentu, uspjesno povezujući hrvatske zajednice diljem Amerike i Kanade. Novinu smo, nas mala grupa entuzijasta, pokrenuli u vrlo skromnim uvjetima s ciljem da da pokusamo popuniti medijsku prazninu koju su iseljeni Hrvati na americkom kontinentu osjecali dugi niz godina. Slozeni i skupi proces izrade, printanja i distribucije novine financira se od samog pocetka iskljucivo kroz reklame i pretplate nasih citatelja. Stoga Vam se, dragi prijatelji, i ovom prilikom obracamo s nadom da cete pozdraviti postojanje hrvatske novine na ovim prostorima i da cete nas podrzati tako sto cete pretplatiti sebe i svoje prijatelje te nas preporuciti i drugim nasim sunarodnjacima. Hrvatska kronika je informativna i zanimljiva novina, koja svaka dva tjedna donosi vijesti, price i komentare iz hrvatskih zajednica diljem Amerike i Kanade, te brojne zanimljivosti iz domovine. Ukoliko se pretplatite na Hrvatsku kroniku do 31. sijecnja, mozete jos uvijek sudjelovati u nagradnoj igri koju organiziramo svake godine za nase pretplatnike u suradnji s brojnim velikodusnim sponzorima. Zahvaljujuci vrijednim nagradama putnickih agencija Croatia Travel i Pan Adriatic uz malo srece moete upravo Vi osvojiti putovanje za dvije osobe u Dubrovnik ili Zagreb. A ljubazno osoblje Hotela Dubrovnik u Zagrebu, te Hotela Palace u Dubrovniku, omogucit ce sretnim dobitnicima da provedu nekoliko nezaboravnih dana u najelitnijim hrvatskim hotelima. Jedan od sponzora je i HRT Amerika, koja sretnom dobitniku poklanja paket satelitske opreme s godisnjom pretplatom na cjelodnevni program Hrvatske televizije -âSlika Hrvatskeâ€?. Ne propustite svoju sansu za vrhunski dozivljaj Hrvatske: Cijena jednogodisnje pretplate na Hrvatsku kroniku do kraja sijecnja iznosi svega $50.00(Canada US$70, Other Countries US$135)! Od sada pretplatiti se mozete i putem interneta na adresi www.croatianchronicle.comÂSvojom pretplatom pridruzit ćete se informiranoj i sloznoj hrvatskoj zajednici, te pomoci postojanje i rast hrvatske novine, koja je potrebna svima nama ukoliko zelimo biti respektirana i snazna zajednica na ovim prostorima! Pokazimo da nas ima! Dobrodosli u obitelj Hrvatske kronike! S nadom u uspjesno partnerstvo, saljemo Vam srdacne pozdrave i zelimo Vam zdravu i veselu 2006!Visnja Miocic Editor ÂSanja Floricic BogovicDirectorwww.croatianchronicle.com Tel. 718 278 5760 info@croatianchronicle.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4685/1/E-WEEKLY-BULLETIN-53-Croatian-Embassy-in-Washington-DC.html ÂWeekly Bulletin from Croatian Embassy in Washington DCÂEmbassy_of_Croatia__Weekly_Bulletin___Vol._2__Issue_53_.pdf letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4686/1/E-WEEKLY-BULLETIN-2-50--51-Croatian-Embassy-in-Washington-DC.html ÂWeekly Bulletin from Croatian Embassy in Washington DCÂÂEmbassy_of_Croatia__Weekly_Bulletin___Vol._2__Issue_50_.pdfÂEmbassy_of_Croatia_Weekly_Bulletin_Vol[1].2__Issue_51).pdf  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4687/1/E-WEEKLY-BULLETIN-2-48-Croatian-Embassy-in-Washington-DC.html ÂWeekly Bulletin from Croatian Embassy in Washington DCÂRepublicofCroatia_WeeklyBulletin-Vol.2,Issue48.pdf letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 28 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4688/1/E-WEEKLY-BULLETIN-2-47-Croatian-Embassy-in-Washington-DC.html ÂWeekly Bulletin from Croatian Embassy in Washington DCÂRepublicofCroatia_WeeklyBulletin-Vol.2,Issue47.pdf letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 21 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4690/1/E-WEEKLY-BULLETIN-2-46-Croatian-Embassy-in-Washington-DC.html ÂWeekly Bulletin from Croatian Embassy in Washington DCÂRepublicofCroatia_WeeklyBulletin-Vol.2,Issue45.pdf letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 14 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4689/1/E-WEEKLY-BULLETIN-2-45-Croatian-Embassy-in-Washington-DC.html ÂWeekly Bulletin from Croatian Embassy in Washington DCÂRepublicofCroatia_WeeklyBulletin-Vol.2,Issue45.pdf letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 12 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4692/1/E-CFU-TAMBURITZA-FESTIVAL.html ÂCFU TAMBURITZA FESTIVAL IN NEW JERSEYBy Katarina TepeshNew York, November 6, 2005 – The Croatian Fraternal Union CFU www.croatianfraternalunion.org organized XIX TamFest 2005 in East Rutherford, New Jersey over the weekend of November 4 – 6, featuring 26 tamburitza groups from across the United States and Canada. Speaking from the podium at the Sheraton Hotel, Meadowlands Center, CFU National President Bernard M. Luketich said, “Just a short drive from this very spot is one of the most revered national landmarks respected by all Americans as the port of entry for millions of immigrants to American soil. Thousands of Croatian immigrants arrived in America through Ellis Island at the turn of the century, ready to embark upon a new adventure and to seek new opportunities. For many, this entry through Ellis Island represented a promise for the future and gave them hope for a better life in this great new land.Celebrating our Croatian musical heritage and, in our own way, celebrating the arrival of immigrants, we join together for the weekend of tamburitza music and kolo dance.”It was fun listening to tamburica music, Croatian language, and seeing some of the colorful customs and traditions on and off the stage. Adding to the friendly atmosphere was Pam Lacko Kelley and Melissa Pintar Obenauf selling “Heart of Croatia Gifts” www.croatiagifts.com or toll free 1-877-906-8314. They are also co-founders and co-directors of Zivili Dance Company. Traveling all the way from Granville, Ohio, Pam and Melissa sell high quality gifts that represent Croatian culture and traditions at its best. Anna Stajrer from Stoney Creek, Canada was also there selling a wide variety of our beloved Croatian music springtravel@on.aibn.com . Baby clothes, jewelry, t-shirts and different shapes of glassware, as well as numerous items in Croatian colors were available. Performing were the following 26 talented groups:Ansambl Sveti Nikola from Ambridge, Pennsylvania with director Frank Bedekovich and 23 musicians;Zelena Polja from Cleveland, Ohio with musical directors Dan Coleff and Bob Kushner, choreographer Deborah Jennings along with 17 tamburasi; Hrvatsko Srce from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada with musical directors Danny Boich and Joey Vlasic along with 33 tamburasi; Croatian Roots from St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada with choreographer Marica Macan and 14 tamburasi;St. George Ensemble from Cokeburg, Pennsylvania with directors Marlene Luketich-Kochis, Dan Kochis and Bernadette Luketich-Sikaras along with 26 tamburasi; Ziva Grana Hrvatske from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada with director Michael Loncarich and 21 tamburasi; American-Croatian Waukegan from Waukegan, Illinois with director Julie Hughes and 15 tamburasi; Penn Sembles from Versailles, Pennsylvania with director Donald Knezovich along with 30 tamburasi; Cro Arte Chorale from Toronto, Ontario, Canada with director Betty Kovacs and 30 tamburasi; Croatian Folklore Ensemble “Nova Nada” from Ferndale, Michigan with artistic director Steve Talan and 20 tamburasi; Lado from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada with music director Joe Loncarich and 13 tamburasi; Selo from Columbus, Ohio with administrative director Lillian Badurina, choreographers Tina Gehres and Jim Svagerko, costume design/music director/choral advisor Tina Gehres, Lynda Baker, Susie Petrak along with 24 dancers, singers and musicians; Kumovi from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with director Zeljko Jergan and 34 tamburasi; Zumbercani from Cleveland, Ohio with director Marsha Coleff and 19 tamburasi;Croatian Cultural Ensemble Kordun from Cleveland, Ohio with director Kate Stepic and 23 tamburasi;Keystone Adult Tamburitzans from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with director Gemma Filip and 14 tamburasi;Veseljaci from Farrell, Pennsylvania with director Rose and Fred Husnick along with 24 tamburasi;Veseli Hrvati Sr. Tamburitzans from Welland, Ontario, Canada with music director Randy Zdelar and assistant Randy Benko along with 13 tamburasi; Tamburaski Zbor Svete Marije from Rankin, Pennsylvania with director Kara Turkovich along with 24 tamburasi; Sveti Juraj from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada with director Robert Pericak, choreographer Blazenka Bujan with 17 tamburasi; Kraljica Jelena from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada with music director Mark Spisic and artistic director Zeljko Jergan along with 34 tamburasi;Zlatni Pajdasi from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada with musical director Michael Savor along with 12 tamburasi;St. Lawrence from Steelton, Pennsylvania with director Ivan Hrabric along with 26 tamburasi;Jabuka from New York City with 12 tamburasi; Hrvatska Bura from Milwaukee, Wisconsin with 14 tamburasi;Gemist from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania with 23 tamburasi;Sunday morning mass was celebrated by Rev. Ivica Majstorovic, Pastor from St. Cyril & Methodius Croatian Church from New York. Petar Ljubicic, Consul General from New York, representing the Republic of Croatia, offered greetings to the large crowd.The attractive CFU program book design was done by a team of illustrators, including famous Ivan Lackovic Croata. In November of 1998 was the first time that CFU Adult Tamburitza Federation Festival took place at the same Sheraton hotel. We are looking forward to their next visit.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4691/1/E-Expanding-the-Diplomatic-Network.html ÂExpanding the Diplomatic NetworkNew Croatian Consulate for Kansas and Missouri officially dedicatedThe Croatian American communities in Kansas and Missouri are to finally receive some representation closer to home in the form of a new consulate in Kansas City which was officially dedicated on October 1st by the Croatian ambassador to the United States, Neven Jurica. Ambassador Jurica was joined by Consul General Petar Ljubicic of New York, Consul General Marica Matkovic of Chicago and Consul General Sanja Bujas Juraga of Los Angeles. Local dignitaries as well as members of the Croatian-American communities of both Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri were also in attendance.During the dedication ceremony, Ambassador Jurica announced the appointment of Dr. Judith (née Perica) Vogelsang as honorary consul. Dr. Vogelsang, a physician, is well known in the Croatian community for her role in coordinating food and medical relief shipped during the Balkan conflict in the 1990s as well as promoting Croatian culture and interests in Kansas and Missouri. She is currently serving as a medical consultant in Kansas City, Missouri and was formally on the staff at Research Medical Center for a number of years. She serves as the current commissioner for Croatia on the Mayor's Ethnic Enrichment Commission in Kansas City, Missouri, in addition to being a board member of the National Federation of Croatian Americans and an active member in the Croatian Fraternal Union (CFU).While honorary consuls are not full-time diplomats and are generally nationals of the host country, they are often appointed by governments to represent their interests in smaller cities, or in cities that are not near to full-time diplomatic missions. The appointment of an individual with close ties to and knowledge of the substantial local Croatian communities in Kansas and Missouri as honorary consul indicates a thoughtful selection process by Croatian authorities.The Kansas City Area is home to a large Croatian American population. Most of the earliest immigrants came to the area in the early 1900s, with several more large groups following through the next 50 years. As in other major cities throughout the U.S., they contributed to the building of the Greater Kansas City area in many ways. There are currently close to 40,000 first, second, and third-generation Croatian Americans living in the area and the consulate will hopefully serve as a bridge to promote business, cultural and educational exchanges between Croatia and the United States for many years to come.The two-day dedication ceremony, which began on September 30, included a luncheon, tribute, and tour of the Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri. As a tribute to the legacy of Harry Truman, Ambassador Jurica placed a wreath at the memorial site and spoke of Truman's role in furthering the cause of democracy, freedom and human rights around the world. He also spoke of Croatia's current primary goals of membership in the European Union and NATO.At the luncheon, the ambassador was presented with keys to the city of Independence, Mo. by Mayor Ron Stewart, a proclamation from Mayor Stan Salva of Sugar Creek, Missouri, a proclamation from the Missouri House of Representatives, Ray Salva and a key to the City of Kansas City, Missouri by Councilman Chuck Eddie. Also in attendance were Missouri State Senator, Dr. Charles Wheeler, US Senator James Talent as well as Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver. General Robert Arter, accompanied by his wife Lois, and Col. John Towers were guests from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Members of the Greater Kansas City Consular Corps, Chamber of Commerce and International Relations Council were also in attendance.A reception in honor of Ambassador Jurica was held in the evening in Kansas City, Kansas at the Strawberry Hill Museum. Marijana Grisnik, a Croatian American Naive artist, prepared a special exhibit of her paintings for the ambassador and the many guests while Don Lipovac entertained with his music.On October 1st, a Croatian mass was celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church by Father Francis Horvat, with music provided by the St. Cecilia's Choir under the direction of David Sachen, and the Harvest String Quartet. A dinner followed at the Hilton Reardon Center with the Sugar Creek Tamburitza Orchestra providing dinner music for 400 guests.Mary Jean Podrebarac led the national anthems and Robert Soptic served as Master of Ceremonies. The Honorable Dennis Moore, Congressman for Kansas, and a founding member of the Croatian Congressional Caucus, greeted the ambassador and guests. Mayor Joseph Reardon presented the ambassador with a key to the city as well as a proclamation designating October 1st as a special day for the Kansas City, Croatian American community. Marijana Grisnik presented the ambassador with one of her paintings of Strawberry Hill. Loren Taylor, president of the Wyandotte County Historical Society, presented Ambassador Jurica with his book, The History of Wyandotte County.The Croatian Consulate for Kansas and Missouri is located at 1201 W. 64th Terr., Kansas City, Missouri; tel.: (913) 371 2525, (GSM) (816) 729 3797.Congressman Dennis Moore (Kansas) Ambassador Neven Jurica, Dr. JudyÂVogelsang (Hilton Reardon Center) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4693/1/EH-Omis-Croatia---Almissa-Webpage-by-Ugo-Matulic.html ÂWWW.ALMISSA.COM Najsveobuhvatnija stranica o Omisu na internetu sa vise od 600 stranicaâHvala na pozornosti,S postovanjem,Ugo Matulic /Webmaster of www.almissa.com / letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4694/1/E-Croats-in-Louisiana-and-Mississippi.html ÂCroats in Louisiana andMississippiA Centuries' Long StoryBy John Peter KraljicIn 1880, Miho Baccich landed in New Orleans. The Korcula nativewho had sailed the seven seas and survived a dramatic shipwreck off ofAustralia, had recently received command of his first ship, the Resurrection,owned by his uncle, Nikola. Baccich was surprised by New Orleans. "Howironic that in my first glimpse of America, where I expected to find Americansor men of English origin, I found a very European city with a variety ofEuropeans. During the next week, I was to discover many attractive features ofthis exiting place. First, it was so large and dynamic - over 200,000 residents!The Croatian colony was also large, nearly a thousand people, and [I was]introduced to many of them. A large number were already owners of their ownsmall businesses, retail stores, restaurants and oyster fisheries (a favoritebusiness among Dalmatians)." Baccich said that for four days he socialized"with the local Croatians and I saw a camaraderie that I had never knownbefore." He made up his mind: - Baccich stayed in New Orleans, married alocal Croatian woman and became a successful businessman. His efforts wererewarded by the naming of a city street after him in the city (the street runsparallel to the Inner Harbor Navigation Channel).Baccich came upon one of the first Croatian colonies to beestablished in the United States. The first Croats to settle in Louisianaconsisted of men like Baccich, sailors from Dubrovnik, Orebić, Bokakotarska and their surroundings who traded in the French colony in the 1700s.By the 1840s, dozens of Croats had stores and otherestablishments in New Orleans. During the 1850s, a "second generation"of Croatian immigrants came to New Orleans. Led by Luka Jurišić from Dubaon Pelješac, they began to cultivate the oyster trade, establishing what becameone of Louisiana's largest industries. Later, many went into the shrimpingbusiness as well. Louisiana's Croatian fishermen and oystermen continue to beespecially concentrated in Plaquemines Parish, especially in the towns ofEmpire, Olga, Buras, Ostrica, Venice and Port Sulphur.In the 1860s, Louisiana's Croats fought for the South in theAmerican Civil War, establishing at least three companies (the First and SecondSlavonian Rifles and the Cognevich Company) and fighting in many others.On May 1, 1874, the Croats of New Orleans established the secondCroatian organization in the United States, the United Slavonian BenevolentAssociation (Sjedinjeno Slovinkso Društvo Dobročinstva). TheAssociation numbered 200 members in the mid-1970s, even though its bylaws onlyallowed men born in the territory of former Yugoslavia and their direct maledescendents to be members! The Association (renamed as the United CroatianBenevolent Association) had 152 members in 1996 and still served the Croatiancommunity.New Orleanian Croats became especially well-known asrestaurateurs. A list from the late 1930s listed 17 restaurants and 3 tavernsowned by Croats (including the famous Uglesich's which was featured in TheNew York Times earlier this year as it was set to close its doors). NewOrleans Croatian cooking continues to this day, the restaurants including Drago's,opened in 1970 by Drago and Klara Civtanović. Another legendary restaurantfrom the 1930s includes the Broad Inn Restaurant, owned by Chris Matulic,which later grew into Chris' Steakhouse, the ancestor of the nownationally known chain as Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.The arrival of Croats in Biloxi, Mississippi is also tied to theoyster industry which began in that city around 1880. As in Plaquemines Parish,Croats dominated the oyster and shrimp trade in Biloxi as well. The Croats inBiloxi also became very active socially, having a CFU lodge as early as the1930s. The Croats had their own hall, Slavonian Hall, which unfortunatelyappears to have been destroyed by Hurricane Katrina (one unusual fact - ElvisPresley performed at the Hall in 1955 during the dedication of the Hall's newair conditioning system!).The recent hurricanes which devastated New Orleans, Biloxi andother towns are not the first to cause havoc to Croat settlers in the region. Astorm in 1893 destroyed a small town of Croats near New Orleans. The stormkilled 252 of the town's 400 people.Other storms killed off another agricultural project promoted byCroats, the growing of oranges and the making of orange wine in Triumph,Louisiana. This business had been especially spearheaded by settlers from Igraneand Podgora near Makarska.The hurricane which has until now been most remembered by theCroatian communities in the South was Hurricane Camille in 1969. Camille hitBiloxi especially hard and, among others, destroyed Baricev's SeafoodRestaurant (a recent mystery novel, Green-Eyed Hurricane, by MartinHegwood, features as its victim Biloxi shrimper Casper "Cass"Perinovich, a Croatian whose wife and son had been killed by Camille).That Katrina is but one of many storms to have hit ourcommunities in the Gulf gives little comfort to those in need today. However, ifthe past is an indicator of the future, one has great hope that the Croatianpeople of the region will rebuild their lives and continue their outstandingcontributions to their cities, towns and villages.Croatian family of Joe Buccaran (right) pictured in 1940with wife and daughters Barbara and Ann.Photo courtesy of Fedora Rukanic from New York. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 01 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4695/1/E-Croatian-Club--Cultural-Center-in-Loraine-Ohio-from-1923.html ÂCroatian Club & Cultural Center in Loraine, Ohio from 1923http://www.americancroatianclub.com/ÂClub, with the following purposes of the organization:'To assist in Americanization of Croatians and those of Croatian descent in Lorain; to stimulate interest and study of the city, state, and national forms of government and to actively participate in the election of the officials thereof; to instruct Croatians and those of Croatian descent who were not citizens of the United States of America and to enable them to become citizens; to promote social and educational advancement of Croatians and those of Croatian descent in the City of Lorain, Ohio; to maintain clubrooms for social entertainment and education which can be lawfully conducted for the physical and intellectual development of the members of the club; to participate diligently in promoting of the progress of this locality in moral respect; according to its means, to aid all cultural and educational organizations, such as sports, singing clubs, and libraries; In the event of change of name, the word "Croatian" shall not be omitted."Croatian Club & Cultural CenterClub HistoryEarly in 1923, a group of twelve Croatian men, under the leadership of Rok Dominick, met and the American Croatian Political Club was organized. On May 11, 1923, the following men drew up the Articles of Incorporation : Rok Dominick, Michael G. Pozega, M. E. Lukesic, John Zvosecz, Mike Kanoti, Joseph Rebok, Martin Knezetic, Frank Kostelich, George Marks, John Radman, Frank Fertalj, Paul Siladi. At their regular monthly meeting, held at 1688 E. 28th St., and better known as "Dominick's Hall", the men signed the Articles of incorporation and a Notary Public by the name of William F Hurley witnessed their signatures.On May 12, 1923, the Articles of Incorporation were registered in the Lorain County Courthouse, Elyria, Ohio. The registration was made by C. M. Williams, Registrar for Lorain County. The Articles of Incorporation were then forwarded to the Secretary of the State of Ohio in Columbus. On May 14, 1923, Thad Brown, then Secretary of State, signed the Articles of Incorporation and granted the Charter to the American Croatian Political Shortly after the completion of St. Vitus Church at the corner of East 32nd St. and Pearl Ave., the meetings were then held in the basement of the church. The first elected president of the American Croatian Political Club was Mr. Martin Knezetic, who served faithfully for the next 25 years. The first duly elected Secretary was Mr. Steve Keshery. In 1947, the Club, under the leadership of then President Joseph B. Grubic, applied to the Department of Liquor Control, State of Ohio, for a liquor license. This permit was granted on January 11, 1948, and the old Grove Theater was leased for the purpose of our general clubroom and meeting room. In 1950, under the leadership of President Joseph M. Katkic, the club purchased Dianne's Recreation. This included the bowling lanes and the restaurant on the comer. The restaurant was converted into the new clubroom and the lanes were modernized for public use. In 1953, under the leadership of Mrs. Katherine Lukesic, the American Croatian Ladies Auxiliary was organized. On December 2, 1953, their first election was held and Mrs. Mary Prianic Sislowski was elected president .In 1960, under the leadership of President Joseph M. Katkic, the club bought the Grove Theater and remodeled it into our clubroom. The old clubroom was then remodeled with thehelp of the Lira Tamburitzans, C. F. U. Lodges 136 and 140, the Ladies Auxiliary and members of the club. It was known as the "Lira Room." It was used as a meeting room and was rented out for small doings of the public. Our "Block W" bar, manufactured by Freeworth, Inc., of Cleveland, Ohio, is said to be the only one of its kind between Chicago and New York.In October of 1997, the American Croatian Club sold its building and property on the comer of E. 28th Street and Grove Avenue to the Rite-Aid Pharmacy chain. While in the long run the deal was in the best interest of the Club, the prospect of leaving the location of the Club's longtime home in South Lorain left mixed feelings in the hearts of many of our members. n April of 1998, however, the Club purchased the Riviera Swim Club property at 4850 Oberlin Avenue in Lorain from Tom and Sandy Ivancic. As a private swim club, Riviera had been a landmark recreation facility on the west side of Lorain for over 30 years having been owned and operated by the Ivancics for all of those years. The 3 acre plus parcel includes 3 swimming pools, volleyball courts, basketball court, playground equipment and picnic pavilion. On April 15, 2000 a new clubroom, rental hall and space to house a cultural center for our Club were added. If not for the hard work and dedication of a lot of individuals, probably too numerous to mention, our club would have never made it this far. With a new home, and renewed interest among the Croatian people in the area to become involved in preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage, the future of the American Croatian Club of Lorain looks very promising. Âhttp://www.americancroatianclub.com/  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4696/1/EH-On-the-island-of-Tasmania-live-about-1200-Croatians.html ÂOn the island of Tasmania live about 1200CroatiansNa otoku Tasmaniji - Australija zivi oko 1200 Hrvata. Prvi Hrvati dosli su na otok vec u proslom stoljecu. Najvise ih je dolazilo poslije drugog svjetskog rata mnogi iz politickih, a mnogi i iz ekonomskih razloga. Tijekom tog vremena ljudi su se snalazili na razlicite nacine u raznim poslovima i prilikama, a najveci problem je bio neznanje engleskog jezika.Vremenom sve se to polako savladavalo i nasi ljudi su postajali razni poduzetnici i radili najvise u gradevinarstvu. Na otoku Tasmaniji ima dva veca grada gdje zive Hrvati u vecini, a to su Launceston i Hobart koji je i glavni grad Tasmanije. Hrvati su tu napravili svoje hrvatske klubove, nogometne klubove i crkvu. Svake subote i nedjelje moze se cuti hrvatska rijec i glazba s radio postaje u Hobartu .On the island of Tasmania which is in Australia, live about 1200 Croatians. The first Croatians came to Tasmania last century. Most of them came after the second world war, either for political or economical reasons. Over the years, Croatians have gone their own way establishing themselves in the building industry even though English was a problem. Launceston and Hobart are the two main cities on the island and Hobart is the capital. The Croatian community have also formed their own 'Croatian club' in Hobart. As well as community clubs there are soccer clubs, a church and radio programs which are broadcast from Hobart each Saturday and Sunday.http://zvideo.customer.netspace.net.au/ zvideo@netspace.net.au  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 31 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4697/1/S-Istrians-in-La-Plata-Argentina.html ÂIstrians in la Plata, Argentina letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 19 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4699/1/H-Opci-sabor-151617-Rujna-u-Zagrebu.html ÂOpci sabor 15,16,17 Rujna u ZagrebuÂBroj: 01-37/05.Porec,7.srpnaj 2005. godine.Dr Ante Lausic POZIVAMO VASÂNA OPCI SABOR DOMOVINSKIH I IZVAN DOMOVINSKIH PRIPADNIKA HRVATSKOG NARODA Koji ce se odrzati dana 15,16 i 17. rujna 2005. godine u Sabornici Republike Hrvatske, Trg Svetog Marka broj 6. u Zagrebu sa pocetkom u 11.oo sati. Tijekom trodnevnog rada predvidjeno je da se obrade slijedece teme:1. Analiza postojeceg gospodarskog i politickog stanja u Hrvatskoj :2. Odnos Domovinske i Iseljene Hrvatske te aktivnije ukljucivanje iseljenistva u gospodarske, financijske, znanstvene i dr. tokove u zemlji;3. Hrvatska i europske integracije te moguci utjecaj hrvatskog iseljenistva na poboljsanje postojeceg polozaja kroz utjecaj u drzavama gdje zive i rade;4. Odbori Hrvatskog Svjetskog Sabora (organizacija, formiranje, ukljucivanje i dr.)5. Ostvarivanje punog zajednistva Domovinske i Iseljene Hrvatske, rasclamba postojeceg stanja te problem i nacini prevladavanjaistihPostovani!Svjesni svoje uloge I vlastite odgovornosti u procesu priblizavanja domovinske i iseljenje Hrvatske, Hrvatski Svjetski Sabor organizira ovaj skup sa zeljom da se na njemu, na jedan konstruktivan i nadasve domoljuban nacin otvoreno progovori o problemima u drustvu i zajednici, te ujedno iznadju i predloze rjesenja koja bi omogucila da jedinu nam domovinu Hrvatsku izgradjujemo kao pravnu, socijalnu i pravednu drzavu, u kojoj ce Hrvati izvan hrvatske imati znacajno mjesto kao integralni dio Hrvatskog nacionalnog bica.Organiziranje Opceg Sabora, s druge strane, potaknuto je i nepovoljnim tendencijama u hrvatskom drustvu i gospodarstvu koje ozbiljno prijete da ogranice ili dovedu u pitanje nacionalni suverenitet.ÂNa ova goruca pitanja aktualna vlast i oporba ne pruzaju dovoljno kvalitetna rjesenja te je stoga hrvatsko iseljenistvo pozvano da usmjeri ovaj âbrodâ€? u mirnije vode i luke, odredi smjernice kojim drustvo i drzava u narednom periodu treba ici rukovodeci se cinjenicom da ziveci u uredjenim drzavama zapadne demokracije upravo Iseljnistvo spoznaje vrijednosti pojedinih institute, te mogucnosti njihove primjene na hrvatsku zbilju danas.Za razliku od drugih skupova i organzacija, Hrvatski Svjetski Sabor posebno istice svoju apoliticnost, smatrajuci da u suvremenim drustvima (al i u zemljama u tkz. tranzicijama kao sto je nasa) nema mjesta nikakvim podjelama, a posebice ne onima na politickoj osnovi. Volja i zelja da se doprinese ocuvanji i boljitku jedine nam domovine Hrvatske, upucuje nas na potrebe zajednistva i to kako u domovini, tako i u iseljenistvu. Stoga, na Opci Sabor su pozvani, i rado vidjeni, svi oni kojima je domovina u srcu i smatraju svojom nacionalnom, moralnom i ljudskom obvezom da pripomognu domovini u ovometrenutku. Ukoliko ste i na trenutak dvojili, odbacite sve sumnje i predrasude i prikljucite nam se, jer samo tako moci cemo ostvariti ono isto zajednistvo koje nas je krasilo u vrijeme domovinskog rata kada je Domovinska i Iseljena Hrvatska znala odgovoriti na svoju povjesnu odgovornost. Tada, kad je kao Feniks, iz pepela, nikla najljepsa drzava na svijetu, domovina Hrvatska.Hrvatski Svjetski Sabor nije vladina, ni politicka organizacija. Glavna odrednica ove organizacije koja povezuje Domovinsku i Iseljenu Hrvatsku je âIzgradjujmo mostove izmedju nasih obala, stvorimo preduvjete da konacno postanemo jedno i da se dozivljavamo kao braca, a ne kao stranciâ€?. Hrvatska proslost, ali i njena sadasnjost, puna je podjela. Neki u tim podjelama vide svoje interese, ali mi ih drzimo tragicnim i nepotrebnim. Moramo stvoriti kriticnu masu, i to kako brojcanu, tako i intelektualnu, koja ce jasno reci da svi oni koji na bilo koji nacin umjetno ili stvarno stvaraju podjele u hrvatskom nacionalnom bicu definitivno pripadaju proslosti.Stoga, ukoliko su ove smjernice, i ovi stavovi, podudarni vasima, na istoj smo strani i na istome zadatku.S posebnim zadovoljstvom napominjemo da je Hrvatski Svjetski Sabor svoju aktivnost, po prethodno naznacenim smjernicama, organizirao kroz rad svojih Odbora na cijem se celu nalaze ugledni znanstvenici, domoljubi, intelektualci raznih djelatnosti.Upravo su oni doprinijeli da se sve vise ljudi ukljucuje u njihov rad, pokazujuci time da su ti vidovi organizacije i djelovanja neophodno potrebni da se, preko njih, ostvaruje zajednistvo na svim poljima.Vise o Odborima mozete vidjeti na web stranici www.hssd.hrPrethodno smo naveli kako je Hrvatski Svjetski Sabor nevladina udruge, pa se stime u svezi u svome radu ne oslanja na drzavne financije, vec prvenstveno na vlastite snage, entuziazam clanova i sl.To je i razlog sto Hrvatski Svjetski Sabor nije u mogucnosti financijski snositi troskove onih kojih se odluce sudjelovati na skupu, pa ce isti troskove svog boravka - snose sami. Visina kotizacije, s druge strane, nije odredjena, niti obavezna, vec je to osobna stvar pojedinaca.Svoje diskusije, kao pismene predloske, dostavljaju se na adresu: Hrvatski Svjetski Sabor â Porec, ul. V. Gortana 2. ili na mail: hssd@hssd.hrÂnajkasnije do 15. kolovoza 2005. god., a glede publiciranja materijala bilo bi pozeljno da isti budu dostavljeni pored hrvatskog i na engleskom jeziku.Glede ogranicenosti kapaciteta prostorija gdje ce se skup odrzavati, molim vas da se o nazocnosti na ovom skupu odredite do 10. kolovoza 2005. godine i o tome nas izvjestite na mail ili na telefon 00385-52-431-575, 427-057, 431-427 Fax. 00 385 52 434006Radujemo se Vasem dolasku,www.hssd.hr KOORDINATOR: Niko Soljak, prof. ing.ÂPRIJAVA Kojom _________________________ rodjen/a _________ u __________Potvrdjujem svoj dolazak na OPCI HRVATSKI SABOR koji ce se odrzati dana 17. 18. i 19. rujna 2005. godine u Zagrebu. E-mail: ___________________ Tel: ______________________ Fax: _____________________ Tema koja me najvise interesira: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Potpis: _______________ Molimo Vas da nakon potpisa, navedenu izjavu vratite na adresu:Hrvatski Svjetski SaborVl. Gortana 252 440 Porec ili na e-mail: hssd@hssd.hr ili fax: 00385 52 434006 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4698/1/E-TRADITIONAL-ST-MARYS-PICNIC-on-Aug-7th-2005.html The TRADITIONAL ST. MARY'S PICNIC Âwill be held on Sunday, August 7, 2005 atCibort Park in Bressler, PA Lamb and Pork, roasted at the picnic groundswill be available for purchase by the pound, as a dinner or in a sandwich.Baked goods include apple, cheese and cherry strudel along with other ethnicfavorites. Other food items include cabbage and noodles, hot sausage, hotdogs, BBQ and much more. Continuous music from 12:00 noon until 8:00 pmwill be provided by Tamburitza RRoma from Chicago, IL and The POLKA WHOOo!.There is plenty of free off-street parking and no admission charge.If anyone needs directions to the picnic, you can contact Rudy Pavlick bye-mail at; hrvata@worldnet.att.net Sincerely,Rudy Pavlick, SecretarySt. Mary's Preservation Society letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4701/1/E-Croatians-in-London-July-issue.html ÂCroatians in London July issueSun 17th July, 2005Croats in London Newsletter No. 11 July 2005Welcome to the eleventh issue of Croats in London. CIL appears in the first week of every month.This month: Interview with Michael Donley, author of Marco Polo's Isle - Sketches from the Dalmatian island of Korcula, CSPYN's National Day Celebration at City Hall.For CIL Newsletter Archive click here.Interview with Michael Donley, author of Marco Polo's Isle - Sketches from the Dalmatian island of KorculaHow did you first get interested in Korcula?We knew Croatia - Yugoslavia as it then was - through my parents in law in the 1960's. In fact, when I first met my wife they had just been on holiday there and brought back various souvenirs and drinks and so it was always in our consciousness.And then we went to Dubrovnik ourselves - before the independence of Croatia - and fell in love with the place and spotted one of the first package holidays after the war of independence. It was at a hotel on the island of Korcula that was first to re-open after the war because most of the hotels had been full of refugees. We took it from there, we just kept going back. We got to know everybody. I think it was my wife who said - I was a writer, retired, and had published a book on French literature - "Look, why don't you write about something more popular? This place could get spoiled. So write the book now before it does."Was that the reason to write the book?I thought I would capture this moment in time, Korcula, Dalmatia as it enters the new millennium. A newly independent country, open to the West, there's going to be a lot of influences, some of them more dangerous than the war. I would capture that moment in time.Do you think Korcula will change dramatically?Everywhere changes. I don't think it will change dramatically. The people are very proud of what they've got. What they've got is not just for tourists, not just for foreigners its for themselves for first of all.For example, in Lumbarda village. Some foreign investors wanted to build a golf course. At local meetings it was decided they did not want this. They wanted development and improvement but they wanted it to be organic with themselves very much involved. They will stick up for themselves. Everywhere in the world changes, but it will not be disastrous (for Korcula). They have the example of Spain and Greece and all the mistakes not to copy.There is a lot on language and music, especially klapa, in the book. Why are you interested in those areas?I was a linguist originally. French was my language and I did post-graduate research into it. Part of that training I went abroad, to North Africa - Tunis - in 1961. It expanded my interest in foreign languages. I loved it so much I decided that I did not want to return to England to follow a university career I wanted to live abroad. I started to work with the British Council teaching English overseas.I had sung in a choir in Oxford which had used Old Slavonic. So when we went to Croatia I realised that many of the words were sort of similar. I am the sort of person that if you put me into a country I start speaking the language - badly I suppose - but I just pick it up. That goes hand in hand with my interest in music. My father was very musical, my son is very musical. Naturally when I got to Croatia, I was interested in Klapa and other Dalmatian music which is less well known. Klapa is probably easier for Westerners to understand.I notice in your book there are comparisons between Croatia and the UK. Can you tell us your views on the difference the quality of life, and life generally, between Croatia and the UK?It seems to me that Dalmatia reminds me of my England of the 1950s. I was born in 1940, and so I was a teenager in the 50's. I grew up in small town in Lancashire. The way everybody knew everybody else, everywhere was safe - you could leave your door open - it was a happy, peaceful decade. Dalmatia reminded me of that. It was in some sense like coming home. Being a Catholic myself it was very relaxing living in a Catholic country, whereas in England you feel a little bit like an outsider, especially in Southern England.It's not old fashioned though; people have mobiles and so on. A wonderful mix of the old and new. Quite a bit of the best of the old and the best of the new.How was your book received in Croatia?Very well. Obviously it is in English. We took out copies ourselves for a promotion at the beginning of May. That went down very well. It was in the Hotel Korcula and the place was packed. Local bookshops and tourist outlets have taken it. I am working on translations with French and German publishers. A Zagreb distributor may be interested in publishing it in Croatian.Finally, do you believe that Marco Polo came from Korcula?I don't see why not. There is quite a lot of documentary evidence. Korcula was part of the Venetian empire at that time. Saying he is Venetia is like an Indian saying he was British during the time of the British empire. Old documents says the man came from Dalmatia. He certainly was not born in Venice. On balance I think he was born in Korcula.Marco Polo's Isle - Sketches from the Dalmatian island of Korcula by Michael Donley is published by Spencer & Glynn. ISBN 0 954989406Âwww.croatsinlondon.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 17 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4700/1/E-Croatian-American-Bar-Association.html ÂÂwww.croatianamericanbar.com ÂIf you are an attorney it is my honor to invite youto be a member of the newly formed Croatian American Bar Association. Thepurpose of the Association is to:promote the advancement of lawyers and lawstudents of Croatianheritage in the legal profession;provide a forum for professionalnetworking, support, andexchange of ideas amongst its members;foster camaraderie amongst its members;support the provision of legal services tothe Croatian-Americancommunity; andwork with other Croatian-Americanorganizations on matters ofcommon concern.I hope you will take the opportunityto join so that we can make this new Association a success. Membership application can be sent via email. Also, pleasefeel free to circulate copies of the membership application to those whomay be interested.Very truly yours,Marko Zoretic_________________________Marko R. ZoreticPresidentCroatian American Bar Association1850 Whittier Ave., E201Costa Mesa, California 92627Phone: 949-274-5360marko@croatianamericanbar.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 15 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4702/1/E-Croatian-Radio-Los-Angeles-KTYM-60-minutes-show.html ÂCroatianRadio Los Angeles KTYMhttp://www.croatianchurch.org/radio/radio_070905.mp3  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 11 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4703/1/E-Celebrating-Croatia-in-Iowa.html ÂCelebrating CroatiaÂTop Stories The Croatian Fest Committee is busy with preparations for the 19th annual fest. It will be Saturday, July 30 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 922 West State St., Centerville. The committee gets a jump-start each year when they prepare lunch on Father's Day for a tour group from Iowa Wesleyan College. Each year the group of 30 to 40 comes to Centerville on their tour of Iowa and the committee prepares ethnic food, dress in ethnic costume, present a program on Croatian history of Appanoose county and sing Croatian songs for the group. Croatian immigrants contributed much to the growth of the Appanoose county area. A few migrated from Yugoslavia (now Croatia), settling first in Pennsylvania where they worked in the steel yards. Eventually, some came farther west to work in the coal mines. When word reached relatives that jobs were plentiful in the United States, many more immigrants followed. The countries they left were very poor, but they had dreams of making a better life for their families in a new country. The immigrants came to wherever they had relatives living: Rathbun, Cincinnati, Mystic, Sunshine, Streepy and other towns near Centerville. Because of this, the area is rich in Croatian history. Each year in July, the heritage is celebrated with colorful ethnic costumes, music, dancing and entertainment, as well as home cooked ethnic dishes prepared by the Croatian Fest Committee. This year the celebration will be held Saturday, July 30 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 922 West State St., with opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:00 to 1:00. The menu includes steak and polenta, pigs-in-a-blanket and kraut and the very popular Croatian nut roll. The Jerry Beauchamp Band will entertain from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.. They will then provide the music for a polka mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 5:30 p.m. Organizers of the event say they would like to invite everyone to join them for the polka mass, and then come to the Knights of Columbus Hall for a dance from 7:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. The band plays all types of music. A sandwich plate special will be served at the dance.  Croatian Fest is a wonderful time to share in the Croatian heritage, they say, and also a time to remember the community's heritage. They add that whatever nationality are residents are, it is important to talk to children and their children - "Once the information is lost, it is lost forever." http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14800168&BRD=1284&PAG=461&dept_id=179799&rfi=6  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4705/1/E-U-pripremi-opci-Sabor-domovinskih-i-izvan-domovinskih-Hrvata.html ÂU pripremi je opci Sabor domovinskih i izvan domovinskih HrvataÂHRVATSKI SVJETSKI SABORVl. Gortana 2. Porecwww.hssd.hrBroj 01/57-2005.Porec. 23.6.2005. godi.U pripremi je odrzavanje opceg Sabora domovinskih i izvan domovinskih Hrvata.Sabor ce se odrzati u Zagrebu 03. 04. i 05. rujna ili 09. 10. i 11. rujna ili 23. 24. i 25. rujna 2005. godine, ovisno o rezultatu ankete. Saboru ce moci prisustvovati cca 150 uzvanika kako bi sto lakse i kvalitetnije- Svaki pojedinac dobrovoljno odluÃuje o visini kotizacije shodno vlastitim mogucnostima- Nazalost, zbog nedostatka sredstava svaki sudionik sam snosi svoje troskove.- O programima ce detaljnije raspravljati Hrvatski Nacionalni Timovi po djelatnostima(Odborima)- Svaki sudionik moze svoje prijedloge za raspravu dati u pisanom obliku (u kratkim crtama). Prijedlozi se dostavljaju najkasniej do 15. kolovoza 2005.g.sa naznakom Odbora, kojem pripada. Nakon sveÃanog i opceg dijela Sabora, rad ce se nastaviti po djelatnostima. Radionice ce voditi sadasnji Predsjednici Odbora:1. Prof. dr. Pavuna Davor - Odbor za znanost i tehnologiju2. Rajh Miroslav â Odbor za informiranje3. Nuernberger Tomica - Odbor za sport 4. Dr. Radman Zdravko â Odbor za banke i stedionice5. Jurkovic Hrvoje â Odbor za mlade6. Valcich Dennis Odbor za promidzbu hrvtskih jela i pica 7. Matesic Jadranka â Odbor za nekretnine i imovinsko-pravne poslove8.. Brzica Damir - Odbor za turizam9. prof. dr. Kulic Slavko â Odbor za ekologiju i razvoj zivota10. Prof. dr. JurÃevic Josip- Odbor za utvrÃivanje povijesne istine o Hrvatskom narodu11.Weisz Petar â Odbor za promidzbu hrvatskih prijateljstava12.Tretinjak Drazen - Odbor za pravnu zastita Hrvata i njihovih nacionalnih interesa13. Baranasic Zlatko â Odbor za likovnu umjetnost14 Bjazic Drzislav â Odbor za Hrvatski jezik i knjizevnost15.Filipovic Lenardo dipl. ing. arh.- Odbor za planiranje i ureÃenje prostora- 2 -16. Puskaric Mijo - Odbor za hrvatske povratnike17. Krizan Stjepan â Odbor za etnologiju, folklor i muzikuHrvatski nacionalni Timovi su otvoreni za svakog pripadnika hrvatskog naroda i broj Ãlanova im nije limitiran. Djelatnosti za koje jos uvijek nisu formirani hrvatski nacionalni Timovi, mogu se formirati na samom Saboru. Zainteresirane za osnivanje i / ili vodjenje novih odbora pozivamo da prijedloge posalju do (datum) na (email adresa) te navedu naziv odbora i kracu specifikaciju njegovog djelovanja. Ovi ce prijedlozi biti poslani sudionicima prije konferencije tako da se u njihov rad mogu ukljuciti zainteresirani Ãlanovi. Prijedlozi da se Sabor odrzi (molimo da zaokruzite vama najpovoljniji datum ):a) 3. 4. i 5. rujna 2005.b) 9. 10. i 11. rujna 2005.c) 23. 24. i 25. rujna 2005. DNEVNI RED1. Kratka analiza postojeceg stanja u RH:2. Sto Hrvati u Hrvatskoj i izvan Hrvatske u sadasnjem momentu mogu uÃiniti za boljitak Hrvatske3.. Uloga Hrvatskih Nacionalnih Timova po djelatnostima:a. Cilj:Humana, pravna, socijalna, demokratska,suverena,savremena drzava Hrvatska u kojoj ce moral i moralne norme biti osnovno mjerilo vrijednosti svakog pripadnika hrvatskog naroda. b. Analiza resursa. (Hrvatska je Bogom data zemlja koja svoim prirodnim bogastvima hrvatskom narodu moze osigurati sretnu buducnost.)c. Zadatak: Objedinjenje hrvatskog intelektualnog i financijskog kapitala po djelatnostima. 4 . Donijeti preporuke i razraditi konkretne zadatke vezane uz pojedine programe koji se mogu realizirati kako u Hrvatskoj, tako i po drzavama svijeta5. ZakljuÃci Sabora- Sabor ce trajati tri dana.- Sabor ce se organizirati u suradnji sa svim Hrvatima koji zele zajednistvo Hrvatskog Naroda- Na Saboru nece biti nikakve politiÃke opcije niti prozivanja pojedinaca, niti ikakve rasprave vezane za osobe- OÃekujemo da ce se u pripreme i rad Sabora ukljuÃiti najeminentniji Hrvati iz Hrvatske i svijeta koji znaju, mogu i HOCE pomoci da se pronaÃe najbolji put kojim trebamo ici, kako bi izasli iz ove teske MORALNE i gospodarske krize u kojoj se danas nalazimo,.- 3 - Molimo Vas za misljenja i prijedloge.HRVATSKU MOGU SPASITI SAMO HRVATI, oni to znaju, mogu, a vjerujemo da i hoce. S obzirom da ste i Vi pripadnik ovog Ãasnog Korpusa, pozivamo Vas da se ukljuÃite u pripremu Sabora te da se aktivno ukljuÃite u rad istog. Svaki Vas prijedlog, oko programa odrzavanja Sabora, biti ce razmotren, i time cete osobno pridonijeti kvaliteti rada Sabora i boljitku Hrvatskog Naroda. Zahvaljujemo se svim hrvatskim organizacijama dilejm svijeta, koje an bilo koji nacin doprinose zajednistvu Hrvatskog Naroda, ujedno ih pozivamo da budu suorganizatori SABORA..Veselim se nasem skorom susretu i u ime HSSD-a unaprijed Vam svima zahvaljujem na dolasku i Vasim doprinosima.www.hssd.hrKoordinator:Niko Soljak prof. ing.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 25 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4704/1/E-PADOVA-OTVOREN-HRVATSKI-POCASNI-KONZULAT.html ÂPADOVA: OTVOREN HRVATSKI POČASNI KONZULATutorak, 14.6.2005 21:11Počasni konzulat Republike Hrvatske otvoren je u utorak navečer u Padovi, a počasnom konzulicom imenovana je dr. Nela Srsen.Hrvatski veleposlanik u Italiji Drago Kraljević uručio je počasnoj konzulici pismo imenovanja hrvatskog predsjednika Stjepana Mesića, a na prigodnoj svečanosti govorili su i pomoćnica ministrice vanjskih poslova Mira Martinec i predsjednik regije Veneto Giancarlo Galan. Mira Martinec je rezanjem vrpce otvorila počasni konzulat u Ulici San Francesco. 97Ovo je četvrti hrvatski počasni konzulat u Italiji, uz one u Napulju, Bariju i Mundimitru (Montemitro) u regiji Molise, gdje živi hrvatska manjina.Svečanost u Padovi bila je u znaku odličnih hrvatsko-talijanskih odnosa, posebno dobrih s regijom Veneto, predsjednikom Galanom i gradom Padovom, a izražena je i želja da Hrvatska sto prije postane punopravni član Europske unije. (Hina) U PADOVI OTVOREN HRVATSKI POČASNI KONZULAT Počasna konzulica dr. Nela Srsen. Srsen je naglasila da će jedan od glavnih ciljeva Počasnog konzulata biti otvaranje ÂHrvatske kuće u Padovi, u kojoj će se zbrinjavati hrvatski pacijenti koji dolaze u Padovu, okupljati hrvatski studenti i promovirati hrvatska kultura RIM - U utorak je u Padovi otvoren Počasni konzulat Republike Hrvatske, a počasnom konzulicom imenovana je ugledna liječnica Nela Srsen, poznata diljem Hrvatske po medicinskom i humanitarnom angažmanu, promicateljica hrvatskih interesa u Italiji i svijetu.Hrvatski veleposlanik u Italiji Drago Kraljević uručio je počasnoj konzulici pismo imenovanja hrvatskog predsjednika Stjepana Mesića, a na prigodnoj svečanosti govorili su pomoćnica ministrice vanjskih poslova Mira Martinec i predsjednik regije Veneto Giancarlo Galan. Martinec je rezanjem vrpce otvorila konzulat u Ulici San Francesco 97.Ovo je četvrti hrvatski počasni konzulat u Italiji, uz one u Napulju, Bariju i Mundimitru (Montemitro) u regiji Molise, gdje žive pripadnici hrvatske manjine.Svečanost u Padovi bila je u znaku odličnih hrvatsko-talijanskih odnosa, posebno s regijom Veneto, predsjednikom Galanom i gradom Padovom, a na svečanosti je izražena želja da Hrvatska sto prije postane punopravni član Europske unije. Srsen je na svečanosti naglasila da će jedan od glavnih ciljeva Počasnog konzulata biti otvaranje ustanove ÂHrvatska kuća u Padovi, u kojoj će se zbrinjavati hrvatski pacijenti koji dolaze u Padovu, okupljati hrvatski studenti te promovirati hrvatska kultura.U suradnji s Anom Bedrina, voditeljicom pulske podružnice Hrvatske matice iseljenika, u svečanom su dijelu programa nastupili pulski akademski glazbenici Ana Sterpin na harmonici i dramski tenor Zoran Tomaić, koji su izveli djela hrvatskih i talijanskih autora, a dr. Srsen pulska je akademska slikarica Aleksandra Rotar darovala jedno svoje djelo.Hina/B. P. gabriele.romagnoli@libero.it letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 25 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4706/1/E-CSYPN--Croatian-National-Day--Londons-City-Hall.html ÂCSYPN : Croatian National Day @ London's City Hall There is a deadline to register below, but if youemail by Wednesday you may still be able to go.Brian Gallagher, Vice-President, CSYPN-----Celebrate Croatian National Day with us in one ofthe most prestigious buildings in London!!!CSYPN has an original treat for you - enjoying awonderful London evening, nine floors up on the top floor ofthe Great London Assembly building and its 'SkyBalcony'.The GLA building is that modern-looking one near TowerBridge, not far from the spot immortalised by David Blaine!This will (probably) be your once in a lifetime chanceto go there, to a place optimistically called London'sLiving Room.We are organising a drinks reception there on Thursday23rd June, starting at 7 pm and lasting a couple ofhours.Now the GLA building is a 'serious' place - meaningthey want a list of all everyone coming well in advance, sothey can give you your own personalised badge after youhave gone past security. So sorry, folks, this timedefinitely no gatecrashers!We'll get a fantastic view of central London and ifthe evening's bright and clear, better still.The event is free for CSYPN members and 10 pounds fornon-members.If you wish to join us, please email us oncityhall@csypn.org.uk by Saturday, 18 June 2005.-----What: Croatian National Day ReceptionWhen: 7.00pm, Thursday, 23 June 2005Where: Greater London AuthorityCity HallThe Queen.s WalkLondon SE1 2AAhttp://www.london.gov.uk/gla/locationmap.jsp Price: FREE - CSYPN members, Â10 - non-membersRSVP: by Saturday, 18 June 2005on cityhall@csypn.org.uk -----Looking forward seeing you and celebrating CroatianNational Day together.CSYPN Committee letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 21 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4708/1/E-May-13th-CROATIAN---AMERICAN-DAY-in-Chicago.html ÂCROATIAN - AMERICAN DAYFriday, May 13, 2005DALEY PLAZAÂ11:45 AM - Flag Raising Ceremony - Singing of American and CroatianAnthems12:00 - 1:30 PM Cultural Program featuring all of our local folkloregroups with Special Guest Boduli10:00 - 2:00 PM Tents featuring local artists and Croatian tourismPlease join us on the 13th to celebrate our heritage and remindChicago how many there are of us!Also, please pass along this information to your collegues, co-workers, and friends - Our goal is to raise the profile of ourcommunity and Croatia in general.Finally, mark your calendars - Every second Friday in May is beingdesignated Croatian-American DayAny questions, please email Mijo Vodopic - mvodopic@hotmail.com After celebrating Croatian Day in Chicago during the day, come to St.Jerome's hall at night for a dance for this celebration. Doors open at 8pm.Come between 8-9 and get a free drink! Music will be provided by Chicago'svery own, Drugi Put along with special guest performers. They will go on at9pm. Entrance is $10.00. Sponsored by Klub Stepinac.CroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4707/1/E-Film-CAA-15-th-Anniversary-Gala-celebration-by-Z-Ranogajec.html ÂDokumentarno-povijesno-informativni film na internetu:www.LijepaNasaDomovinaHrvatska. com CROATIAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION15 th Anniversary Gala Celebrationproduced / dirercted byZvonimir B. RanogajecÂZahvaljujuci gospodinu Zvonimiru B. Ranogajcu, TV producentu i redatelju i gospodinu Ivici Grgicu, sponzoru i uredniku izvrsne webstranice Lijepa Nasa Domovina Hrvatska, imate jedinstvenu prigodu vidjeti na internetu: WWW. Lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com veoma kvalitetan dokumentarno- povijesno - informativan film: "CAA 15 th Anniversary Gala Celebration" (28 min.) Film je snimljen prigodom svecane proslave 15.obljetnice Hrvatsko americke udruge (CAA), ogranak Illinois, 2. travnja 2005. godine u Sheraton Hotelu Chicago. Ovaj izvrstan dokumentarno- povijesno - informativan film informira gledatelja o 15. godisnjem lobistickom djelovanju Hrvatsko americke udruge (CAA) i pojedinaca, i o najnovijim dogadajima.U filmu pojavljuju se mnogi ugledni gosti, koji govore o nepobitnoj cinjenici, da su mnogi aktivni i zasluzni clanovi Hrvatsko-americke udruge (CAA) odigrali povijesnu ulogu lobirajuci za Hrvatsku u Washingtonu tijekom Domovinskog rata! Isto tako, spomenula se i cinjenica, da su brojni clanovi udruge ucinili ono sto im je Bozja ljubav i veliko srce za njihovu prvu domovinu Hrvatsku govorilo, pomoci bezuvjetno svojem narodu u nevolji! Postojanje i dostupnost ovih informacija u rijeci i slici putem interneta su veoma znacajan preduvjet za svaku Hrvatsku udrugu i njihov razvoj u buducnosti!S postovanjem,Zvonimir B. RanogajecKrscanski TV producent & TV dokumentarista CAA.ZRanogajec@peoplepc.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4709/1/H-Otvorenje-novoga-hrvatskoga-kluba-u-Perthu.html ÂOtvorenje novog Hrvatskog kluba u Perthu15. travnja 2005.ÂRade Buljubasic, Dragomir Ante Radica i Hazel VuletaÂPise: Branko PERANPERTH - Od prosle nedjelje hrvatsku zajednicu Zapadne Australije, kao i siru australsku javnost, krasi jos jedna ljepotica zvana Jadran (Stirling Adriatic Centre).Naime, toga lijepoga nedjeljnoga poslijepodneva u prostorijama Hrvatskog kluba Jadran okupilo se nesto vise od 400 clanova i prijatelja ovog kluba, da bi na dostojan i svecan nacin proslavili to konacno zavrsenje i uredenje ovog zaista impozantnog objekta koji plijeni pozornost svakoga dobronamjerna putnika...Sluzbeni dio programa zapoceo je izvodenjem australske i hrvatske himne. Nakon toga predsjednica Hrvatskog kluba Jadran Hazel Vuleta pozdravila je clanove i goste zazeljevsi im da se u klubu Jadran osjecaju ugodno jer tako su i primljeni. Posebno toplim i biranim rijecima predsjednica se obratila i zahvalila gospodama u kuhinji koje su radile gotovo cijeli tjedan kako bi ovaj dan ucinile ovako uspjesnim.Brojni su bili gosti ove velike feste. Pored dozivotnih clanova kluba Micka Martinovica, Katie Katunarich te Georga Zrinskoga na svecanom otvorenju kluba Jadran bio je nazocan i visoki duznosnik u Vladi Zapadne Australije John Kobelke , Minister for Consumer and Employment Protection, zamjenik gradonacelnika grada Stirlinga Troy Pickard, Rade Buljubasic u ime Ljubinka Matesica otpravnika poslova u Veleposlanstvu Republike Hrvatske u Canberri, predsjednik Hrvatskog centra North Fremantle Frane Podrug te predsjednik kluba Spearwood Dalmatinac Miho Nikolic. Opsirnije...Posjetite nase web stranicehttp://www.hdzausnz.com/  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 21 Apr 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4710/1/E-Croats-in-London---Interview-with-Dr-Branko-Franolic.html ÂCroats in London - Interview with Dr Branko FranolicDr Franolic is a prominent Croat linguist who has been resident in London since 1974. He is a member of the Societe Linguistique du Paris. Dr Franolic received an award from oil company INA for the defence of Croatian language abroad. He has donated many books - about 2,000 - to UK libraries in particular the British Library but also to others including the School of Slavonic studies, Oxford, Cambridge. CIL spoke to him about his recent and current projects. You've been compiling bibliographies on what's in the British Library on Croatia. Tell us something about that and your most recent work. When Croatia became independent it was terra incognita - unknown country. There was hardly any books on Croatia in the British Library, so I had to fill this gap and this was very necessary for anybody who wants to write on Croatia or south-eastern Europe, they need a good bibliography. People are discouraged because there are no books. Bibliographies are very important. I would call them ante room to any scientific research. You cannot do any serious writing without having a bibliography - books on a country or whatever subject. I remember when Marcus Tanner (author of Croatia - A Nation Forged in War) started to write a book on Croatia, he had hardly any books on Croatia in London, he had to struggle. That's why the supply of books to libraries is very important. Very often, librarians did not know what was published in Croatia, especially during the war. I had to supply them. That's how you came to write the bibliographies? I realised that bibliographies were very necessary because anyone who wants to write on any aspect of Croatian life or culture or history must have the books. That was why I compiled my latest bibliography, A Survey of Croatian Bibliographies 1960- 2003. In the international world bibliography, published in Munich, Croatia was practically suppressed - because all the information came from Belgrade. So one had to fill the gap since 1960 to 2003. It includes different places, regions in Croatia and subjects - from Astronomy to Zoology.A bibliography is the first step for research in any writing. This was our Achilles Heel. I met some people who were simply discouraged because no books were available. They wanted to write about Croatia but gave up. You are working on a new project - 'An Outline of Literary Croatian'. Can you tell us what this is about? The Croatian language is still not thoroughly investigated. There are a lot of pre-conceived ideas about the heritage from the 20th Century. There is a Hungarian saying that says a nation lives through its language. The nation is a language, the language is a nation. A very important aspect of this the Glagolitic written language since the early middle ages - the Baska tablet - which is the cornerstone of Croatian literary development. After the battle of Krbava in 1493 when the Turks invaded Croatia, an interesting detail is that the Glagolitic priest from Grobnik recorded in his breviary immediately after the battle that the Turks sacked whole Croatian lands and crushed the Croatian language - at that time language meant people. So language is people, people are language. It is very important to stress this, that from the middle ages - Glagolitic is slightly neglected - that Croats were among the first people in Europe to write in their national language. Croats were alone in the Catholic church in the west who were permitted to keep the vernacular liturgy which set them firmly apart from the latin Catholics and ensured the retention of a unique identity. Whereas Catholic priests in France, Italy and Germany read in in Latin, Croatian Dalmatian priests read it in the vernacular so the liturgy could have the same kind of nationalising effect that the vernacular bible had in protestant countries. It was supplemented by new protestant translation of the new testament in Croat, printed in Glagolitic in Germany in the 1560s. This is an important fact that should be stressed. What you are writing is taking us up to the present day? Yes, because nowadays there is an assault on Croatian language again as in former Yugoslavia when Croatian was practically suppressed. So it was a very, very long struggle. From the middle ages via the renaissance, Croat writers on the Dalmatian coast had participated most extensively through regular Italian contacts in the culture of Western Europe, and were far from having experienced the intense isolation and intellectual poverty of Serbia - as said by Professor Adrian Hastings (late British historian). There are a lot of half - baked linguists, pseudo-slavicists who try to suppress these facts. Very few people looked up Glagolitic missals/books - very important for the whole of (Croatian) literature, used not only in liturgy but also in administration. It's important to stress the Glagolitic literature, the work of our protestant writers who continued our traditions, there were fighting Venetian imperialism and encroachment on the Dalmatian coast. They were protestants, but they were first and foremost national priests who were afraid of being suppressed by Venice or the Turks. We'll see this article soon? Yes, I hope so. If you are interested in purchasing his bibliographies, Dr Franolic can be contacted at 15 Midmoor Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4JD http://www.easycroatian.com/newsletter/newsletter8.php orwww.croatsinlondon.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 15 Apr 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4711/1/E-New-Croatian-Organization-in-the-San-Francisco-Bay-Area.html ÂNew Croatian Organization in the San Francisco Bay AreaÂwww.crocenter.comÂThe San Francisco Bay Area is home to thousands of Croatians, but unlike someother Croatian communities in the US and Canada, we don't have a Croatiancenter. The Croatian youth here has finally taken the initiative and has begunthe process of organizing a non-profit organization which will promote Croatianculture in the Bay Area. We will hold various fundraising social and educationalevents in the hopes of one day, building a Croatian Center.Our first event, a New Year's Eve celebration, was a success and our next one,the Petar Graso concert on the 5th of February, should be as well. We welcomeall Croatians. Our new website, http://www.crocenter.com , will serve as our"Virtual Center" and will allow us to communicate as well as provide resourceson all things Croatian. Our plan through the website is to add discussionboards, a blog, articles, historic resources, and potentially an online storeof Croatian products. The ideas and enthusiasm are flowing wildly. We now needto take action.If you live in the greater San Francisco Bay Area or are planning on visitingthe area, please visit our website www.crocenter.com to check out ourupcoming events. If you're not from the area, please stop by online to see whatwe're up to. We also welcome all Croatians to join our mailing list (visit usonline for more info).We have sadly been seeing a division and a lack of interest among Croatians inour area over the years. I know this is not something unique to our area, butit's sad. We hope to reverse the effect.Pozdrav iz Kalifornije,Emil Jakovcevic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 27 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4712/1/EH-Mardi-Gras-Celebration-in-Steelton-Fasnicka-Zabava-u-Steeltonu.html ÂCome help Steelton celebrate Mardi Gras on Saturday, February 5th, 2005, at 7:30pm at Prince of Peace Parish School Hall (former St. Annâs) with a performance by Kolo Ensemble "Marian" of Steelton and a guest Croatian folklore ensemble from the New York Metropolitan Area." A dance will follow with live music provided by 'Zadnja Stanica' of Steelton. Donation $5. Contact Manda Krpan atlipac14@homail.com or 717.343.4207 for tickets or information. Nearby accommodations available at:Baymont InnTelephone: 717-939-8000Fax: 717-939-0500 Best WesternTelephone: 717-939-1600Fax: 717-939-8763Fasnicka Zabava u SteeltonuSteelton vas poziva na Fasnicku zabavu koja ce se odrzati u subotu, 5. veljace, 2005 u 7:30 navecer u Prince of Peace Parish School Hall (bivsa St. Annâs). Nastupaju kolo grupa "Marian" iz Steeltona i gostujuce kolo grupe iz New Yorka i okolice. Nakon nastupa slijedi ziva glazba 'Zadnje Stanice' iz Steeltona. Ulaznice su $5. Za sve informacije i karte, obratite se Mandi Krpan na lipac14@homail.com ili 717.343.4207. Smjestaj:Baymont InnTelephone: 717-939-8000Fax: 717-939-0500 Best WesternTelephone: 717-939-1600Fax: 717-939-8763 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4713/1/H-Trening-program-za-razvoj-lokalnih-zajednica.html ÂTrening program za razvoj lokalnih zajednicaODRAZ organizira trening program za razvoj lokalnih zajednicaODRAZ, održivi razvoj zajednice, je udruga cija je misija poticanje i jaÃanje inicijativa te suradnje u lokalnim zajednicama, u cilju dugoroÃnog razvoja na održiv naÃin. ODRAZ i ove godine raspisuje natjecaj za polaznikeTRENING PROGRAMA ZA RAZVOJ LOKALNIH ZAJEDNICAOZUJAK - STUDENI 2005.* ako radite na razvoju svoje zajednice i pokretanju lokalnih resursa* ako zelite steci nova znanja i vjeÅtine zajedno s 20-ak ljudi iz cijeleHrvatske* ako ste propustili proÅlogodiÅnji rok za prijavu na ovaj etabliraniprogram obrazovanja za aktiviste i djelatnike koje rade na razvoju lokalnihzajednicaPOZIVAMO VAS DA SE PRIJAVITE NA OVOGODISNJI TRENING PROGRAM- Cilj Trening programaEdukacija dvadesetak predstavnika javnog, gospodarskog i civilnog sektora,koji ce kroz nova znanja i vjeÅtine potaknuti pozitivne promjene uzajednicama u kojima zive i rade.- Nacin provedbeTrening ce biti organiziran od ozujka do studenog 2005. godine, u 5 blokova.Svaki blok sastojat ce se od trodnevnih radionica na sljedece teme: Kakoidentificirati potrebe u zajednici, Metoda javnog dogovaranja, Kakopisati/provoditi/pratiti/evaluirati projekte, Razvoj partnerstva,Participativno donoÅenje odluka i drugo. U razdoblju izmedu trening blokovapolaznici ce raditi na prakticnoj primjeni stecenih znanja.Na kraju trening programa polaznici stjecu diplomu "organizatora zajednice."- Obrazovni timStrucni tim ODRAZ-a, Udruga za razvoj civilnog druÅtva SMART, udruga MI izSplita te ODRAZ-ovi vanjski suradnici - strucnjaci iz razlicitih podrucja(npr. dr. Dubravka Miljkovic). Bit ce takoder predstavljeni dobri primjeriiz prakse (npr. gradonacelnik Crikvenice Ivica Malatestinic govorit ce oreformi lokalne samouprave na primjeru grada Crikvenice).- Kriteriji za odabir polaznika:DosadaÅnji rad u lokalnim zajednicama i spremnost na daljnju izobrazbu,ispunjena prijavnica te selekcijski razgovor s kandidatima koji su uÅli uuzi izbor.Ohrabrujemo prijavu dva kandidata iz iste zajednice, koji dolaze izrazlicitih sektora (civilni, javni ili poslovni), koji su spremni zajednopokretati aktivnosti u zajednici.Odabrani kandidati moraju imati pismenu podrÅku organizacije iz koje dolaze.-SkolarinaOvogodiÅnja Åkolarina iznosi 6.950,00 kuna (mogucnost placanja u 4 rate), usklopu koje je ukljuceno:* 5 trening blokova po 3 dana - 15 dana nastave, smjeÅtaj i prehrana* pruzanje tehnicke pomoci pri osmiÅljavanju i provodenju procjene potreba uzajednici te pripremi prijedloga projekta,* ukljucivanje u Mrezu za lokalni razvoj,* besplatne publikacije i materijali vezani za razvoj organizacije,ucinkovit rad lokalne zajednice, lokalnu demokraciju, pisanje projekata,prikupljanje sredstava i dr.ODRAZ raspolaze malim fondom za stipendije.Nakon zavrÅetka treninga polaznici ostaju u Mrezi za lokalni razvoj kojufacilitira ODRAZ, u sklopu cega dobivaju informacije o daljnjim treninzima,natjecajima, interesantnim publikacijama. Clanovi mreze se povremeno sastajui organizira se dodatna edukacija i prezentacije.- Kako se prijaviti? Kontaktirajte Gordanu Radonic, ODRAZ, Ljudevita Posavskog 2/4, 10000 Zagreb, telefon 01/46 55 149; 46 55 203, telefax 01/46 55 200, email:odraz@zg.htnet.hr Na naÅoj web stranici www.odraz.hr mozete pronaci i evaluacije prijaÅnjih Trening programa iz 2003. i 2004. Takoder mozete pronaci podatke o dosadaÅnjim polaznicima. Pozurite !Zadnji rok za VaÅu prijavu je 31. sijecnja 2005. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 14 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4714/1/E-Croatians-in-London-No5-January-2005.html ÂCroatians in London Newsletter No. 5 January 2005Welcome to the fifth issue of Croats in London. CIL appears in the first week of every month. This month: The Croatian Presidential Elections in London Noticeboard: Croatian-British cultural links talk. Special Notice: Presidential election - voting in London The Croatian Presidential Elections in LondonLeft to Right: Zeljko Toth, Renata Jukic and Mladen Bruning. Croats went to the polls on Sunday 2 January to elect a president. But it wasn't only in Croatia that Croats were voting. Croatian citizens overseas are able to vote, and a polling station was set up in the Croatian Embassy in London to cater for UK Croats. CIL visited the polling station on election day. The Croatian Presidential election took place on a Sunday; this is very different from the UK where elections are usually held on a Thursday. Other than that, the process was very similar to what one would encounter in a British polling station. We spoke to Marina Rogina of the Croatian Embassy, who was co-ordinating for the embassy. She informed CIL that there are six people running the election, split into two groups of three. One group did the morning, the other did the afternoon. Regarding how Croatian citizens could vote, Marina said "Everyone who votes must prove citizenship and identity." CIL was curious as to the make-up of voters. "Most of the voters are long-term residents and students. Some tourists were allowed to vote - but they had to present a special certificate from Croatia." Marina told us. CIL was in the Embassy during the afternoon, about 70 people had voted so far. Marina told us that most had appeared before Mass (at the Croatian church, in the afternoon) and more were expected when Mass ended. The election group supervising the ballot box at that time consisted of Zeljko Toth (Presiding), Renata Jukic and Mladen Bruning. This was Zeljko Toth's fourth election acting in such a role. We asked him about the importance of the vote being held in London. "It's very important to exercise the right of an election. We didn't have free elections until 1990. Previously we had one candidate with one choice." A number of voters came in while CIL were there, some came from places as far off as Darby to vote. Everything was conducted quite efficiently and quickly whilst CIL was there. The Croatian ambassador was also present earlier in the day. The first round of elections had thirteen candidates and ended with incumbent President Stipe Mesic attaining 49% of the vote, with Jadranka Kosor (HDZ - Croatian Democratic Union) coming in second with 20% of the vote. As no candidate gained over 50% of the vote, Mesic and Kosor will face off in a second round on January 16. The other candidates will not go forward. It's good to see that Croatian citizens in the UK have an opportunity to vote in person. It is clearly appreciated by the people who came out to vote on a rather cold and miserable day for weather. Check the special notice below for further information on voting on 16 January. CIL thanks Marina Rogina at the Croatian Embassy for her help. NoticeboardOnly events run by known and reputable bodies will be listed here. 13 January 2005: Talk by Dr Tomislav Sunic, Minister Counsellor of the Croatian Embassy entitled British-Croatian Cultural Links: A Brief History, 6.30 pm for 7 pm. At the Croatian Embassy - address in useful information below. R.S.V.P. tel: 020 7387 2022 Refreshments will be served Special NoticeCroatian Presidential Elections 16 January 2005 Croatian citizens in London will be able to cast their vote at these elections. Proof of citizenship will be needed. Please contact the Croatian Embassy (contact details in useful information) for more information. Details are also available at: www.izbori.hrUseful InformationEmbassy of the Republic of Croatia in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandAmbassador: Josip ParoAddress: 21 Conway Street, London W1T 6BNTel No: 020 7387 2022Fax No: 020 7387 0310Email: croemb.london@mvp.hr Consular Dept:Tel No: 020 7387 1144Fax No: 020 7387 0936Email: consular.dept.london@mvp.hrÂWorking hours: Monday - Friday 9.00-17.00Working hours (with clients): Monday - Thursday 11.00-14.00 Fridays 10.00-12.00Croatian Students and Young Professionals NetworkWebsite: www.csypn.org.uk Email: info@csypn.org.uk Address: PO Box 36126, London SW7 2RH Croatian Catholic MissionFather Drago Berisic, 17 Boutflower Road, SW11Tel: 020 7223 3530Sunday service at 4 pm:Church of Sacred Heart, Horseferry Road, SW1P 2EF http://www.easycroatian.com/newsletter/newsletter5.php letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4715/1/E-My-dream-came-true-in-Astoria-New-York.html ÂMy dream came true In the heart of a AstoriaIn the heart of a Astoria, New York, lies a vibrantand strong Croatian Community. The Croatian Apostolateis lead by their coordinator, Fr. Robert Zubovic inthe parish of Most Precious Blood. Various activitiesand events take place throughout the whole year tobring people together to celebrate their culture andheritage. On Sunday December 19, 2004, the stars ofour annual Croatian Children's and Youth Festival cametogether to do a Christmas Concert. The church wasfilled with people eager to here the wonderful andmuch loved Christmas songs of their childhood. Over 40children and teenagers gathered around the altar andsang 12 beautiful Christmas songs in Croatian and inEnglish. They were led by Andrej Basa and VivianaKnapic. The program was divided between the childrenand the exceptional choir or Klapa in which songs aresang "a cappella". Klapa "Astoria" was led bymaestro Srdan Berdovic.The concert lasted over an hour hosted by one of thestudents of Croatian School, Loredana Crncic, andguest speakers who greeted the public. Including thepastor of the parish, Msgr. Raymond Stafford, theconsulate general Petar Ljubic and Fr. RobertZubovic. "My dream came true" were the first wordsthat Fr. Zubovic proudly and happily stated to theaudience and choirs. For many years he had hoped andwished for these talented children to record andperform Christmas songs. He was very proud of thesuccessful concert and thanked all those who worked sohard to making his dream come true.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4716/1/E-Croatians-in-London---December.html ÂCroatians in London Newsletter No. 4 December 2004Welcome to the fourth issue of Croatians in London. CIL appears in the first week of every month. This month: CSYPN Superset Tennis Tournament Also: The BBC films major drama Casanova in Dubrovnik. Basketball, CSYPN dinner, Zanki art exhibition, Christmas Mass, Croatian-British cultural links talk.Special Notice: Presidential election - voting in London. The CSYPN Superset Tennis tournamentThe Croatian Students and Young Professionals Network (CSYPN) ran a tennis tournament for Croats on November 14. CIL went along to see the event. Croatia produces considerable tennis talent such as Goran Ivanisevic and Mario Ancic. Indeed, it was Ancic's victory over Greg Rusedski at the Supersets championship at Wembley Arena recently that provided the inspiration for this event. It took place at the Westway Sports Centre in West London. There was a good turnout, making it a doubles competition, complete with spectators. Although it was a very cold day, this did not affect play as the courts are all indoors. Apart from the players, the spectators and CIL were also grateful to be in the warm! The completion began at two o'clock. The doubles teams took over two courts and proceeded to eliminate each other to get to the final. It was hard fought, and it came to an exciting finish by between two teams: David Hudi Dinnage and Arndt Maier against Peter Crowley and Steve Banicevic. After a nail-biting finish, David and Arndt emerged victorious. The winners: Arndt Maier and David Hudi Dinnage The victor's comments on how they felt was simple: "Thirsty - feel like a beer. Losers should pay." "We wuz robbed" was the comment from the other team. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all. Indeed, things continued and everyone went to a nearby pub for much needed refreshment. It's clear from the turnout that London Croats have a great interest in playing Tennis, and it would be no surprise if further tournaments are arranged. CSYPN are also organising a basketball contest on 5 December, see below for further details. The BBC goes to DubrovnikThe BBC are currently filming a major drama, 'Casanova', in Dubrovnik. The legendary Peter O'Toole and new star David Tennant are the leads. O'Toole will be playing the older Casanova, reminiscing about his past, whilst Tennant will play the younger version. Other stars include Rose Byrne, Rupert Penry-Jones, Laura Fraser, Nina Sosanya and Matt Lucas. It will be screened on BBC THREE. The production will also be filmed in Venice. It is a prestige production, written by renowned writer Russell T. Davies, currently also helming the high profile return of the BBC's 'Doctor Who' sci-fi series. Of 'Casanova', Davies said "I took this as a chance to reinvigorate period drama, and to tell a dazzling and very funny story. We're bringing back to life, for three hours, a truly remarkable man, and a genuine legend." Stuart Murphy, Controller of BBC THREE, says: "Casanova is an extraordinarily inventive and inspired drama from one of British television's best screen-writers." It is very good news that such a prestigious production is being made in Dubrovnik. Hopefully this will result in more film and TV producers choosing to film their productions in Croatia. Indeed, Vanessa Redgrave encouraged producers to do so at the Croatian Film Festival in October. CIL hope to bring transmission times and more details soon. It will certainly be interesting to see how 18th Century Dubrovnik is realised. NoticeboardOnly events run by known and reputable bodies will be listed here. 5 December: CSYPN basketball event. Check out their website for details www.csypn.org.uk 8-11 December: Croatian artist Josip Zanki will exhibit some of his works in The Violin Factory 35a Cornwall Road, London SE1 8TJ. Zanki is a Zadar born artist and is fascinated by the history of the region, with its ancient Roman, Templar and mediaeval ruins. Their iconography is a recurring theme in his work. All viewings are by appointment only. Please call Sanja on 07775 816 101 to book an appointment. 11 December: CSYPN Dinner. CSYPN are having their major annual dinner on 11 December at Salvadors El Bodegon in Chelsea. £15 members, £25 non-members. There may still be places. Check out their website www.csypn.org.uk for details. 24 December: Croatian Mission Christmas Eve Mass at 9.00 pm. Church of Sacred Heart, Horseferry Road, SW1P 2EF 25 December: Croatian Mission Christmas Day Mass at 6.00 pm. Please note that this mass will be held at the Chapel of the Croatian Catholic Mission at 17 Boutflower Road, SW11 13 January 2005: Talk by Dr Tomislav Sunic, Minister Counsellor of the Croatian Embassy entitled British-Croatian Cultural Links: A Brief History, 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm. At the Croatian Embassy - address in useful information below. R.S.V.P. tel: 020 7387 2022 Refreshments will be served. Special NoticeCroatian Presidential Elections 2 January 2005 Croatian citizens in London will be able to cast their vote at these elections. Please contact the Croatian Embassy (contact details in useful information) for more information. Details will also be available at:www.izbori.hr Useful InformationEmbassy of the Republic of Croatia in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandAmbassador: Josip ParoAddress: 21 Conway Street, London W1T 6BNTel No: 020 7387 2022Fax No: 020 7387 0310Email: croemb.london@mvp.hr Consular Dept:Tel No: 020 7387 1144Fax No: 020 7387 0936Email: consular.dept.london@mvp.hrÂWorking hours: Monday - Friday 9.00-17.00Working hours (with clients): Monday - Thursday 11.00-14.00 Fridays 10.00-12.00--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Croatian Students and Young Professionals NetworkWebsite: www.csypn.org.ukEmail: info@csypn.org.ukAddress: PO Box 36126, London SW7 2RH --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Croatian Catholic MissionFather Drago Berisic, 17 Boutflower Road, SW11Tel: 020 7223 3530Sunday service at 4 pm:Church of Sacred Heart, Horseferry Road, SW1P 2EF Latest issue of Croats in London is available at:www.croatsinlondon.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4717/1/H-Sudjelujte-u-komunikaciji-Hrvata-BiH-i-Svijeta.html ÂSudjelujte u komunikaciji Hrvata BiH i SvijetaPostovanje! Ja sam Marko Karacic, novinar-urednik Dnevnog lista i tjednika''Danas'' iz Mostara, kao i Internet portala Bljesak.info. Nazalost,koliko sam ja zamjetio u zadnje vrijeme, bar ovdje u BiH, komunikacijaHrvata iz BiH sa Hrvatima iz dijaspore je jako losa. Obican hrvatski puk uBiH ima veoma malo ili nimalo informacija o aktivnostima Hrvata ihrvatskih centara u Americi. Upravo iz ovoga razloga nadao sam se Vasojpomoci!Zelio bi stupiti u kontakt sa vodecim ljudima u hrvatskim centrimau Americi, E-mailom naravno, te na taj nacin bar jednom tjednoobjavljivati clanke o manifestacijama koje Hrvati organiziraju u Americi,kulturne, politicke i druge. MOLIM Vas, ako imate e-mail adrese ljudi odkojih bi mogao dobiti ove informacije, da mi ih posaljete. Takodjer,komunikacija se moze odvijati i u suprotnom pravcu. Sve informacije kojeVama trebaju, dnevni dogadjaji, politicka zbivanja, polozaj Hrvata u BiH,kulturne manifestacije i drugo, ja Vam mogu dostavljati na mail, ovisno otome sto Vas zanima. S stovanjem! Marko Karacicmaki@bljesak.info  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 05 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4718/1/E-Croatian-Christmas-Dinner-in-London-11-December.html ÂCroatian Christmas Dinner in London 11 DecemberHello EveryoneChristmas approaches and the CSYPNCommittee has prepared a treat.Our Christmas dinner will be held on 11 December atSalvador's El Bodegon in fashionable Chelsea. Placethe date in your diary without delay.As you know, CSYPN demands only the best cuisine forits members. Salvador's El Bodegon is London's leadingSpanish Brasserie. The restaurant will be open onlyfor our event.A superb Spanish set menu will be provided for us.Those with vegetarian requirements please contact us.This will, of course, be the Croatian community'smost important event of the year - second only to theCroatian Film Festival we co-organised. We expectguests from the Croatian Embassy and Croatiancompanies to be in attendance.Furthermore, if people wish to go on somewhere afterthe meal finishes then we are delighted to reportthat you won’t have to go far; there is a specialdownstairs bar and dance area to go on to, which isopen to the public.So please book early to avoid disappointment; we havehad to turn people away at recent events recently.For CSYPN members, the cost will be only Â15.Non-members may attend as invited guests of CSYPNmembers, the cost will be the full Â25.Please give us the full names of anyone attendingwith you. You should do so by e-mailing us onsalvador@csypn.org.uk by Wednesday 1 December 2004.We look forward to the pleasure of your company;but to ensure that, book early.Love and hugs and kissesCSYPN Committee-----What: CSYPN's Christmas dinnerWhen: Saturday, 11 December 2004Where: Salvadors El Bodegon9 Park WalkLondonSW10 0AJhttp://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=526477&Y=177911&A=Y&Z=1Price: Â15 - CSYPN members, Â25 - CSYPN non-membersRSVP: salvador@csypn.org.uk by Wednesday, 1/12/04 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 21 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4719/1/E-Croatians-in-London-No3.html ÂCroatians in London Newsletter No. 3 November 2004Welcome to the third issue of Croatians in London. CIL appears in the first week of every month. This month: Vanessa Redgrave opens the Croatian Film Festival, and 'Tu' is screened at the London Film Festival. And: Exclusively for CIL - an interview with Cardinal Bozanic, Archbishop of Zagreb during his visit to the UK. Vanessa Redgrave opens the Croatian Film Festival. The 'Closer Croatia' Croatian Film Festival, held over 7-10 October at the Riverside studios turned into the most important Croatian cultural event in UK this year, and indeed the world - outside of Croatia itself. Indeed, the Riverside staff were delighted by the high attendance at the festival. The opening night was sold out as was the last night of the festival.The festival generated much media coverage, being covered in London's Metro and Time Out. It was featured in Croatia as well, including Croatian Television's main bulletin, Voice of Croatia, Nacional and Hina. There was even some controversy in the Croatian media when invited guest director Antun Vrdoljak did not gain a visa from the British embassy in Zagreb to attend the festival. Director Dalibor Matanic attended the screening of 'Fine Mrtve Djevojke' (Fine Dead Girls) and answered questions from the audience with the help of Croatian film critic Jurica Heidl. The last night was highly memorable. The double bill of 'Rondo'/'He Who Sings Means No Harm' was sold out, with many not able to get a ticket. He Who Sings Means No Harm was the undoubted hit of the weekend. Stars Relja Basic and Mirjana Bohanec were in attendance and gave a Q and A at the end. To huge applause, Bohanec broke into song! The festival was organised by the Croatian Students and Young Professionals Network, with help from the Croatian Embassy. Will there be another one? CIL understands its already being considered. TuCroatian cinema was also represented at the London Film Festival on October 27/8. Two screenings of the film 'Tu' (Here) were screened at the ICA and the National Film Theatre. Director Zrinko Ogresta answered questions at the screening CIL attended on the 27th. Exclusive: Interview with Cardinal Josip BozanicHis Eminence Cardinal Josip Bozanic, Archbishop of Zagreb visited the United Kingdom to attend the assembly of the presidents of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE), in Leeds at the beginning of the month. He also gave a very well attended Croatian mass in London, organised by the Croatian Catholic mission. CIL caught up with him for a few words. CIL: Tell us something about the conference in Leeds, and Croatia's place in the EU?Cardinal Bozanic: Croatia has been part of the conference for a long time, since the beginning. It encompasses all the councils in Europe. I testified that Croatia is open to the European Union, especially the youth. Croatia sees in Europe its own future and rejoices in being an EU candidate. What does his Eminence think of the proposed EU constitution, in relation to the debate over its representation of Christianity?The document itself has a few elements that refer to Christianity in it. There are many values in it promoted by the gospel such as human dignity. The church is explicitly mentioned and recognises the church as an institution. The church and other religious communities can make agreements with secular authorities. Sections 151 and 152 are especially important, referring to what I just said. However, christian roots are not specifically mentioned. The document has good sides but certain things could be embellished. But the document is done. How do you find England and London?This is not my first time in this country. The people are cultured, friendly and open. I respect the culture and history of England. Do you have a message for Croats in England?For young people, I wish all the best in their studies and education. Those who are specialists and return to Croatia will be an asset for the country. CIL thanks Father Berisic at the Croatian Catholic Mission for making the interview possible. NoticeboardOnly events run by known and reputable bodies will be listed here. Croatian Language School Annual Dinner: 26 November Useful InformationEmbassy of the Republic of Croatia in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandAmbassador: Josip ParoAddress: 21 Conway Street, London W1T 6BNTel No: 020 7387 2022Fax No: 020 7387 0310Email: croemb.london@mvp.hr Consular Dept:Tel No: 020 7387 1144Fax No: 020 7387 0936Email: consular.dept.london@mvp.hrÂWorking hours: Monday - Friday 9.00-17.00Working hours (with clients): Monday - Thursday 11.00-14.00 Fridays 10.00-12.00Croatian Students and Young Professionals NetworkWebsite: www.csypn.org.uk Email: info@csypn.org.uk Address: PO Box 36126, London SW7 2RH Croatian Catholic MissionFather Drago Berisic, 17 Boutflower Road, SW11Tel: 020 7223 3530Sunday service at 4 pm:Church of Sacred Heart, Horseferry Road, SW1P 2EF http://www.easycroatian.com/newsletter/newsletter3.php letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 05 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4720/1/E-Croatian-leaders-check-out-Lima.html ÂCroatian leaders check out LimaBy JIM SABIN419-993-2091jsabin@limanews.com LIMA - A group of small-government leaders from Croatia spent about 24 hours in Lima, learning how the city involves members of the public in the governmental process. The group was here through a program arranged by the Agency for International Develop-ment, and was studying with Dr. Mark Chupp, of the Unger Croatia Center at Cleveland State University. The group spent two weeks in the United States, including Monday night and Tuesday morning in Lima. "We chose Lima initially because of the Consolidated Plan," Chupp said, referring to the city's method of getting public input into the spending of Community Development Block Grant money. "It seemed a very good way to include citizens in the process." The group also learned about study circles conducted here, as well as Lima-Allen County Neighborhoods In Partnership and Common Threads activities. Two of the visitors were mayors of their respective municipalities, or collections of townships that don't quite form a city as we know it. "What I like to hear, and what amazed me, was the level of volunteerism in Lima," said Marija Mackovic, mayor of Jasenovac, through an interpreter. Ana Savic, mayor of Majur, agreed. "What I am really fascinated with, in a good way, is how the initiative comes from the citi-zens to participate in the betterment of the community," Savic said through an interpreter. Many in Croatia don't get involved, she said. The women said their municipalities have groups similar to our neighborhood associations, though with different things to focus on, like sports or the elderly. Savic said she hopes to use information gained in Lima, particularly the dialogue methods employed by Common Threads, to help neighborhood groups get started. "I will give that proposal to the citizens so that when they form associations, they know how to talk to each other," Savic said. "It will hopefully motivate them to organize into associa-tions." The group attended a Lima City Council meeting Monday, and met with Lima Mayor David Berger and Common Threads leaders. Tuesday, the group met with LACNIP leaders at the Allen County Museum before leaving the city. The group also included a newspaper reporter, Marina Protic of the Slobodna Dalmacija, in Split, Croatia. "The local government here works more on motivating citizens to work for the common good," Protic said through an interpreter. That could happen in Croatia, but doesn't as often because the government, which has far more political parties, doesn't usually want outside interference, she said. "The framework is there. However, it seems that in Croatia, the local government is not having people involved," she said. "It's easier for the local government to do its work without citizens meddling around in it." Chupp said participants will draft an action plan for implementation when they return to Croatia later this week. http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=9028  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 28 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4722/1/E-Anacortes-and-Vela-Luka---Sister-Cities.html ÂTree planting in Vela Luka a highlight of sister city tripÂFrom the October 20, 2004 Anacortes American of Anacortes in Washington State. John Peter Kraljic, Esq.Tree planting in Vela Luka a highlight of sister city tripAnacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell prepares to play the tourist on a rented scooter during an Anacortes Sister Cities Association visit to Vela Luka, Croatia. About 30 Anacortes residents participated in the trip to their new sister city.About 30 residents of Anacortes celebrated the first anniversary of the sister city relationship between Anacortes and Vela Luka, Croatia, by traveling to the beautiful city at the western end of the island of Korcula on the Adriatic Sea.During the Anacortes Sister Cities Association trip in September, the visitors toured a local olive oil plant called Manjavinka, a fish cannery, Vela Spilja caves, museums, churches and surrounding towns such as Blato and Korcula. Some enjoyed trips to Dubrovnik, Split and Trogir.Mayor Tonko Gugic and city council President Ivan Marinovic invited the group to City Hall, where Anacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell and Anacortes Sister Cities President Duane Clark spoke and exchanged gifts with Vela Luka's officials.Nikki Lovric, one of the travelers, said that a tree planting on Sept. 25 was a particularly emotional moment."A moving ceremony took place as both mayors planted an olive tree symbolizing the desire of both cities to continue to work together for cultural exchange and better international understanding," she said.Other visitors included Don Wick, director of the Economic Development Association of Skagit County; Nick Petrish, Anacortes City Council member; and Nick Mavar, representative and first president of the American Croatian Club of Anacortes.Before they became sister cities, Vela Luka and Anacortes shared several decades of history. About 300 Croatians, many from Vela Luka, live in Anacortes. Both cities are on islands that are part of beautiful archipelagos - there are 1,200 islands along the Croatian Coast. Both cities have many years of fishing history and now enjoy a robust tourist trade.For more information about the sister cities relationship with Vela Luka, call Lovric at 293-8530 or visit www.anacortessistercities.com.The group meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Anacortes Public Library and all are welcome. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 20 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4721/1/E-A-Search-For-Roots---Stivan-Cres-Croatia.html ÂA Search For Roots - Stivan, Cres, CroatiaFirst printed in the Zajednicar FraternalistCroatian Fraternal Union of AmericaPUBLISHED on 31 August, 1988; Vol.#83/No.33; Page 6Written by Constant (Connor) VlakancicA Search For Roots - Stivan, Cres, CroatiaSunnyvale, CA -- This is a true story. For the last two years, my life is this story. It is also a story of the end of life, Not my life, I hope, for I have only just discovered but perhaps yours, as you have known it, as I hope you have known it.-- I am a grown man with a well developed and materially successful life. There is always more to have but as in all life, a price is extracted when we indulge in our wants. As such and in the best of health, and raising my son, a son I am genuinely proud of, what more does the soul of man hunger for?-- That which I have never known or known about. That which my grandfather left behind on the island of Cres in 1918. He bravely left on the greatest adventure of his young life. With a single mindedness, he looked forward, never went back that I know of and he built a life with the timber of the new world but on the foundation of his heritage that he knew so well but took for granted. For reasons that were his, he took this foundation to the grave with him.-- My grandfather died when I was but a young teen. Yet I do have memories of him. A machinist at Barber-Green in Aurora, Illinois, respected and responsible, he had built his life to his measure. I did not know him real well as we (my father "his son", my mother, my sister and myself) did not live nearby. But this I know without hesitation, I never heard any words from him but articulate English. From my own father who had known him for all his life, I never heard any words except English. Whatever he knew, he also took to his grave many years ago.Now moving forward to but two years ago, I accidentally learn (an amazing story in itself) that I am Croatian. A word, a nation, a culture that I had never known of or even heard of. A heritage to feed the hunger in my guts, in my heart. In two years, I have learned of things that I could not even have dreamed of. But this has not been learning to satisfy the hunger, this has only been learning that the food exists.I sit writing this in a jet plane returning to the United States from three weeks in Croatia. I have lived the monumental frustration of my hunger that I do not know if I will ever surmount. I cannot communicate in my grandfatherâs native tongue. Oh father of my father, why must I suffer this so. I am a bird with spirit in my heart, with wings to fly, to soar in this beckoning sky. Trapped in the small cage of my few words laboriously learned, I am deaf and dumb and nearly blind.Through my own efforts, I have forged myself into a strong man, stronger than many. I demand of myself the courage to speak the unpopular thought, to perform the unpopular deed when in my heart I believe in the integrity of my convictions. And I will be patient as the oyster growing a pearl when actions are for naught. But I would say to you grandfather I am not certain that I can now still learn this language. Why did I not grow with it as a child? I believe and live this; âTo know and yet not to do, is not yet to know.â€? I have done! I have traveled to the soil you washed from your hands and walked the paths of the village that bears your footprints. But will the research that I have started ever yield to me a life I have only just discovered? This is a story of the end of life. Not my life, for I will share with my son whatever soil is on my hands. I will show him the paths with my footprints. I will show him the food that he may hunger for. But what of your life? You, the sons and daughters born on the soil you explored with your father but now emigrated to another land, have you washed your hands? Do you share your foundation with your children? Or teach them your language? Will you take to the grave your life as you have known it?If you do not return, with your children, then others most certainly will and your life, as you have known it, will be as dead as an old cold candle that nobody knows what it burned brightly for - or - may - never - care - again. â Constant Vlakancic/Lodge 1983Connor Vlakancic, CEO5 STAR Group International, Inc.5 STAR ÃSpirit LLC55 N Third St., #202, Campbell, CA 95008P:831-295-7827(5-STAR) F:408/364-9108www.5stargroupintl.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 20 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4725/1/E-Croatian-speakers-reach-out-to-talk.html ÂCroatian speakers reach out to talk Dear Help!: My wife was born in what is now Croatia and of course speaks the language. She would enjoy speaking with someone else who speaks the language.L.G.,Cocoa BeachDear Help!: I was born in a village called Kozino near Zadar. I came to the U.S.A. in 1947, and my cousins in Croatia are surprised how well I speak the language after being gone so long. They say I speak the old language, without the Serbo influence, which I'm told the country now is going back to. I am interested in speaking with the person who requested information about making contact with Croatian speakers. A.P.,MimsDear Help!: My husband and a number of his friends are Croatian. He speaks fluent English and can be reached via Internet. R.G.,Cocoa BeachSmall world, isn't it? The three people heard from above were replying to a recent column in which a Melbourne woman identified only as L.H.D. expressed interest in getting in touch with other Brevard Countians capable of conversing in Croatian. Linguists say the language is among those less commonly taught around the world.Because the woman whose letter ran Thursday requested that her name and address not be published, identity of the respondents has been reduced to initials, as well. Turnabout's fair play, one might say. In order to facilitate discussion among them, Help! provided the four parties concerned with each other's names and e-mail addresses. Dear Help!: A while ago, you gave some contact information about Jim Beam bottles. Could you list those addresses for me again? Susan Laibl,MelbourneMembership in the International Association of Jim Beam Bottle and Specialty Clubs can be attained only through affiliation with a local club. District Director Barba Peeling of Apopka said there are four such clubs in Florida. Their presidents' names and addresses follow: Central Florida Beamers -- Jeanine Connelly, 1786 Meredith Ave., Deltona, FL 32738. Deep South Jim Beam Club -- Clola Schoneweis, 2555 S.E. Seventh Place, Homestead, FL 33033. South Florida Jim Beam Club -- Bob Kelly, 14302 S.W. 76 St., Miami, FL 33183.Tampa Bay Jim Beam Club -- Bill Brewster, 128 Cactus Dr., Hudson, FL 34667.To reach Lang, mail Help!, FLORIDA TODAY, 1 Gannett Plaza, Melbourne, FL 32940. Fax 255-9550. E-mail go2guy4help@cfl.rr.com. Include name, address, phone. >>>> We want to hear from you letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 07 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4723/1/E-Successful-Croatian-Golf-Outing.html ÂSuccessful Croatian Golf OutingÂ70 plus Croatian golfers and their friends enjoyed a perfect weather, friendships and lots of laughs Tomislav Nogalo - Winner of the Tournament, Mate Matura got a "big" award for 87ÂBack row: Mario Gecevic, Ivica Glavinic, Gerald Maric, Tomislav Nogalo, Vladimir Blaskovic - Val. Front row - Croatian friends exact names to be found.ÂHeritage Hills Country Club1000 West Hill Drive, Somers NY 10589 Tel.914.276.3300Located in the "horse country" area of Westchester, a warmwelcome awaits you and your guests. Enjoy cocktails andhors d'oeuvres on the spacious outdoor terrace. Play around on the manicured golf course of Heritage HillsCountry Club surrounded by the lush rolling hilltops.Followed with a dinner buffet prepared by an award-winningchef. A fun-filled autumn afternoon in nature filled withdelicious food, friends and golf.$150 per golferChecks payable to:The Pinnacle (restaurant at HeritageHills Country Club)Prizes for: Closest to the Pin and Longest DriveFor more information please call:Gerald Maric 917. 217. 6129Tomo Nogalo 917. 572. 9310Ivica Glavinic 718. 791. 0074Directions to Heritage Hills:FROM NEW YORK CITY: By Car-North on Henry Hudson Parkway toSaw Mill River Parkway. Continue to I-684 Exit 7 (Somers,Purdys). Turn left onto Rt. 116 West. Follow Rt. 202 Westthrough Somers to Heritage Hills development. Enter onright and make 2nd left onto West Hill Drive follow totop-club on left.FROM LONG ISLAND: By Car-Throgs Neck Bridge to 1-95 (NewEngland Thruway). North to Cross Westchester Expressway(1-287). West on 1-287 to 1-684 North to Exit 7. (See abovedirections from Exit 7.)FROM NEW JERSEY: By Car-Tappan Zee Bridge to CrossWestchester Expressway East (1-287). North on 1-684 to Exit7. (See above directions from Exit 7.)FROM CONNECTICUT: 1-84 to New York. 1-684 South to Exit 8(Hardscrabble Road). Turn left onto Rt. 22 South to Rt.116. Turn right onto Rt. 116 West. (See directions fromExit 7.) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 07 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4727/1/E-CroatiaFest-in-Seattle-October-10.html Media contact: Laura McLeod, (206) 297-3791,laurakmcleod@earthlink.netFor Immediate ReleaseKill date: Sunday, October 10, 2004ÂCROATIAFESTPresented by Seattle Center and FestálWashington State Croatian communities gather to share and celebrate their cultureWhat: CroatiaFestWhen: Sunday, October 10, 2004Hours: 12:00 noon - 8:00 pmWhere: Seattle Center - Center House 305 Harrison Street, SeattleCost: Free SEATTLE - Lively dance and compelling exhibits are just a hint of the multi-faceted experience awaiting visitors to the Northwest's first-ever CroatiaFest.www.croatiafest.org. The day-long festival celebrates local Croatian Americans, their communities and their many accomplishments on Sunday, October 10 from 12:00 noon until 8:00 pm at Seattle Center.While geographically close, this event marks the first time Northwest Croatians have joined together to create an all-encompassing production focused on their history and their homeland. "Our ethnic boundaries have changed so many times. Croatia began as an independent ancient kingdom, came under control of other countries, and now, at last, is again its own country," says organizer Alma Plancich. "Planning this event - collaboratively - is an acknowledgement of our ethnic and cultural identity. We came from the Adriatic Sea to the Pacific Ocean where we assimilated into our respective communities, but this event brings us all together. It's also an opportunity to share our culture with the larger community." A day filled with music, song and dance also includes activities, seminars and exhibits, giving visitors to the festival insight into this distinct culture. A presentation featuring traditional Croatian costumes - now worn primarily for special occasions and performances - emphasizes the beauty of original folk costumes and the people who wear them, and highlights the villages from which they originate. A Croatian marketplace provides an essence of today's Croatian culture, from specialty foods and jewelry, to Croatian art and music, and a taste of traditional Croatian coffee. One of central Europe's undiscovered jewels, a video tour highlights Croatia's breathtaking landscapes. ÂVisual Art & ExhibitsFrom Toronto, Canada, Croatian painter, sculptor, printmaker and poet Ante Sardelić exhibits paintings from his "Eternal Homeland" series, a touring tribute to his native land. Originally from the city of Korčula, Sardelić's abstract images draw from symbolism and modern Cubist styles - brightly colored, intertwined figurative shapes with symbolic landscapes. Andrea Mohorovicic, from Zagreb's Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences, wrote of Sardelić's work, "Â…a profound symphony of shapes, words and music." The exhibit has traveled to museums and galleries in cities around the world, but this is his first U.S. exhibit. Sardelić will be available to answer questions and talk about his work. Â Photo exhibits illustrate the stories of industrious immigrants and contemporary Croatian Americans in the Puget Sound region (see sidebar). Contributing to the historical exhibit are the mining communities of Cle Elum, Ronald and Roslyn, the fishing communities of Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Everett, Anacortes and Bellingham, and the logging communities of Grays Harbor County. This exhibit also includes artifacts. Croats in Washington State number about 40,000.Film screenings include a recent documentary by two local filmmakers, Paul Dahlke and Adam Bobboni, and Hrvati!, a half-hour award-winning documentary by Jean Wakinshaw (with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and KCTS Public Television), about the Anacortes Croatian community in the 1970s and '80s (1:00 - 4:00, Conference Room level).  Activities Workshops and seminars are offered throughout the afternoon. Children can learn some simple, but fun, Croatian dance steps and get their favorite Croatian design or even a butterfly drawn on their face!Special guest, master musician and maker of instruments, Nick Petrish, originally from Anacortes but now residing in Dubrovnik, Croatia, returns to the Northwest for CroatiaFest. An authority on Croatian music and dance, he is one of few Americans who hand-makes the traditional Croatian lijerica, a pear-shaped string instrument resembling the Greek lyre that is played with a bow. Petrish will conduct a seminar highlighting the ancient folk dance called Lindjo from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Originating in small villages north of Dubrovnik to celebrate special occasions, dancers of the Lindjo are traditionally accompanied by the lijerica.Music & DancePerformers from around the Northwest include nationally acclaimed Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble and the Ruže Dalmatinke Orchestra (based in Anacortes), Sinovi, Seattle Junior Tamburitzans,Radost Folk Ensemble, Pasko & Damir, and Dave & the Dalmatians, and from Vancouver, BC, Kardinal Stepinac. Dances often represent regions, traditions and various stages of Croatian history, and are presented with elaborate costumes, lively music and singing. Native Slavic tradition melds with the outside influences of Spanish, Greek, Italian, Hungarian and Central European folk traditions. Costuming also reflects these influences -contrasting the red and white flax, wool and silk of colonial styles with bright, bold embroidered colors and woven textures.A dance party wraps up the day's festivities beginning at 6:00 p.m. when Sinovi,Pasko & Damir, and the Ruže Dalmatinke Orchestra pick up the pace with foot-tapping music and infectious dancing. The tamburica (Croatia's national instrument), accordion and other traditional instruments combine with regional vocal styles - including the open-throat style of interior Croatia and the bel canto style found at the Adriatic coast - for a sound that's upbeat and unmistakable. Everyone is invited to kick up their heels and get out on the dance floor!More InformationÂDr. Frank Brozovich, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia for Washington State, or Alma Plancich, festival organizer, are available to provide more information. Ms. Plancich immigrated to the United States by way of Italy and Venezuela after World War II. She is also a member and one of the founders (the other is her sister, Binki) of the Ruže Dalmatinke Orchestra (Ruže Dalmatinke means Dalmatian Roses, a name she was given as a child while singing at a refugee camp in Italy). ÂPhotos are of Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble and were taken by Jal Schrof.2004 marks the ninth year of Seattle Center's Festál, a coalition of cultural community festivals designed to preserve and share traditions of individual cultures. Not-for-profit cultural associations, such as CroatiaFest and Seattle Center produce the free family-oriented festivals on an annual basis. Festál welcomes CroatiaFest as part of its ongoing commitment to building a rich and varied community. For more information on Festál, visitwww.seattlecenter.com or call (206) 684-7200.  Did You Know? ·Â Dubrovnik archives show the first Croatian emigrants settled in America in 1526; legend puts them here as early as 1498, when shipwrecked Croatian sailors settled in what would become Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. ·Â Croatian soldiers serving in the 17th century French army were called Royal Cravate because of the fabric they wore around their necks. Cravate - or neck tie - later entered into everyday vernacular in countless other languages, including Italian (Cravatta), Spanish (Corbata), Irish (Carabhat), English (Cravat) and Ukrainian (Kravatka). ·Â Croatia, in 1776, was the first country to recognize the new republic of the United States. ·Â Croatian inventions include the torpedo, the parachute, the MagLite and the ball point pen. ·Â Marko Polo - one of the world's greatest explorers, was from Croatia - the island of Korčula, in fact. ·Â Locally, Nalley's Potato Chips were the brainchild of Marko Narancich, or Marcus Nalley. Nalley came to the U.S. in 1903 at 13 years old. He worked in copper mines, then as a cook, and later, a meat packer. His bagged fried potatoes were initially ridiculed, but while working as a master chef at Tacoma's Bonneville Hotel, he created Saratoga Chips as a side business. Demand grew, and the rest is history. An avid conservationist and philanthropist, the Pierce County Board of Commissioners once awarded him with its "Oustanding Naturalized Citizen" award. ·Â In 1915, Henry Suzzallo, of Croatian descent, was named President of the University of Washington. Suzzallo Library was later named for him. Â letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4726/1/E-Croatian-Genealogy-Seminar-Nov-13th-in-Youngstown-Ohio.html ÂCroatian Genealogy SeminarWe will be holding the next Croatian genealogy seminar in Youngstown Ohio at the historic Sts Peter and Paul Croatian Catholic Church. The seminar is beginning to fill with people coming from Cincinnati, Columbus, Buffalo NY, Chicago, the state of Virginia and Pittsburgh PA. These seminars are always popular and this one will fill quickly Below are details for that seminar.Genealogy has become very popular, with people wanting to leave a record of their heritage for their children and grandchildren! While we know we are Croatians many of us don't know much beyond our grandparents who came to America. There are many misconceptions regarding our families. For instance many people believe that names were changed at Ellis Island. That simply is not true! And that is a good thing, which will help us trace many families to the old country. In fact it may be easier to trace your Croatian roots than you think. Much information is a close as your PC or a Family History Center in your town. The parish of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Youngstown Ohio has graciously invited us to hold a Croatian genealogy seminar in their church hall. The seminar will take place on Saturday, Nov 13th, 2004, from 8:30 AM to 4 PMSome of the topics we will cover are:  History of Croatia and origins of Croatians  How our ancestors lived in the "old country"  Croatian immigration to America and the journey to America, How to get started with your family tree  The do's and don'ts of genealogy  Translating Croatian records  How to locate records such as birth records, marriage records, death records, census records in the US and in Croatia  Translation of given names (with Croatian, English, Italian and Latin)  Meaning of surnames and categories of surnames  Figuring Family relationships During the seminar we will demonstrating the value of the internet in doing family research. And we will select a some people who come to the seminar to demonstrate how to search on the internetAlso included in the seminar is my Croatian genealogy handbook for you to take with you. Lunch and refreshments included.Seating is limited and registration is required. Cost is $45 per person. To register please call Robert Jerin at 216-991-2310 or email me atrjerin26@yahoo.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4724/1/E-Lone-Star-Croatian-Club-of-Texas-has-new-web-site.html  Lone Star Croatian Club of Texas has new web siteDear Croatian organizations,Please be advised that the Lone Star Croatian Club of Texas has new web site on the Internet. www.croatianlsclub.comThe Lone Star Croatian Club (LSCC) is a non-profit organization located in Houston, TX that gathers people of Croatian origin and friends of Croatia. New address is: Lone Star Croatian club                         P.O.B 421844                         Houston, TX 77242-1844 New web address is: www.croatianlsclub.com                     e-mail:croatiantx@yahoo.com New President of the club is: Mladen (Mike) Sic   Thank you Unaprijed vam se zahvaljujem,   Mike Sic Phone (832) 277-0189 Fax    (281) 395-5396  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4728/1/E-Croatians-in-London-Newsletter-No2.html ÂCroatians in London Newsletter No. 2 October 2004Welcome to the second issue of Croats in London. CIL appears in the first week of every month. This month: Closer Croatia Film Festival. In our Noticeboard: His Eminence Cardinal Bozanic Archbishop of Zagreb's visit to London , Art exhibition by Josip Lizatovic and Film Festival details. CIL takes a look at the Closer Croatia Film FestivalVanessa Redgrave will the patron of the Closer Croatia Film Festival over 7 - 10 October at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, London. She will open Closer Croatia on 7 October. A number of films will be screened over the weekend, including two showings of Croatian animation. The festival will be the most important Croatian cultural event held in the UK for many years. Guests scheduled to appear include director Dalibor Matanic and actor Relja Basic. Last issue, Croatian Ambassador Josip Paro gave his recommendations on film to watch - He Who Sings Means No Harm and Handcuffs. For further recommendations as to what to watch, CIL gained the views of those involved in organising Closer Croatia. Marko Krznaric, President of the Croatian Students and Young Professionals Network:"The second animation programme. This selection is based on a top animation expert's list of most important world animation. 10% were Croatian. Too good to miss. Also, Fine Dead Girls, a film about prejudice. It's a modern film by top young director Dalibor Matanic" Alex Miljkovic of the Croatian Artists Network:"My personal favourite is Rondo. The unique atmosphere of this film slowly grows on you, and when it's all over - you have to see it once again. Those who love Zagreb town will love it more after Rondo" Petar Mihatov, Croatian Embassy:"My choice is He Who Sings Means No Harm. It's a charming bright comedy, a type of film almost never made by Croatian directors. Most comedies were based on dark humour and sarcasm. Except for cheering me up every time I see it, the film has an amazing cast. They are so good in their roles of typical middle class 30's Zagreb people that you think of those actors as their He Who Sings... characters every time you see them on TV or in the street." This isn't the first time there has been a Croatian film festival in London. There was a Croatian film season in 1971 at the National Film Theatre. It was arranged by Ken Wlaschin. He says of it that: "The series came about through my meetings and interest is various Croatian directors and possibly a visit to Zagreb for the animation festival. I was a great fan of Zagreb animation and a couple of the Croatian filmmakers." "The political climate was one of growing interest in Croatia as a cultural entity." Ken Wlaschin mentions Croatian animation; The Zagreb School of Animation is world renowned, and Closer Croatia will be screening two sets of tributes to it.CIL has seen some of these animations. They are indeed very entertaining and interesting to watch. CIL's favourites, from Animation 1: The Phantom of the Opera style Peau De Chagrin, the charming The Play, The Doctor Who reminiscent Fish-Eye and the fairy tale like Album. From Animation 2, our favourites are: The Dali-esque The Inspector Returned Home, the hilarious and bizarre Oscar winning The Erzatz, the strange and imaginative Satiemania and the sweet I love You Too. Closer Croatia will be unmissable - well worth attending. NoticeboardOnly events run by known and reputable bodies will be listed here. The Visit of His Eminence Cardinal Bozanic, Archbishop of Zagreb, to London. His Eminence will be hold mass at St. Augustine's Church in Hammersmith, London on Sunday 3 October at 6.00pm. It will be followed by a reception at 7.00pm. Those wishing to attend mass must register their names to bozanic@csypn.org.uk before Sunday. St. Augustine's Church is at 55 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London W6 8AUNearest Station: Hammersmith (District/Piccadilly) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Art Exhibition by Josip Lizatovic From the press release: "Free and fluid, this Croatian artist captures movement in everything he paints." "His weird looking creatures and beings capture the viewer's attention and stimulate a variety of opinions about his work." Images at www.lizatovic.com Open now, runs until 8 October at the Great Expectations Gallery 43 Denmark Hill, Camberwell, London SE5 8RSNearest Tube Stations: Oval, Elephant & Castle and Brixton. Main line: Denmark Hill Useful InformationEmbassy of the Republic of Croatia in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandAmbassador: Josip ParoAddress: 21 Conway Street, London W1T 6BNTel No: 020 7387 2022Fax No: 020 7387 0310Email: croemb.london@mvp.hr Consular Dept:Tel No: 020 7387 1144Fax No: 020 7387 0936Email: consular.dept.london@mvp.hrÂWorking hours: Monday - Friday 9.00-17.00Working hours (with clients): Monday - Thursday 11.00-14.00 Fridays 10.00-12.00--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Croatian Students and Young Professionals NetworkWebsite: www.csypn.org.uk Email: info@csypn.org.uk Address: PO Box 36126, Lo don SW7 2RH --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Croatian Catholic MissionFather Drago Berisic, 17 Boutflower Road, SW11Tel: 020 7223 3530Sunday service at 4 pm:Church of Sacred Heart, Horseferry Road, SW1P 2EF Source: http://www.easycroatian.com/newsletter2.php  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 01 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4734/1/E-Croatians-in-London-Newsletter-No1.html ÂCroatians in London Newsletter, for the Croatian community and its friends in London and the UK:ÂInterview with Josip ParoJosip Paro was born on the island of Pag in 1955 and educated at the University of Zagreb. He joined the Croatian Ministry of Foreign affairs in 1992, and has held a number of posts including a spell as political advisor in the Croatian embassy in Spain. He is also the author of a novel Uspon mirna covjeka (The Rise of a Peaceful Man). He has been Croatia's ambassador to the United Kingdom since October 2002. Croatians in London: What do you like about living in London?Josip Paro: Many things. The reason I am in London is of course the work. London is probably one of the most important postings for any country in Europe. In terms of importance, London is probably second to Washington. The influence of Great Britain is still very high in the EU, NATO, and within the UN system so the challenges of my position are great. Personally I like challenges but also like the responsibility. The government has sent me here to represent the interests of Croatia, and whenever needed to explain and defend the interests of Croatia. Also we have a regard to the importance of London as capital of the financial market. Its very important to attract investors. That also poses an interesting challenge. The only thing I dislike about London is the day in London takes only 24 hours. London eats our time. I'm really happy to be here and to be exposed to such challenges London produces. What are the priorities of the embassy?The priority of the embassy of course is to display and to create a positive image of Croatia which in the final analysis has the goal of attracting British investors towards Croatia. I think we should not - as it was the case a few years ago - work so much in correcting distorted images of Croatia. In the meantime, British public opinion has changed about Croatia. Only a few years ago mentioning Croatia would create associations of war and ethnic conflict. Now when you mention Croatia it is mainly linked to holidays, vacations, beauty. That helps enormously. Now we can concentrate on concrete tasks which makes Croatian diplomacy not much different from any other European diplomacy. Now we are faced with the challenges of normalcy and these are great. We have now in terms of our relations with the British political and administrative establishment relations that are just normal. How would you assess Anglo-Croatian relations as they stand? Some people would say it has been very bumpy, especially in relation to Croatia being allowed forward as an EU candidate. Do you assess relations as pretty good?I assess relations now as pretty good. It is not unknown that Britain is a staunch supporter of EU enlargement. It is also not unknown that Britain is among European countries one which is most engaged in the peace process in the Balkans, in its normalisation, both by its security and political presence. With Croatia's EU candidacy, Croatia's success also is a British and European success. As you have said there have been bumpy moments in our recent relationship, this is obviously due to certain hesitations in Croatia, which has its historic reasons and justifications which caused a tough response in Britain. It is also well known that these thing are behind us, not due to sudden changes in British policy but due to sudden changes in Croatian policy. At this moment, Britain is supportive of Croatian candidate status and its accession to the EU, both in terms of financial and political support. We have a successful working relationship with Great Britain. There are no open issues, except the visa regime. (Croats have needed a visa to visit Britain since 2000) We expect the British government to re-assess the reasons which in 2000 led to the dropping of the visa-less regime. We are firmly of the position that the reasons which may have been justified, are not existent anymore. Croatia is not a country which produces immigration.On the contrary, Croatia has firm control of its borders and co-operates and participates in all international efforts in curbing human trafficking and terrorism. Croatia is at the regional forefront and we equal most of the European countries in our efforts. We expect that maybe this year the British government will re-assess their reasons. Do you have in your own mind a timeframe when the visa requirement will be dropped?It is hard to say. We firmly believe that there are no reasons for maintaining the visa regime. It is up to the political will of the British government when they will start the re-assessment. I am firmly convinced that it won't take long for the Home Office to realise there are no reasons for the visa regime. When do you think Croatia will join the EU?I would say soon rather than saying a date. My firm personal belief is that for Croatia its more important to travel than to arrive. Its more important when Europe will come to Croatia than when Croatia joins the EU. I don't think it will take too long for Croatia to adopt all European legislation. I'm sure that within this decade we shall join the EU. What are you personal recommendations/favourites of the upcoming Closer Croatia Film Festival?Tko pjeva zlo ne misli (He Who Sings Means no Harm). I believe that is the best film ever made in Croatia by Croatians. I would recommend that. Moreover, its very likely we will have one or two of its actors in London for the festival. One of the reasons I like this extremely charming movie is that it was one of the few Croatian films, which although lightweight, discloses the real popular culture and spirit of Croatian society, the Central Europe sprit of it - a great sense of humour which has rarely been reflected in Croatian art pieces. Sometimes it seems when we are watching our films or reading our books, that we are a gloomy nation, that is not true. This is a film about the vanishing sprit of the middle class world which was endangered by years of communism but survived beneath the surface of the regime.The spirit of good humour which has survived all the upheavals of Croatian history makes that film so enjoyable. As a counterweight, there is Lisice (Handcuffs) which is about the oppression of the communist dictatorship. It is about the absurdity of the unquestioned power of the dictatorship. Finally, do you have a message for the Croatian community in London?Do remain a community. I think that is the most important thing. As long as there is a community we are going to have a good sum of ideas that bring results. I am particularly happy with the existence and work of the Croatian Students and Young Professionals Network (CSYPN) - I'd like to express my gratitude to the work leading to the Croatian Film Festival. CIL thanks HE Josip Paro for his time. NoticeboardOnly events run by known and reputable bodies will be listed here. Closer Croatia - Croatian Film Festival Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, W6 9RL London. www.riverside.co.ukAll screenings are double bills except Breza on 7 October. £5.50/£4.50 concs per double bills Vanessa Redgrave is to be the patron of the Closer Croatia film festival. She will open the festival on 7 October at 7.30pm. Director Antun Vrdoljak will be attending the screening of his film 'The Pine Tree in the Mountain' on Saturday 9 October. Director Dalibor Matanic will attend the screening of his film 'Fine Dead Girls' on 8 October. Both directors will participate in Q&A sessions at the screenings. Actor Relja Basic will attend the screening of two of his films, 'Rondo' and 'He Who Sings Means No Harm'on 10 October Reception 7.30pm followed by8.30pm Breza (The Birch Tree) 12Thursday 7 October(Ante Babaja, Croatia 1967) 100m sub-titles Lisice (Handcuffs) 15Friday 8 October 7.00pm(Krsto Papic, Croatia, 1969) 75m sub-titlesPlusFine mrtve djevojke 15 (Fine Dead Girls)Friday 8 October 8.35pm(Dalibor Matanic, Croatia, 2002) 77m sub-titlesÂZagreb School of Animation: Programme 1 PGSaturday 9 October 2.30pm approx. 74mThe first Animation programme includes: Alone/Samac; La Peau De Chagrin/Sagrenska koza; The Play/Igra; The Fifth One/Peti; The Wall/Zid; The Fly/Muha; Diary/Dnevnik; Learning to Walk/Skola hodanja; Fish Eye/Riblje Oko and Album/Album.PlusTri muskarca Melite Sganjer (Three Men of Melita Zganjer) 12Saturday 9 October 4.05pm(Snjezana Tribuson, Croatia, 1998) 97m sub-titles Ritam zlocina (The Crime Rhythm) 15Saturday 9 October 6.45pm(Zoran Tadic, Croatia, 1981) 88m sub-titlesPlusU gori raste zelen bor (The Pine Tree in the Mountain) 15Saturday 9 October 8.35pm(Antun Vrdoljak, Croatia, 1971) 82m sub-titles Zagreb School of Animation: Programme 2 PGSunday 10 October 2.30pm approx. 74mThe second Animation programme is a selection by renowned film critic and specialist in animation, Giannalberto Bendazzi: The Inspector Returned Home/Inspektor se vratio kuci; Ersatz/Surogat; Wow - Wow/Vau - Vau; Curiosity/Znatizelja; Diogenes Perhaps/Mozda Diogen; The Cat/Macka; Satiemania/Satiemania and I Love You Too!/I Love You Too!PlusNebo sateliti (Celestial Body) 15Sunday 10 October 4.05pm(Lukas Nola, Croatia, 2001) 85m sub-titles Rondo 15Sunday 10 October 6.30pm(Zvonimir Berkovic, Croatia, 1966) 90m sub-titlesPlusHe Who Sings Means No Harm (Tko pjeva zlo ne misli) PG Sunday 10 October 8.20pm(Kreso Golik, Croatia, 1970) 85m sub-titlesÂAlso at the Riverside Studios: Croatian Cinema Art: Retrospective of original, award winning Croatian film posters from the 1950's to the present day. 7-10 October 12 Noon - 10.30 Free entry Useful InformationEmbassy of the Republic of Croatia in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandAmbassador: Josip ParoAddress: 21 Conway Street, London W1T 6BNTel No: 020 7387 2022Fax No: 020 7387 0310Email: croemb.london@mvp.hr Consular Dept:Tel No: 020 7387 1144Fax No: 020 7387 0936Email: consular.dept.london@mvp.hrÂWorking hours: Monday - Friday 9.00-17.00Working hours (with clients): Monday - Thursday 11.00-14.00 Fridays 10.00-12.00Croatian Students and Young Professionals NetworkWebsite: www.csypn.org.uk Email: info@csypn.org.uk Address: PO Box 36126, London SW7 2RH Croatian Catholic MissionFather Drago Berisic, 17 Boutflower Road, SW11Tel: 020 7223 3530Sunday service at 4 pm:Church of Sacred Heart, Horseferry Road, SW1P 2EF http://www.easycroatian.com/newsletter1.php letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 21 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4733/1/H-Nakovana-Online.html ÂNakovanahttp://www.nakovana.hr/ ÂSlijedeci tekst dio je knjige u pripremi "Stare slave nakovanske", Ivana PamicaPORIJEKLO IMENA NAKOVANANaziv sela Nakovane (nominativ Nakovana) vrlo je starog, ali nepoznatog porijekla. Prvi put se spominje 1335.god. kao NACOVALDA u svezi s ispašom u Debita notariae sv. III, str.65, 68 i 69, Državni arhiv u Dubrovniku, a zatim 1357. kao NACOUALNA i 1372. kao NACHOVALNA.Nakovana se u spomenutom spisu iz 1335. spominje kao vec razvijeno mjesto sa oko stotinjak stanovnika i više od 2000 grla sitne stoke, što dokazuje da je Nakovana postojala kao naseljeno mjesto mnogo prije nego što je Dubrovacka Republika kupila Pelješac 1333. godine.Prema legendi, bijahu nekoc tri brata kovaca koji su živjeli u ovom dijelu Pelješca. Kada su oni odrasli medusobno su se razdijelili. Jedan je brat dobio kucište gdje je ostao živjeti, pa je po tomu Kucište dobilo ime. Drugi brat je dobio viganj (kovacki alat) i nastanio se na mjestu koje je po tomu dobilo ime Viganj, a treci je dobio nakovanj pa se naselio u mjesto koje je po tomu dobilo ime Nakovanj. Vezano uz ovu legendu ova tri mjesta spominju se i kao "tri fumara od pakla", što govori o njihovoj povezanosti i zajednickoj prošlosti. Prema tumacenju povjesnicara I. Fiskovica Nakovana, odnosno Nakovanj bio je prvobitni naziv za gradinski brijeg koji se danas zove Grad, a koji pomalo i nalikuje tom kovackom alatu. Kasnije se po tom tumacenju naziv proširio na širu okolicu, a sam brijeg je nazvan po ruševinama na njemu. U prilog ove teorije ide i cinjenica da se susjedno niže brdo zove Nakovanic.Prema drugom tumacenju ime Nakovana kao i susjednog mjesta Viganj (spominje se 1336. kao Vigel i Vighen) mogle bi biti i keltskog porijekla jer se takvi nazivi srecu i u Velikoj Britaniji. To i nije nemoguce jer su se Kelti spustili u IV.st.pr.n.e. niz Neretvu, a od Neretve do Pelješca je mala udaljenost.U ostalim dubrovackim dokumentima Nakovana se spominje kao NACHOUALNA, NACHOUA, NACHOUAL DO i NACHOVAL.Kartografi 18 stoljeca i kasnije austrijska administracija mjesto bilježe kao NAKOVAN ili kao NAKOVANA. Talijanski izvori imena sela prevode na talijanski, pa se tako Gornja Nakovana spominjala kao NACOVANA SUPERIORE, a Donja Nakovana kao NACOVANA INFERIORE. Ti nazivi medutim nisu bili u govornoj uporabi.Za vrijeme Kraljevine SHS i Jugoslavije u vrijeme jezicne reforme kada se ikavica zamjenjivala ijekavicom i kada Pelisac postaje Pelješac, a Split Spljet, Nakovana mijenja ime u NAKOVANJ da bi pod takvim imenom ušala na karte i u literaturi sve do današnjih dana. Takvu grešku trebalo bi ispraviti i nazvati mjesto onako kako je i starosjedioci i sada nazivaju - NAKOVANA. PRIRODNO-GEOGRAFSKE ZNACAJKE NAKOVANEZnatne kolicine fosiliziranih školjaka koje se mogu pronaci i na najvecim vrhovima brda u Nakovani govore o burnoj geološkoj prošlosti. Naime, u Mezozoiku je ovo podrucje prekrivalo prostrano more - Tetis, u kojoj se razvila flora i fauna. U Kredi dolazi u ovom podrucju do nabiranja brda i planina, te u svezi s tim su nastali i rasjedi u smjeru pružanja Dinarskog gorja. Pelješac, pa tako i podrucje Nakovane, izgraden je 95 % od taložnih ili sedimetnih stijena, tj. vapnenca i dolomita mezozicke starosti. Otapanjem leda u postpleistocenskom toplijem razdoblju došlo je do izdizanja morske razine i potapanje kopna. Tim procesom razina mora izdigla se do današjeg nivoa, pa je tako Pelješac postao poluotokom spojen jezickom zemlje za ostatak kopna, a Neretva cije se ušce nalazilo pokraj današnje Vele Luke, pomaklo se na današnji položaj.U Nakovani je kao što je receno najviše raširen kredni vapnenac. Na njemu zbog korozijskog otapanja, nastaju razni kraški oblici. Kroz pukotine u vapnencu voda ponire i otapanjem ih širi. Duž dubokih pukotina obrazuju se jame, špilje, ponori. Gospodarski najvrijedniji prostor zapadno od vapnenackog masiva Sv. Ilije su dvije zaravni - jedna koja se proteže u okolici Gornje i Donje Nakovane, a druga oko Lovišta. Uvala Lovište je potopljena kraška udolina. Izohipsa od 100 m, koja ide od uvale Bezdija prema rtu Osicac granica je zaravni. Zaravan izmedu Gornje i Donje Nakovane nalazi se na visini od oko 300 m, odakle se teren pocinje naglo dizati prema sv. Iliji. U Lovištu ima nešto crvenice. Citav kraj je pod makijom, a javljaju se i kamenjare (krš). Flora i FaunaO flori Pelješca postoji tek nekoliko radova u kojoj je navedeno preko 1100 biljnih vrsta na tom podrucju. Nakovana se sve do 2001. nikad nije obradivala kao zasebna cjelina. Te je godine izašao rad grupe biologa Instituta za antropologiju u Zagrebu, koji su istraživali biljni i životinjski fond Nakovanske visoravni ("Preliminarna biološka istraživanja Nakovanske visoravni na Poluotoku Pelješcu"). Tijekom tog istraživanja zabilježeno je preko 150 biljnih vrsti.Vegetacija u Nakovani tipicna je mediteranska s nekim raritetima. Uglavnom je cine zimzelene šume, makija ili grm (red Quercetalia ilicis) i donekle zarašteni kamenjarski pašnjaci (red Cymbopogo-Brachypodietalia). Zbog maritimnog rasporeda padalina tijekom godine, ljeti dolazi do zastoja vegetacije, pa vecina drvenastih biljaka cvate zimi, a mnoge zeljaste provedu ljeto u obliku sjemena, podzemnih organa ili prizemnih pupova./Preliminarna biološka istraživanja Nakovanske visoravni na poluotoku Pelješcu, Bruno Kljajo, Nino Orepic, Hrvoje Peternel - Zagreb 2001./Makija se uglavnom sastoji od gustog grmlja, ponajviše je neprohodna, obavijena prirodnom živicom i povijušama. Makija se tu sastoji od planike (Arbutus unedo), koja u nekim podrucjima naraste do gorostasnih razmjera, velikog vrijesa (Erica arborea), rijetko primorskog vrijesa (Erica verticilata), iglicaste smrike (Juniperus oxycedrus), somine (Juniperus phoenicea), te smrljuhe, zelenike, leprine i hrasta oštrike. Posljednja navedena je zakonom zašticena vrsta. Podrucje Nakovane i sv. Ilije je jedno od tri nalazišta ove vrste u Hrvatskoj. Izmedu ovih se provlace penjacice poput bršljana, tetevike, (Smilax aspera) i blušca (Tamus communis). Degradacijom makije nastaje bušik (red Cisto-Ericetalia Rozmarinetalia). Ovu zajednicu cine vrste koje vole obilje svjetla. Ukoliko ih zasjeni neka od drvenastih biljaka kod progresivnog rasta vegetacije u pravcu šume, dolazi do brzog slabljenja, te nestanska pojedinih vrsta znacajnih za ovu zajednicu.Pored makije i bušika postoji šuma crnike, koja se istice tamnom bojom zimzelenog lišca. Glavno šumsko stablo je crni hrast (cesvina), zatim hrast (dub), alepski bor, cempres, a posebni raritet je dalmatinski crni bor, koji raste pod samim vrhom Sv. Ilije, te na obroncima brda spuštajuci se do samog ruba nakovanske visoravni. Osim na ovom podrucju može ga se pronaci još samo na Hvaru i Bracu. Dalmatinski crni bor može se naci na Iliji iznad zimzelenog pojasa gdje su niže temperature i veca kolicina padalina. Na prva stabla može se naici na visini oko 300 metara.Kamenjarski pašnjaci na podrucju Nakovane razvile su se iz nekdašnjih oranica, no zbog zapuštenosti one se pretvaraju u pašnjake, a naposljetku u bušik i makiju. Tu se razvijaju vrste bodljikavih listova i stabljika neprikladnih za ispašu: plavi i žuti obad (Onopordum illiricum i Carthamus lanatus). Najznacajnije biljne vrste pašnjaka su; neplodna zob (Avena sterilis), zvoncac (bupleurum veronense) kostrika (brachypodium ramosum), velika treslica (briza maxima), hajnaldia (Haynaldia villosa), mekuš (Melica ciliata), luk (Allium subhirsutum) i zvjezdasta djetelina (Trifolium stellatum). Osim navedenih biljaka tu se nalaze i stenoendemicne biljke poput kratkozube kadulje i dalmatinske iglice. ./Preliminarna biološka istraživanja Nakovanske visoravni na poluotoku Pelješcu, Bruno Kljajo, Nino Orepic, Hrvoje Peternel - Zagreb 2001./Od oko 150 biljnih vrsta koje su zabilježene 2001. godine 66 su samonikle jestive biljke, a 51 ih posjeduje ljekovita svojstva. Medu znacajnijim jestivim biljkama isticu se komorac (Foeniculum vulgare), planika (Arbutus unedo) sa svojim brašnastim plodovima meginjama, oskoruša (Sorbus domestica), oštrolisna šparoga (Asparagus acutifolius), itd. Od ljekovitih biljaka mogu se navesti pastirska iglica (Geranium robertianum), petrovac (Agrimonia eupatoria), levanda (Lavandula spica), zatim kadulja, vrijes, smilje, smrdljika (smrljuha), sljez, majcina dušica(popunac), itd. /Preliminarna biološka istraživanja Nakovanske visoravni na poluotoku Pelješcu, Bruno Kljajo, Nino Orepic, Hrvoje Peternel - Zagreb 2001./U Nakovani za razliku od susjednih mjesta teško uspijeva rogac, i postoji samo jedan zakržljali primjerak primjerak u Donjoj Nakovani. Uz navedene vrste moramo spomenuti još i gorostasne koštile u Donjoj Nakovani, te sambuk (zova, bazga), kao i brojna stabla gloga, maslina, smokava , krušaka, višnji, mindela, trešanja, te drugih vocaka koje je posadio covjek. Nestankom covjeka u Nakovani, nevedene vrste osim gloga i masline vecinom su propale i nestale.I fauna ovog podrucja je s obzirom na malu prostornost izuzetno bogata i raznovrsna. Tijekom istraživanja biologa iz Zagreba 2001. godine na podrucju Nakovanske visoravni ustanovljeno je 29 životnjskih vrsta. ./Preliminarna biološka istraživanja Nakovanske visoravni na poluotoku Pelješcu, Bruno Kljajo, Nino Orepic, Hrvoje Peternel - Zagreb 2001./Ni najstariji Nakovjani ne sjecaju se da je u Nakovani ikad dolazio vuk, koji je vjerojatno na Pelješcu veoma rano istrijebljen, a Stonske zidine sprijecile su da se naknadno opet proširi na poluotok.Najveca zvijer Dalmacije poslije vuka je cagalj (Canis aureus dalmatinus) koji je na cijelom ovom podrucju opstao jedino na Pelješcu. Godine 1905. iz Beca je na ovo podrucje došao cak i prirodoslovna ekspedicija nadvojvode Filipa Koburškog s ciljem da istraži dali na Pelješcu ima cagljeva. U zadnje vrijeme se proširio i na susjedno kopno. To su nocne životinje, nešto manje od lisice, bujnog krzna i cupavog repa, a preživljavaju pretežno kao strvinari. Krecu se u parovima ili u grupicama, a javljaju se po noci dugim neugodnim zavijanjem. Najprije se javlja jedan, da bi mu se potom javili drugi na okolnim brdima. U Nakovani, koja se nalazi u kotlini, zavijanje cagljeva dobija na snazi. Kroz prošlost je bilo pokušaja da se u Nakovani cagalj cak i pripitomi, medutim štene bi ubrzo uginulo. Cagalj koji umire i koji to predosjeca javlja se dugim zavijanjem i pritom se ni jedan drugi cagalj ne javlja. Takvog caglja Nakovjani su zvali žagar. Caglja koji se križao sa lisicom zbog specificnog nacina glasanja u Nakovani su zvali kuna štekavac.Lov na cagljeve bio je veoma popularan, tako da su se u prošlosti organizirale velike hajke. Pred Prvi svjetski rat u jednom takvom lovu na cagljeve na Sv. Iliji ucestvovao je i austrougarski prijestolonasljednik.-"Cagaj, to ti je vrag, kad bi se njemu zavrtilo poc, i da imaš kuške, i da imaš puške, on bi ti zakla kozlica. Jedne su nam godine bili zaklali cetrnaest!"/Kazivala Kata Pamic, rod. Matic/Lisica je sve donedavno naseljavala podrucje Nakovane iako se od osamdesetih godina 20. st. nije više vidala.Vepar ili divlji gudin (Sus scrofa) naseljen je krajem sedamdesetih, te se strahovitom brzinom razmnožio cineci nepopravljivu štetu obradenim poljima. Krda veprova znala bi nekad brojati i do tridesetak grla, a kretali bi se vecinom nocu. Usprkos lovu i požarima broj divljih gudina nije opao vec se proširio do te mjere da su poceli preplivavati kanale do najbližih otoka Hvara i Korcule. Nije bilo nikakvo cudo kad bi koji ribar u mrežu umjesto ribe uhvatio vepra koji bi se zapetljavši se i ugušio.Muflon (Ovis musimon) koji se može susresti na samom vrhu Sv. Ilije, ali i na obroncima brda prema Orebicu, Kucištu, Vignju i Nakovani, naseljen je na to podrucje 1970. godine. Tu se brzo prilagodio staništu i razmnožio tako da sada stado broji oko 300 grla. Od 1977. kada se pocelo s lovnim turizmom odstrijeljena su 42 muflona cija trofejna vrijednost zaslužuje zlatnu medalju. Trofej muflona odstrijeljenog na Sv. Iliji cetvrti je na svijetu. Nažalost tijekom Domovinskog rata zbog krivolova broj muflona znatno je smanjen.Divlji konji, vuku svoje porijeklo od pitomih konja koje su Nakovjani držali na ispašu na podrucju Sv. Ilije. Do devedesetih godina 20. st. krdo je nareslo na oko dvadeset grla da bi potom, tijekom Domovinskog rata bili pobijeni automatskim oružjem. Slicnu sudbinu doživjeli su i divlji magarci, te jedinstvena vrsta - nakovanski tovar, koa je nastala miješanjem magarca i konja. Od desetak životinja koje su tumarala podno vrha Sv. Ilije, tamo ih je ostalo svega nekoliko.Godine 1998. lovci su prijavili da se na podrucju Ilije i Nakovane pojavio ris, o cemu su pisale i novine. Medutim od tad više nije zamijecen, te se vjerojatno radilo o zabuni ili nekoj zalutaloj jedinki, buduci da se njihovo stanište nalazi daleko na sjeveru, u Lici i na Velebitu.Do prije stotinjak godina uz obalu se moglo naici na morsku vidru. Posljednja koja je videna bila je ona koja se nesretno zapetljala u ribarsku mrežu u Bezdiji prije Drugog Svjetskog rata.Na podrucju Nakovane mogu se sresti još i zecevi, divlji kuneji, poljski miševi, puhovi, mungosi (Herpestes auropunctatus), kune, lasice, rovke, šišmiši, itd.Od gmazova u Nakovani se mogu susresti krška gušterica,(Podarcis melisellenis) oštroglava gušterica, (Lacerta oxycephala), veliki zelembaci (Lacerta trilineata) dugih oko tridesetak centimetara, glavora (Ophisaurus apodus), crnostrig (Telescopus fallax) i poskoka (Vipera ammodytes) dugih do metar, te najveci gmaz na ovom podrucju - kravosas (Elaphe quatuorlineata), zmija iz porodice udava, a koja može narasti preko dva metra dužine. Populacija navedenih zmija u opadanju je, narocito nakon uvodenja mungosa, te zbog požara. Zmije su u Nakovani zbog brojnosti imali posebno znacanje u odnosu na druge životinje. To strahopoštovanje vjerojatno potjece još iz ilirskog doba buduci je za Ilire zmija bila kultna životinja, a brojna mjesta nose još i danas nazive poput Zmijin kal, Zmijna, Zmijino brdo, itd. Za Nakovjane se govorilo da su se rodili "u zmijama" i bili su vrsni poznavaoci zmija;- "Ima zmija po Nakovani svakakvih, svima ja zmijama ime znam. Ima ti crnostrig, ima ti vodarica, ima ti srpina velika, ima ti gravošica, ima ti glavor... Ove druge zmije nisu bile opasne, ali poskok...Svaka ona zmija koja trci, koja biži pred cajadom, ta ti nije opasna, ne boj se, ali pepejuha i crnopecica, one te cekaju, ni njih strah, ona ceka i samo ceka. A zašto se zove poskok? Jer je ona spremna skocit daleko, to ti je sotona! Pepejuha ti je poskok, ali žensko, ona ti ima glavu na trokut sa rošcicem, a rep joj je na samom dnu, dug kako prst, tanko kako igla, a oni što je isto takve sive boje, ali na crnije vijuge to joj je muž - crnopecica. Stariji su vazda govorili di je muški, tu je i ženski poskok.Kad je ujutro rosina, tad ti one izlaze i penju ti se na stabla. A kad ti dode sunce oko jedanaest, podneva onda ti ih vrag odnese ca. /Kazivala Kata Pamic, udana Matic/Dogadalo se cak i da nekog Nakovjana poskok i ugrize, pa cak i usmrti. Anu Klaric je poskok nekoliko puta ugrizao;-"Ja sam išla skupit padeža, na onu stranu od Male Gospe. Mene je bilo strah od zmija pa sam ja s onim lukicem prolazila kroz padež, a sa drugom rukom ubacivala padež u vricu, kad koda me nešto ubolo. Ja isala ruku, a ona zmija mi visi sa prsta. Kroz cili život mi je prošla struja. I sa špagom sam zavezala prst i ruku i brzo zvala divera Iliju, koji je tu kopa. To je bilo za vrime rata, a Talijani su bili u Perni, pa smo gornjim putem došli u Orebic. Tu je doktor ima zadnji serum. Osim tega, još me jednom ugrizla zmija."/Kazivanje Ane Klaric/-" Kad su raskopavali na Okrunovo, govori pok. Ivan Mažuran kako je žedan. A tamo ti je bilo veliko korito kraj jedne smrljuhe i ni pogleda pu gori, di je bila pepejuha. Upekla ga je u lice i on ti je umro od dvadeset i nekoliko godina. To su meni pripovidali, nisam još bila rodena. Dunda Balda je pepejuha upekla u rebra i jedva su ga bili spasili. " /Kazivala Kata Pamic, udana Matic/-"Crnostrig nije tako opasan, ali mu isto ne bi ja dala prst. On ti nema glavu na trokut i crvenkast je sa crnim rigama. Vodarica ti je puno duga, samo ti je puno malahna. Ima ti srpina velika, da vidiš kolika nareste, malo manje nego gravošica. Srpina velika ti može narast i do tri metra dužina, ona ima vele boja, ali sve sive boje, naštrapano mrcu crnom, ali nece te ona. Kad ti vidi cejade ona pobigne. /Kazivala Kata Pamic, udana Matic/Gravošica ili kravosas iako nije bila otrovnica, zbog velicine utjerivala je strah u kosti Nakovjanima;- "Pripovidat cu ti ja i o gravošici. Ona ti može narasti vele, vele metara! Nando Ivankovic je hodi past koze u nas u Dubu. Ni ima ni postola ni bicava, ima je šesnaest godina i hodi je bos, a ima je dva kuška. I kuški su hodili ispred njega i odjedanput su se razlajali i utekli. A on je samo vazda ima lukic, kosor za pasom. I on je iša ih nac, dreto pu Velikog vrha i kad je doša gori ima je što vidit. Oko jedne cesvine, gravošica, zvižde da bi je moga do Racišca cut. Ona se zavila oko cesvine sve do vrha, sad ti znaš koliko je to bilo. Nando ti je ubra dva šcapa i udri on po njoj i kad je malaksala, pala ona ozgara, a on udri po glavi. Sa jednim šcapom je zakaci i dopoteza je doli do na žal u Dubi. To je cilo Racišce dohodilo gledat, a ona ti je bila kad ju je rastri velika kako pal, oko cetiri, pet metara, sad znaš koliko je to bilo i koji je on korad ima!Doša je jednom Bulic za Bilušicom da napuni korito vodom iz gustirne, a tamo gravošica došla na vodu. Gravošica ti je sivkaste boje a ima crne rede na sebi i koliko ima takih reda toliko ima godina. Ova koju je Bulic vidi imala je osam do deset reda, a kolika je bila to je bilo cudo nevideno. Skupila se onda cila Gornja Nakovana sa kosorima i sikirama da je ubiju, ma je ona vec bila utekla i od tad je više ni niko vidi... A znala je gravošica napasti i covika, ona zna doc okolo tebe, pa te slomit i zadušit. Kad je Gabre doli u Dubi trapi bi se umori i lega u hlad. Stavi je mašklin iza sebe i zaspa. Ovo je sto puta pripovida. Kad je zaspa dovukla se gravošica i pocela mu lizat znoj sa lica. Kad je otvori oci ima je što vidit, govori da se ni nikada tako u životu pripa. Ma ni bi strašljiv covik i srica da mi je mašklin bi blizu, pa govori on -'E neceš kurbina ceri, mislila si mene zadavit, ali platit ceš sad' , i on ti je udri s onim mašklinom dokle ju je ubi...Nemoj zaboravit da ti je Duba srce gravošice, mi smo je doli vidili sto puta kad bi pasli koze!Pripovidala mi je baba kad su dvi žene išle ubrat grma u Grahovišcu za odnit pu doma i kad su došli na Kucaru, onamo di se obrce za Bezdiju, cuju one da ih neko slidi, ali kako su bile uprcene sa grmom nisu se okrecale, nego tek posli. Kad su one vidile kolika je to zmija iza njih, to je bi mirakul božji, one se raskrivile da ih je cili narod u Nakovani cu. Oni su se pripali da ce ih zadušit obadvije, pa su im viknuli da se brzo svucu i bace joj robu. One se nekako na brzinu rasprtile i skinule bluzu i ubrusac i bacile na kleh, pa se tu zmija zaustavila. Kroz to vrime došli svi muški iz Nakovane da ce je ubit, ma nisu je uspili ubit, utekla je. Nisam nikad cula da je ubila koga ili živinu, ali su govorili da se zna dovuc ispod koze i sisat joj mliko.Okruženi tako opasnim zmijama Nakovjani su se znali i ponašati;-"Nikada, sinko nemoj poc okolo zmija ako nemaš šcap. Pokojan bi ti dide Jozo kad bi iša gori pu Ilije gledat di su volovi, obuka bicve od vune, jer bi govori da ide u srce zmija. Uze bi baketu oli od jasena, oli od smrica, oli od osomine, a sad cu ti rit zašto. Kada bi peštali zmije da im se baketa ne prelomi, a bicve od vune su nosili, zato kad te ona ugrize njoj zadije ona vuna i ne može onda doc do mesa. A za ubit zmiju najprije joj triba pritisnut glavu, a onda joj valja okinut iza vrata, ako to nisi ucini ona bi ti opet oživila. Oko jednog smrica pokojan otac ih je bi sedam ubi." /Kazivala Kata Pamic, udana Matic/-"Glavora se nikad ni ubijalo, nego bi se dica su njin igrala. Njega kad capaš za rep, ne može se savinut."/Kazivanje Ane Klaric/Od gmazova koje se mogu još sresti u Nakovani možemo spomenuti još i kornjacu cancaru, koju su Nakovjani zvali žaba korinjaca. Preko ljeta Nakovana odjekuje kreketanjem žaba kojih se može naici preko noci, a svoja jaja odlažu u korita. Cesto se ljeti nailazi i na ježa, koji u selo dolazi u potrazi za vodom.Od ptica ovdje su zastupljene stanarice: mrka sjenica (Parus lugubris) voljic maslinar (Hippolais olivetorum) brgljez kamenjar (Sitta neumayer), vrabac (Passer domesticus), modrokos (Monticola solitaris), velika sjenica (Parus Mayor) i crnoglava grmuša (Sylvia melanocephala), zatim cuk (Otus scops), kozmopolitska vrsta kukuvije (Tyto alba) i sova ušara ili bukoc. Tu su još i fazani, jarebice, kokoške, prepelice, golubovi, kosovi, gavrani, cule, lastavice, zatim sokolovi, jastrebovi, a ljeti po nekoliko mjeseci znaju obitavati i orlovi sa rasponom krila od preko dva metra. Obicno ih bude jedan par iako ih je jednom prilikom bilo i tri jedinke.-"Tica je prije u Nakovani bilo svakakvih. Kosova je uvik bilo pod grmom u lišcu i oni bi se lovili podapinjanjem plocica, pa bi ih dica išla doli u Vignju prodavat. Bilo je šljuka, grivne, jarebice. To su tice što su stalno tu bile." /kazivala Neda Pamic, udana Vucemilovic/Od kukaca najatraktivniji su leteci cvjetovi - leptiri kojih se u Nakovani mogu naici u razlicitim bojama, od žute, preko crvene, narancaste, pa do zelene i plave. Prema podacima iz Privremenih karata rasprostranjenjenja dnevnih leptira od P.Jakšica (1988) za poluotok Pelješac zabilježeno je dosad 47 vrsta dnevnih leptira. Neke od tih vrsta govore nam o biološkoj vrijednosti podrucja, a neke se nalaze u Europskoj crvenoj knjizi knjizi ugroženih leptira ili su zakonom zašticeni u RH. Osim vrsta navedenih u strucnim publikacijama biološka ekspedicija 2001. god. na Nakovanskoj visoravni zabilježila je još nekoliko vrsta. Danji leptiri dobri su pokazatelji zdravlja okoliša, ravnoteže u prirodi i stupnja ocuvanosti nekog podrucja, jer zbog specificne biologije odgovaraju na promjene u staništu. /Preliminarna biološka istraživanja Nakovanske visoravni na poluotoku Pelješcu, Bruno Kljajo, Nino Orepic, Hrvoje Peternel - Zagreb 2001./ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4732/1/H-Zagora-Online.html ÂZbornik o Zagori http://www.kladnjice.com/ Zašto Zbornik o Zagori na internetu?Prilagođavanje suvremenim oblicima informiranja i objavljivanje: značajnijih aktualnih zbivanja priloga i rasprava o geografskim i demografskim obilježjima prostora prikaza o povijesnim, arheološkim, etnološkim i jezičnim posebnostima pjesničkih i književnih radova kartografskih i foto priloga razmišljanja o mogućnostima gospodarskog razvoja. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4731/1/E-Register-Online-to-VOTE-in-the-USA.html ÂRegister to VOTE in the USAIf you are not registered and you want to vote, this is one of the ways to register. Remeber that you cannot do that at the last moment. In New York, deadline is Oct 8th 2004. election day November 2nd.This link will provide the info for you to register. Enjoy !http://capwiz.com/aol04/e4/front_page.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4730/1/E-CROATIAN-FALL-GOLF-OUTING.html ÂCROATIAN FALL GOLF OUTINGMonday, October 4, 2004Heritage Hills Country Club1000 West Hill Drive, Somers NY 10589 Tel.914.276.3300Located in the âhorse countryâ€? area of Westchester, a warmwelcome awaits you and your guests. Enjoy cocktails andhors dâoeuvres on the spacious outdoor terrace. Play around on the manicured golf course of Heritage HillsCountry Club surrounded by the lush rolling hilltops.Followed with a dinner buffet prepared by an award-winningchef. A fun-filled autumn afternoon in nature filled withdelicious food, friends and golf.10:30 am âSign-In11:30 am âShot Gun StartâBBQ LunchâDinner Buffet at 5:00 pm$150 per golferChecks payable to:The Pinnacle (restaurant at HeritageHills Country Club)Prizes for: Closest to the Pin and Longest DriveFor more information please call:Gerald Maric 917. 217. 6129Tomo Nogalo 917. 572. 9310Ivica Glavinic 718. 791. 0074Directions to Heritage Hills:FROM NEW YORK CITY: By Car-North on Henry Hudson Parkway toSaw Mill River Parkway. Continue to I-684 Exit 7 (Somers,Purdys). Turn left onto Rt. 116 West. Follow Rt. 202 Westthrough Somers to Heritage Hills development. Enter onright and make 2nd left onto West Hill Drive follow totop-club on left.FROM LONG ISLAND: By Car-Throgs Neck Bridge to 1-95 (NewEngland Thruway). North to Cross Westchester Expressway(1-287). West on 1-287 to 1-684 North to Exit 7. (See abovedirections from Exit 7.)FROM NEW JERSEY: By Car-Tappan Zee Bridge to CrossWestchester Expressway East (1-287). North on 1-684 to Exit7. (See above directions from Exit 7.)FROM CONNECTICUT: 1-84 to New York. 1-684 South to Exit 8(Hardscrabble Road). Turn left onto Rt. 22 South to Rt.116. Turn right onto Rt. 116 West. (See directions fromExit 7.) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4729/1/H-Zmijavci-Online.html Âhttp://www.zmijavci.hr/index.phpÂZmijavci - (površina oko 14 km2, broj stanovnika oko 3000) naselje koje se nalazi se u Splitsko-dalmatinskoj županiji. Mjesto se smjestilo u Imotskom polju, 8 km južno od grada Imotskog. Stanovništvo se pretežno bavi vinogradarstvom i poljoprivredom.Zmijavci su mjesto s dvije crkve (župna crkva Svih Svetih i područna crkva Sv. Josipa) i dvije škole (škola u zaseoku Šute i centralna osnovna škola).Poštovani,Evo nakon dva tjedna testiranja 'puštamo u rad' obnovljenu i sadržajem obogaćenu web stranicu Zmijavci.online. Kao i svaki drugi početak, težak je i početak rada ove stranice. Stoga Vas molimo za strpljenje dok se stvari ne uhodaju. Također Vas molimo da nam se javljate s pohvalama i kritikama. Sve su nam one dobrodošle kako bi stranicu učinili što kvalitenijom.Javite nam se na naš službeni e-mail ( zmijavci@zmijavci.hr ) ili nam poruku ostavite u našoj Knjizi gostiju. Ukoliko se ukaže potreba za tim, pokrenut ćemo i naš forum na kojem bi onda vodili razne rasprave.Lijepi pozdrav.27.08.2004.ZMIJAVCIiz knjige: "Put u Imotu" Petra GudeljaStoljećima Zmijavci i Zmijavčani bijahu podijeljeni između Podbablja i Runovića. Između života i smrti. Bili podbabski i runovićki. Rađali se i rađali u Zmijavcima, a nakon smrti podbabski odlazili k Svetomu Luki, u Podbablje, runovićki Gospi Odkarmenoj, u Runoviće. Rastajali se zauvijek.Zmijavci i Runovići. imena sela, kao i sela, bila srasla. lzgovarala se s jednim naglaskom, u jednom dahu: Runovići-i-Zmijavci. Zajedno ulazila u pjesmu, onu Kačićevu, o vitezovima države imotske, koja je na noge dizala Zmijavčane i Runovićane.Vezani Mračajom i Maticom, i krviju koja je tekla iz Runovića u Zmijavce, iz Zmijavaca u Runoviće (Runovićke rađale Zmijavcane, Zmijavke rađale Runovićane), razlikovali se u svemu. Sve je u Zmijavcima bilo svjetlije: zemlja i pjesma, vino i ljudi.Godine 1982. Zmijavci se ujediniše u jednu župu. Nakon Zmijavaca ujedini se Njemačka.Koliki su Zmijavci?Geometri vele petnaest, a Zmijavčani dvadeset i pet četvornih kilometara. I to im se čini malo. lmadu približno podjednako: plodne poljske nizine, pripoljske pitomine i mirisnog i ljekovitoga krša.Malo je za zmijavačke granice reći da su povijesne. One su prapovijesne. Zmijavci se penju od sjeveroistoka na jugozapad: od Rotne do Kusturine gomele i od Dikovače do Liskovca. Te gomile i gradine, kultna i ratna mjesta, gdje se žrtvovalo, ratovalo i zborovalo, stare su tisućama godina.Sa sjevera i s istoka: živa, tekuća i studena granica - Matica. U Matici masnica.Na dnu polja Zmijina gomela, navrh polja Zmijavci.U Zmijavce s jugoistoka, u Zmijinu gomelu sa svih strana bilo blato. Jesu li, sluteći potop, na Zmijinu gomelu, u Zmijavce, bježale zmije? Jesu li u Zmijavcima i na Zmijinoj gomeli bili zmijski zbjegovi? Iliri, zmijski sinovi, na zmijavačke glavice nanesoše, nasuše, uzdigoše gomele. Na Gudeljovu, kod Svih Svetih, padala prva zraka izlazećega Sunca. Padala u zmijsko oko. Smotana u kolut, onako kako je smotana na ilirskoj fibuli, narukvici i ogrlici, čekala izlazak. Trokutasta glava pokazivala ono mjesto nad Čabuljom, u nebu, iz kojega će se roditi. Prvo bi pozlatilo poskokov rog. Možda su zmijavačke gomele podignute u slavu zmija? U gomeli čuvali plemensku, totemsku zmiju. Eponimnu prababu Zmijavaca.Na dva kraja Zmijavaca, zimi, izviru dva jaka krška vrela: Radež i Japlenica. Kučer u sredini. Iz kocitskih imotskih voda izbacuju gavicu. Donedavno, na njima mljele mlinice. Bilo pure i gavice.Radež opjevan u šaljivoj pjesmi o ženidbi Gagije Garca, sknađenoj tridesetih godina, među zmijavačkim radnicima u Belgiji, koja je počimala ovako:Otkako je Radež voda ladna,Buljumbašić otkad u njoj ulada,i otkad je promlila mlinicai podresla divojka Ružica. ..Gagiju ženila tri sela: Zmijavci, Runovići i Podosoje. Tri sela, trideset godina. Koliko je kroz to vrijeme djevojaka i mladih udovica za Gagiju isprošeno, pištola ispaljeno, bukara ispijeno i ukradenih kokošiju izjedeno! A siromah se Gagija ne omrsi. ÂŽedan, željan i suhoparan, ode na oni svit.Mlinice na Jarugi, Radežu i Kučeru cigutale, mljele pjesme i priče, a mlinice na Matici (Padica, Petrovica, dvije Đogića i jedna Vizića): kukuruz, proso, sirak. Srebroklas ječim i zlatozrnu šenicu rijetko, potkraj ljeta, kad bi kršljaci slazili s brda i svoje kao jablani visoke mazge vezali ispred mlinica, za jablane. Matica imala mlade i jake ruke, od dragosti i od šale okretala tumbase. Ispod kremenih mlinova letjeli mlazovi varnica i mlazovi brašna. Od još vruća, varničava, varena mlinarska pura. Na svaki grumen pure padala po jedna masnica, koju bi Đogići, najbolji ribari i najveći sladokusci, vadili ispod tumbasa.Na Matici dva mosta, kamena, krilata, s po šest šćemerenih okana, Bublin i Zmijavački most, a na Jarugi dva mostića, Tonkića i Šabića, jednooka-jednookna, koja su također na leđima nosila kamena krilca.Od Đogića mlinica do Sastavaka rasla rakita i kupina i nadnosile se do po Matice.U kupini se gnijezdile vodene ptice. Miješale se Đogića pitome i Božje divlje patke, pa bi Đogića patak pred mlinicu, pred kuću, doveo jato divljih pataka, a divlji patak odvodio patke-đoguše u divljinu. Miješala se divlja i pitoma jaja, divlja i pitoma krv. Staklenu površinu Matice probijali modrozeleni vodomari, norci. U kljunu iznosili modrosrebrene ribe.lzlazili Zmijavci na Blato cijelom svojom širinom.Zmijavačko priobalje protezalo se od Kraljevića luke do Japlenice. Na Blatu imali svoje lađe: Mrkonjići-Đogići, Gudelji-Alijići i Todorići-Čovići. Imali Otok i na Otoku kućare i jablane.Pred nailaskom dvaju velikih jaružala, koja razriše Maticu, oboriše kovače i pilune, počupaše vrbe i jablane i rastjeraše vodene ptice, dva mostića s Jaruge, na svojim slabašnim krilcima, odletješe k svojim graditeljima, u vječnost. Na drvenim krilima odletješe mlinice. Prokopavanjem tunela ispod Drinovaca, mahnu vodenim krilima, odletje Blato. Odletje zmijavačko i runovićko vodeno doba. Još se samo ponekad mogu vidjeti zmijavačke lađe: plivaju po magli i mjesečini, čuti pljusak vesala, krik divljih gusaka i govor davnih Đogića, Čovića, Alijića. Jednoličan žubor njihovih zdravomarija.Najdublje zmijavačke dubine i najviše visine.Najdublji Alijića bunar u Otoku (nad njim najviši jablan, u njemu najstudenija voda) i u Ovčarinama Dvogrla brezdanka jama. U proljetna praskozorja, po rosi, pred jamom vile igrale kolo. Najviši Liskovac, stožasto brdo između Zmijavaca, Podosoja i Podbablja, na kojem je prije dvije i pol tisuće godina stajao ilirski grad.Šabića bunari u brdu i Šabića bunari u polju.lz poljskih izađe, u brdske zađe Mjesec.Zmijavci selo s dvije crkve i dvije škole.Najstarija, ranokršćanska bazilika pod Dikovačom, tisuću godina bila pod zemljom. Ukazala se fra lvanu Tonkoviću, na pragu dvadesetoga stoljeća, a on je otkopao i pokazao svijetu. Ostali joj samo temelji, čvrsti i duboki. Kao što su čvrsti i duboki temelji zmijavačkoga i imotskoga kršćanstva.Crkvu Svih Svetih, na prastarom svetom mjestu, na Tonkića glavici, pokraj prapovijesne gomile, 1821. godine, sagradi fra Andrija Šabić. Današnju izli od kamena fra Ante Rako, 1895., a naresi i velikim drvenim tirolskim oltarom ukrasi fra Jako Milinović, 1903.Selo koje nije imalo groblja, danas ima dva: Okrugljaču i Suvaču. Kad se živi rastrčaše po cijelom svijetu, mrtvi Zmijavčani više ne će morati odlaziti iz Zmijavaca. Na Suvači se bijeli crkva Svetoga Josipa: gleda i gledaju je sva okopoljska sela.Zmijavčani živjeli naglas i naočigled, životom starih Grka.Ljeti: po danu pod kostelom i murvorn, uvečer na guvnu.Zimi: po danu u prančijoku, uvečer oko komina. Uvijek imali otvoreno uho, otvorena usta: za mudru i duhovitu riječ, za smijeh i podsmijeh. Zmijavci bili kazalištem pod čađavorn lisom i pod vedrim nebom. Predstava bez prestanka: od jutra do sutra, od rođenja do smrti. Promicali komediju, a tragedija dolazila sama. Po desetak komedija, u desetak zaselaka, u isto vrijeme. Same se pišu, postavljaju, predstavljalju. Jedni umiru, drugi se rađaju i čim se rode, izlaze na pozornicu. Najslavniji i najsretniji umiru na otvorenoj sceni, lakrdijajući. Svi glurnci, svi komični junaci: Todorići, Karoglani, Šabići; Gudelji, Milasi, Mrkonjići; lvkošići, Šumelji, Miševići. Ni Šute ne šute.Mladi započimali, stari nastavljali svoja momačka i divojačka sila. Kad bi zapivali stari, brže bi potekla Matica ispod Đogića i Jaruga ispod Tonkića kuća.Zmijavačko polje ocidito: lozno i grozdno.Da su živjeli u staroj Grčkoj, o Zmijavčanima bismo čitali u knjizi pamćenja: prvi odijelili vina. Voleći bijelo nisu mrzili crno. Ispod Zmijavaca tekla jedna, kroz zmijavačke konabe još jedna Matica: zlatnozelena, zemljomirisna, vinska.Djevojke držali višim, vilinskim stvorenjima.Možda zato što je u Zmijavcima uvijek bilo djevojaka vilinske ljepote. Jedna se pjesma obraća kiši, moli za njihove bijele opanke:Padaj, kišo, nemoj po Zmijavcin,jer su cure u bilin opancin.Pod Todorica brigorn rastao čuveni ora, daleko širio grane. U proljeće resao: po cesti padale rese. Po resama gazile dvije drugarice, zmijavačke ljepotice, koje davno ispi nebo i pozoba zemlja. Ni oraha više nema: i njega popi, pozoba vatra. lpak, sve je tu, u dva stiha:Kad se uda Mačica i Bora,ko ce undo šetat ispod orla?Ne prolazi ljepota, to samo kroz Zmijavce prolaze ljepotice.Zmijavci djevojački i junački.Dikovača je imotska Troja, a Matica, koja je optače, njezin Skamandar. Grčko-ilirske kacige, u Dikovači nađene, u imotskom samostanskom muzeju pohranjene, možda na glavama dođoše iz Troade, ispod Troje, ili iz Mikene, ili s Krete. Na Dikovači nekoć bijaše junački stećak, s velikim štitom i mačom, Lovrin greb. Pozobala ga drobilica.U Matici, sto metara uzvodno od Padine mlinice, nađen mač. Osamdeset centimetara dug, cijelom mu dužinom teče žlijeb. ÂŽlijebom tekla krv, a poslije, stotinama godina, tekla voda. Na dršku moćno križište i krupna zeljezna jabuka. Koja ga je ruka pasala? Koja kovala? Kovan je kad su kovani stećci: u četrnaestom ili petnaestom stoljeću. Da ga nije pasao Lovro, koji je legao pod stećak, u Lovrin greb? Da ga nije skovao sabljar Ratko Gostojević, koji je 1400. godine živio na Kamenu Mostu, sa svojom ženom Dragorn, Plavšinom kćeri?Križ iz bazilike i mač iz Matice: zaštitni znak Zmijavaca. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4735/1/E-Milwaukee-Fundraiser-for-Croatian-Park-August-28.html ÂMilwaukee: Fundraiser for Croatian Park August 28 Saturday August 28There will be a fundraiser for Croatian Park from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.sponsored by the Croatian Park Preservation Society, who will be raisingmoney to make major improvements to Croatia Park and to make it a betterplace for the future of all Croatian people in the Midwest to enjoy. CroatiaPark is located on South 76th Street in Franklin.Brats, burgers, plenty of cold beer, and slivovica will be served.Monetary donations for the park will be accepted.For more information, contact Danny Hrdi at:dhrdi@cooperpower.com CroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 27 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4736/1/E-Lazy-Hazy-Crazy-Days-of-CAMEO-Tonight-in-Los-Angeles.html ÂIf you have rolled out yourLazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of SummerLet's get togetherfor a mini-meeting ofC.A.M.E.O.Croatian Arts, Media & Entertainment Organization8:00 PMWednesday, August 18The Cat & The Fiddle 6530 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood (323) 468-3800 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 18 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4737/1/E-Croatians-are-always-in-a-party-mood-Carabana-2004.html ÂToronto's Carabana 2004 FestivalÂÂBog Nenad:Croatians are always in a party mood... a sea of people of every colour,race and nationality enjoy Toronto's Carabana 2004 Festival. TorontoCarabana is known to be North American's best Caribean Festival.Everyone comes out to party, including Croatians as evidenced by one ofmany flag carrying/waiving band members on the numerous floats. Thisphoto appeared in the Toronto Sun on August 1, 2004. Enjoy.Bog.Marija letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 08 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4738/1/E-The-TRADITIONAL-ST-MARYS-PICNIC-August-1-2004.html The TRADITIONAL ST. MARY'S PICNIC will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2004 at Cibort Park in Bressler, PALamb and pork will be roasted at the picnic groundsand is available by the pound, as a dinner or in a sandwich.Other foods available are cabbage and noodles,home madesausage, hot dogs, barbecue and individual pizzas.All types of baked goods will be available,including strudel and other ethnic pastries.A variety of continuous music will be provided by tamburitza and polka bands.There is plenty of free off-street parking andno admission charge. Everyone is welcome and it all starts at noon on Sunday, August 1st atCibort Park in Bressler, PA For directions e-mail Rudy Pavlick hrvata@worldnet.att.net  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 30 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4742/1/H-Pozdrav-iz-Hrvatskog-Sabora---Dr-Bagaric.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 04 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4740/1/H-PORUKE-SA-PRVOG-SENATA.html  PORUKE SA PRVOG SENATA DOMOVINSKIH I IZVANDOMOVINSKIH PRIPADNIKA HRVATSKOG NARODA Ostvarivanje punog jedinstva domovinske i iseljene Hrvatske smjernice su kojima treba ici hrvatska drzava ukoliko zeli izici iz velike moralne i gospodarske krize u kojoj se nalazi - zakljuceno je na Prvom Senatu hrvatske dijaspore u Porecu. Hrvatsko iseljenistvo kao najsenzibilniji dio nacionalnog bica svjesno je problema u kojima se drzava nalazi i zele biti sudionik njenog oporavka, a nakon toga i njenog prosperiteta. Imamo prekrasnu drzavu, sa obiljem prirodnih ljepota i bogatstava i ono sto nam treba prvenstveno je pamet koju vodi ljubav prema domovini (a ne interes stranog kapitala) i novac koji ce biti usmjeren u razvoj, a ne u potrosnju. Sve to ima upravo hrvatsko iseljenistvo koje je kao i 1991. godine spremno staviti sebe u ostvarivanje nacionalnog boljitka i opstojnosti hrvatske drzave. Na zalost, potezi hrvatske politike i drzavne vlasti spram iseljenistva jos uvijek pokazuju odreðenu rezervu buduci da nisu napravljene nuzne pretpostavke koje bi dovele do aktivnijeg i sveobuhvatnijeg ukljucivanja hrvatske dijaspore u nacionalno gospodarstvo. Iako sadasnja vlast pokazuje stanovitu volju i zelju da pokrene stvari s mrtve tocke u koju su zapale kriminalnom pretvorbom i zlouporabom upravo novca hrvatskog iseljenistva, jos uvijek se na horizontu broda koji pusta na sve strane, ne vidi se kopno. Ukratko, pesimizam je glavna karakteristika prosjecnog stanovnika Hrvatske koji jos uvijek ne zivi zivotom dostojnog covjeka. Pesimista, na zalost, nije sposoban za krupnije promjene, jer jednostavno nema vizije. Tu viziju ima hrvatska dijaspora, jer ona probleme sagledava u cijelosti i zna koje korake treba povuci kako bi se stvari promijenile. A sa njima i raspolozenje. Onog trenutka kada optimizam zamjeni pesimizam moci cemo reci da smo na putu da izaðemo iz ovog ponora. Prvi Sabor hrvatske dijaspore jasno je i nedvosmisleno odredio smjernice kuda ici i koje poteze vuci kako bi se stvorile nuzne pretpostavke za sveobuhvatno angaziranje hrvatskog iseljenistva u gospodarske procese u zemlji. Ti zakljucci na zalost nisu realizirani, a na tu cinjenicu skrenuo je pozornost i Prvi Senat hrvatske dijaspore koji je ustvrdio da gotovo nista nije promijenjeno u odnosima prema hrvatskoj izvan domovinskoj zajednici koja se i dalje ignorira u politickom, moralnom a i svakom drugom pogledu. Stoga dizemo svoj glas i kazemo: Dosta!!! Mora se pod hitno zaustaviti rasprodaja obiteljskog srebra strancima, profitabilnih i nacionalno vaznih gospodarski subjekata kao sto su INA, HEP i sl. i konacno priznati hrvatska dijaspora kao cjeloviti i nedjeljivi dio nacionalnog bica. Moramo zastitit Hrvatsku od onih koji od nje, a ne za nju, zive. U tome pogledu imamo pravo ocekivati da ce ova Vlada konacno progledati i uvidjeti da hrvatsko iseljenistvo je logicana odgovor na pitanje kako dalje... Sa njim imamo buducnost, imamo snagu i imamo moc. Bez nje smo osuðeni sa suzanjstvo i sluzenje sumnjivom kapitalu koji nam kupuje sve ono sto se moze kupiti pretvarajuci nas u sluge u vlastitoj zemlji. Doista, u najmanju ruku je upitna buducnost drzave i drustva u kojem je pitanje sluzenja javnoj stvari i javnom dobru kroz sferu politike - pitanje osobnog interesa, a ne opceg. Drzava u kojoj se vise cijeni los zastupnik nego dobar gospodarstvenik - ozbiljno je bolesna. I sto je najgore, te cinjenice nije ni svjesna. Stvoren je ogroman birokratski aparat sa 426 opcina i 26 zupanija koji su postali sami sebi svrha. Gotovo kao srednjovjekovni feudi u kojem je pojedincima dobro, a narodu lose. Meðutim, i ovo stanje u kojem se drzava nalazi nije jos uvijek komatozno ni neizljecivo. Treba samo imati dobru volju i skinuti sljepacke naocale, odbaciti stap i jednostavno - progledati. Za takvo sto nije nam potrebno cudo - potrebna nam je pamet. A nje imamo, samo je ne slusamo. I ukoliko se cvrsto prihvatimo svoje dijaspore, necemo ni posrtati, ni padati. Hodati cemo uspravno i sacuvati svoj osobni i nacionalni ponos. U vise navrata ovaj Klub koji artikulira bice hrvatskog iseljenistva skretao je pozornost nositeljima drzavne vlasti na te cinjenice, ukazujuci na probleme i nudeci rjesenja. Sve u interesu jedine nam domovine Hrvatske. Taj glas se nije htio cuti, bio je utopljen u more vapajucih koji su pokusali reci - pokrenimo Hrvatsku. Ali, ne radimo na nacin da cemo je gurnuti niz strminu... Pomozimo joj onoliko koliko je volimo, koliko nam kao domovina i majka - treba. U tome pogledu ponovno navodimo prijedloge koje smo uputili Vladi i Saboru Republike Hrvatske kao nase viðenje koraka koje je potrebno napraviti da bi se - pokrenula Hrvatska. To su:Teritorijalni preustroj Republike Hrvatske u kojem ce biti cetiri zupanije, a kriteriji za dobivanje statusa grada odnosno opcine biti Europski, a ne u funkciji socijalnogzbrinjavanja nezaposlenih kadrova po politickim kriterijima. Da se sudstvo, policija, vojska i drzavna uprava oslobode politicke i stranacke pripadnosti. U tim sluzbama trebaju raditi profesionalci, a ne stranacki podobni poslusnici. Da se u Hrvatskoj odvoji zakonodavna, sudska i izvrsna vlast te da ti stupovi vlasti funkcioniraju sukladno svojim ovlastima, na temelju Ustava i Zakona. Da se donese drzavna strategija borbe protiv korupcije i organiziranog kriminala i da se u nju ukljuce najsposobniji i najkvalitetniji kadrovi. Mito i korupcija najvece su zlo drustva i kao takvi moraju biti i procijenjeni, a strategija i kadrovi moraju biti primjereni njenoj rasirenosti. Da se obustavi prodaja nacionalnog bogatstva dok se ne donese novi Zakon o privatizaciji. Da se donese Zakon o dijaspori po uzoru na Irsku i Izrael. Da se o svim relevantnim dogaðanjima u zemlji, a prvenstveno informacijama izvjescuje hrvatska izvan domovinska zajednica kroz sredstva informiranja koja ce biti dostupna svima (HTV, radio, internet i dr.). Neotuðivo je pravo hrvatskog covjeka na pravu i objektivnu informaciju o svim pitanjima koja se ticu RH-e (izuzev onih koji su proglaseni drzavnom tajnom). Osigura sudjelovanje autenticnih pripadnika hrvatske dijaspore u Saboru RH-e na nacin da se 10% svih zastupnika bira iz redova iseljenistva. Da se donese novi Zakon o privatizaciji kojim ce se graðanima Hrvatske priznati pravo na nacionalno bogatstvo koje su oni stvorili. Da se hrvatima iz domovine i inozemstva zakonski uredi pravo prvokupa kod prodaje odnosno privatizacije svih gospodarski subjekata (a poglavito onih od nacionalnog interesa) kako bismo nacionalno bogatstvo sacuvali u nasim rukama.Da se donese Zakon kojim kriminal ( ako je napravljen u pretvorbi ) ne zastarijeva. Da se donese generalni urbanisticki plan za cijelu RH-u, kao i za 4 zupanije koliko ih maksimalni treba biti. Da se angaziraju strucne policijske i financijske sluzbe (kako nacionalne tako i meðunarodne) da se otkriju putevi iznosenja novca iz zemlje i osiguraju pravne i druge pretpostavke da se taj novac vrati u zemlju. Da se odrede komparativne prednosti Hrvatske ( eko-poljoprivreda, napredni vid zdravstvenog turizma i naglasena pomorska orijentacija drzave s posebnim osvrtom na brodogradnju i u tom pogledu naglasak na sportske tipove brodova.) Da se donese strategija razvoja Hrvatske u prvih 20 godina i daljnjih 50 godina.Da politika bude cast a ne sredstvo za ostvarenje pojedinacnih interesa.Da moral i moralne norme budu osnovno mjerilo vrijednosti covjeka. Molimo Hrvatsku Vladu da pokrene proces putem Vlade i Sabora Republike Hrvatske da se navedeni prijedlozi usvoje kao osnovni put kojim treba ici Hrvatska. Hrvatska vlast koja krene tim putem imat ce podrsku domovinske i iseljene Hrvatske. Imat ce moralnu i materijalnu pomoc te podrsku cjelokupnog Hrvatskog naroda i njihovih prijatelja u Hrvatskoj i u svijetu. Ujedno koristimo prigodu te se zahvaljujemo svim hrvatskim rodoljubima svijeta koji iz raznoraznih razloga nisu mogli doci na Senat, a svojim prijedlozima i sugestijama su obogatili sadrzaj rada Senata. Posebno se zahvaljujemo svima koji su potrosili novac i vrijeme te aktivno sudjelovali u radu Senata. Svojim radom osigurali su da se Senat uspjesno odrzi. Hvala svim hrvatima u domovini i inozemstvu. I porucujemo -Hrvatska je nasa drzava za nju se moramo brinuti. Za Hrvatsku -zauvjek!!!Porec, 9. svibnja 2004. godine.KOORDINATOR KLUBA:Niko Soljak prof.ing  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 04 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4739/1/EH-New-Design-Novi-Izgled---Lijepa-Nasa-Internet-Radio.html ÂNew Design for Lijepa Nasa Domovina HrvatskaÂhttp://www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 04 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4743/1/E-NFCA---11TH-ANNUAL-ASSEMBLY-OF-DELEGATES.html ÂÂNFCANATIONAL FEDERATION OF CROATIAN AMERICANSNFCA TO HOST CROATIAN AMERICAN LEADERS ANDCOMMUNITY ACTIVISTS AT ITS 11TH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OF DELEGATESÂWashington, D.C. (May 13, 2004). The National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA) will hold its Eleventh Annual Assembly of Delegates in Washington, D.C. from May 20 through May 22, 2004 at the Washington Court Hotel, located at 525 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. The Hotel is located in walking distance to Capitol Hill, the Library of Congress and Union Station.The weekend's events will kick off with an event the NFCA is co-sponsoring with Croatian House at Georgetown University entitled "Investment in Croatia: Prospects for Growth." The panel will feature a number of speakers from the United States and Croatia discussing economic development and investment opportunities in Croatia. A Croatian wine tasting and reception for NFCA Delegates and guests will take place on Friday, May 21, 2004 at the Washington Court Hotel.Croatia's Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Ivan Grdesic will be speaking to a private luncheon of NFCA delegates. Dr. Grdesic will discuss foreign policy issues and Croatia's relationship to the United States. After the conclusion of the NFCA Delegates meeting in the morning on Saturday, May 22, the Annual Assembly will be open to the public at 1:00 p.m. and will feature a number of speakers.Among the scheduled speakers are Mr. Pjer Simunovic, the National Coordinator for NATO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Croatia. He will discuss Croatia's bid for NATO Membership and its ambitions to build a stronger strategic relationship with the United States.Also scheduled to speak is Dr. Charles Shrader, author of The Muslim-Croat Civil War in Central Bosnia: A Military History, 1992-1994. Dr. Shrader's book has been widely hailed as it debunks many of the myths related to the Croats and their role in the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Invited speakers further include Mr. Zoran Perkovic, Minister Consular and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He will speak on the political and economic situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly as it affects Croatians there.Both the wine tasting event on Friday evening and the public portion of the Assembly Saturday afternoon are free.Our formal convention activities will conclude on Saturday evening with a reception for delegates and guests at Croatian Embassy on Embassy Row which will feature the superb cuisine of Chef Ivo Svircic. The cost of the reception is $20 per person.For more convention information, please call the NFCA's Director of Development, Erik Milman, at the NFCA's headquarters at 202-331-2830 or by email atNFCAhdq@aol.com . letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 17 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4744/1/HE-The-New-Issue-of-Croatian-Chronicle.html U prodaji je novi broj hrvatsko-americkog mjesecnog glasila Croatian ChronicleU novom broju citajte;-Brojne vijesti i reportaze o dogadanjima u hrvatskim zajednicama diljem Amerike-Sve o petom Hrvatskom festivalu djece i mladih u New Yorku; reportaza u slici i rijeci!-Maestro Sandro Zaninovich Celebrates Thirty Years at the Helm of the Beverly Hills Chamber Orchestra-Hvarski pucki pjevaci osvajaju svijet 500 godina starim korizmenim napjevima-John Kraljic: Croatia and Croatian Americans-Split native Vanja Rogulj takes his world-class swimming talents to Virginia-Croats in London Working to Build Croatia's Image-Simple Perfection, Warm and Memorable - that's Buon Gusto RestaurantSve to i jos mnogo vise procitajte u najnovijem izdanju Hrvatske kronike!Na podrucju New Yorka Croatian Chronicle se moze kupiti u Hrvatskoj crkvi sv. Cirila i Metoda na Manhatannu, i u u crkvi The Most Precious Blood u Astoriji nakon nedjeljne mise. U Astoriji se novina jos moze pronaci u ducanima Adriatic Meat, Iva Unisex Salon, Gaspar's Deli, te u kioscima s etnickom stampom. U New Jerseyu novina se prodaje u ducanu Dubrovnik Deli.za sve informacije i upite nazovite nas na telefon 718 278-5760 ili nam pisite na info@croatianchronicle.comZahvaljujemo na suradnji i ocekujemo vase priloge, sugestije, pisma i poruke!CROATIAN CHRONICLEHRVATSKA KRONIKAwww.croatianchronicle.comPretplatite se na svoje hrvatske novine!Tel: 718 278-5760Fax: 718 228-4311P.O. BOX 3531Astoria, NY 11103info@croatianchronicle.comÂThe New Issue of Croatian-American Monthly Newspaper, Croatian ChronicleIn the latest issue you can find:-News and stories about events in the Croatian communities all across the US.-Croatian Childrean's and Youth Festival-New York -April 17th&18th-Maestro Sandro Zaninovich Celebrates Thirty Years at the Helm of the Beverly Hills Chamber Orchestra-Lenten Folk Singing from the Island of Hvar-John Kraljic: Croatia and Croatian Americans-Split native Vanja Rogulj takes his world-class swimming talents to Virginia-Croats in London Working to Build Croatia's Image-Simple Perfection, Warm and Memorable - that's Buon Gusto Restaurant...and more!!The paper can be bought at the following locations in NY:- After the Sunday masses at the Croatian churches of Sts Cyril and Mathodious in Manhattan and The Most Precious Blood in Astoria- The following locations in Astoria: Adriatic Meat, Iva Unisex Salon, Gaspar's Deli, and stands selling ethnic newspapers.The paper can be bought at the following locations in LA and San Pedro area:- After the Sunday masses at Mary Star of the Sea and St Anthony churches- The following shops and businesses in San Pedro: Croatian Hall (Hrvatski dom), Libertas Travel, Mc Cowan's Supermarket, South Shores Meat Market, Sunshine Market.Subscribe to your paper, Croatian Chronicle!www.croatianchronicle.comPlease contact us at:Ph: 718 278-5760Fax: 718 228-4311P.O. BOX 3531Astoria, NY 11103info@croatianchronicle.com Â letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 27 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4745/1/H-Izvjesce-Ivana-Bagarica-naseg-zastupnika-u-Saboru.html ÂIzvjesce Ivana Bagarica, naseg zastupnika u Saboru Dragi Hrvati i ostali gradjani Hrvatske u svijetu,javljam Vam se pred Uskrs, a nakon 5. sjednice Hrvatskog Sabora koja je trajala dva tjedna. Na ovom zasjedanju se raspravljalo i usvajalo nekoliko vaznih zakona. Medju ostalima Sabor se bavio problematikom branitelja, suzbijanjem i zlouporabom droga, mirovinskim pitanjima, porezom na dodanu vrijednost, izvjescem drzavne revizije itd. Na Odboru za useljenistvo smo diskutirali o problematici vezenoj za reguliranje vojne obveze hrvatskih mladica koji zive u zapadnoj Europi i koji su hrvatski vojni obveznici. Naime, problemi nastaju u ispunjenju zakonske obveze (prema vazecem Zakonu o obrani) prema kojoj su nasa predstavnistva duzna oduzeti putovnicu svim onima koji nisu regulirali vojnu obvezu do navrsene 26. godine zivota. Neki od njih imaju opravdanje (zaposleni su te nemogu pravdatio odsutnost s posla, studiraju isl.), a uzimanje putovnice nije najsretnije rjesenje jer potice mlade da napustaju hrvatsko drzavljanstvo. Razmotreno je nekoliko mogucih rjesenja o kojima cu Vas izvijestiti pri konacnoj izradi zakona.Sljedeca sjednica Sabora je zakazana za 20. travnja, nakon koje cu nadam se, naci vise vremena te Vas malo detaljjnije informirati. VAZNO: U dogovoru s Nenadom nastojat cu redovito, a nakon Sabora napisati bar nekoliko rijeci o problematici kojom se bavi Sabor, a kako bih Vas informirao, kako bih s Vama odrzavao kontakt, kako bih dobio Vas odgovor, ideju, prijedlog itd. Konacno, kako bih ucinkovitije obnasao duznost zastupnika u Hrvatskom Saboru tj. stajao Vam na raspolaganju. Molim Vas koristite mogucnosti koje mozete ostvariti kroz Odbor za useljenistvo. Zajedno s nama clanovima ovog odbora mozete dati prijedlog zakona (Zakon o iseljenistvu, zasto ne..), podnijeti amandmana na zakonske prijedloge, predloziti ideju bilo koje vrste a koje Vam se cine znacajnim i kojima mislite da biste doprinjeli boljim odnosom s (i na) Hrvatsku a na korist Vam i nama (NAMA svima skupa, jer Mi smo «HRVATSKA»).ÂPONAVLJAM, Za sve sto biste htjeli pitati, predloziti stoji Vam na raspolaganju Odbor za Useljenistvo. Odbor cine 13 zastupnika iz sljedecih stranaka: predsjednica Odbora Zdenka Babic Petricevic (HDZ), potpredsjednik Valter Poropat (IDS), clanovi Ivan Bagaric (HDZ), Drago Prgomet (HDZ), Stjepan Fiolic (HDZ), Josip Djakic (HDZ), Ana Lovrin (HDZ), Ratko Gajica (SDSS), Ivica Pancic (SDP), Vice Vukov (SDP), Antn Perusko (SDP), Zdenko Haramija (HNS), Ruya Tomasic (HSP). Osobno, bih Odboru za Useljenistvo rado promjenio ime (svakako i djelokrug ovlasti i obveza) te ga prozvao Odbor za Hrvate izvan Hrvatske ili tako slicno (STO VI MISLITE?), a formirali bi pododbore medju kojima bi mogao biti i onaj za useljenistvo, znanstvenu i gospodarsku suradnju, za Hrvate u zapadnoj Europi i prekomorskim zemljama, hrvatske nacionalne manjine i Hrvate u BiH..).Svako dobro i SRETAN USKRS.Ivan BagaricZastupnik u Hrvatskom Saboru E mail: ibagari1@Yahoo.com p.s.U nastavku slijedi pismo koje smo Vam i ranije slali. Ponovno je tu kako bi ga procitali i oni koji do sada nisu imali prigodu. Postovani,Slobodan sam obratiti Vam se i upoznati Vas te od Vas traziti sudjelovanje (prijedloge, kritike, suradnju te upoznavanje sto veceg broja nasih ljudi i institucija u svijetu) o sljedecem:Na posljednjim parlamentarnim izborima za Sabor Republike Hrvatske izabrana su i cetiri zastupnika (Zdenka Babic Petricevic, Florijan Boras, Kresimir Cosic i Ivan Bagaric) u 11. izbornoj jedinici za Hrvate izvan Republike Hrvatske (tzv. "lista za dijasporu"). Kao sto znate, to je bila i dosadasnja praksa te je nekoliko zastupnika, kako iz Domovine (Hrvatske i Bosne i Hercegovine) tako i iz inozemstva, obnasalo tu casnu duznost. Jedan od instrumenata Sabora kroz koje ovi zastupnici obnasaju svoju duznost jest i Odbor za useljenistvo, koji izmedju ostalih clanova, ima predsjednika (Zdenka Babic Pertricevic) i clana (Ivan Bagaric) upravo izmedju cetvero gore navedenih zastupnika iz 11. izborne jedinice.Poslovnik Hrvatskoga Sabora utvrdjuje poslove i zaduzenja ovoga Odbora, tako u clanku 79. pise: "U djelokrugu su Odbora za useljenistvo poslovi utvrdjivana i pracenja provodjenja politike, a u postupku donosenja zakona i drugih propisa. Odbor ima prava i duznosti maticnoga radnog tijela u podrucjima koja se odnose na ostvarivanje programa povratka i stvaranje uvjeta za ukljucivanje useljenistva u gospodarski, kulturni i svekoliki razvoj Republike Hrvatske". Osim ovoga i svih napora koje ulazu druga tijela i institucije Sabora i Vlade, kao i svi ukljuceni u ovu problematiku, vrlo se cesto od ljudi iz svijeta moze cuti kako su nezadovoljni odnosom (kontaktom) kako njih samih medju sobom tako i s hrvatskim politickim i kulturnim institucijama u Domovini, a i onih u inozemstvu (hrvatska predstavnistva i veleposlanstva).Pitam sebe, Vas i sve ostale kako najucinkovitije obavljati zadacu saborskog zastupnika, kojemu bi problematika pitanja hrvatskog iseljenistva trebala biti medju prioritetima. BiH i Hrvati u BiH su takodjer od izuzetne vaznosti i svakako zasluzuju posebnu strategiju odnosa, na korist Hrvatske i BiH (ovo govorim i kao pripadnik toga korpusa hrvatskoga naroda). Kako uspjesno (u cijelosti) odgovoriti na cjelokupnu (vaznu) problematiku hrvatskoga iseljenistva iz nase perspektive? Kako dosadasnje znanje i iskustvo upotrijebiti i koristiti u buducnosti? Postovani, u prilog ovoga mojega kratkog obracanja saljem Vam i pismo koje je napisao Berislav Marusic (sada na doktorskom studiju filozofije na sveucilistu Berkeley) nakon razgovora koji sam s njim nedavno vodio u Zagrebu na istu temu. Predlazem, Vi i svi koji dobiju ovo pismo, dopunite ga i korigirajte te mi ga vratite kako bi smo mozda, izradili predlozak strateskog dokumenta koji bi onda poslali nadleznima u Domovini i iseljenistvu te ga provodili. S postovanjemDr Ivan Bagaric, zastupnik u Saboru RHE mail: ibagari1@Yahoo.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4746/1/E-A-funeral-at-St-Paul-Croatian-Church.html ÂA funeral service will likely be held at St. Paul Croatian Church in ClevelandÂOhio veteran is among the four civilians killed in Iraq By JENNY MAY and JOHN ARTHUR HUTCHISON , Journal Register Co. 04/02/2004 TIMBERLAKE, Ohio -- He was determined to do what he felt was right, despite what others thought, and that made former Euclid and Timberlake, Ohio, resident Jerry Zovko stand out, his younger brother said. Zovko, a 32-year-old Euclid High School graduate, was one of four civilians killed Wednesday in Fallujah, Iraq.The deaths made headlines for the brutality surrounding them. After the four Americans were killed in an ambush by insurgents, residents of the unruly town burned and mutilated the corpses, according to the U.S. military.Zovko had been in Iraq for about a year, working as a security consultant for Moyock, N.C.-based Blackwater Security Consultants.Among other jobs in Iraq, members of Blackwater Security help guard L. Paul Bremer, head of the U.S. occupation authority in Iraq.Zovko served in the Army's 82nd Airborne unit and Rangers from 1991 to 1997, said his brother, Tom Zovko, who lives in Timberlake. Zovko's parents, Jozo (Joe) and Danica (Donna) of Eastlake, did not wish to comment.Donna Zovko, however, told the Associated Press she and her husband suspected their son was one of the dead late Wednesday evening because he had been working in Iraq. Their fears were confirmed early yesterday when the president of Blackwater USA knocked on their door and told them their son had died.''It was the hardest day of my life,'' Donna Zovko said.''Jerry was a man with a principle, an idea,'' his mother said. ''He loved people. He wanted the world to be without borders, for everybody to be free and safe.''Tom Zovko said his brother had an independent streak and always followed his dreams.''He was a great person,'' Tom Zovko said. ''He did everything to the highest. He was a truly exceptional person. He did what he wanted and no one could stop him.''Zovko performed several duties in Iraq, including being a military police officer and a bodyguard and setting up security where it was needed, his brother said.Although the family had been concerned when Zovko went to Iraq, he insisted on going because he enjoyed his work, said Tom Zovko.''He really took it very seriously,'' Tom Zovko said. ''He made a career out of it.'' The Zovko brothers grew up in Euclid, and the family later moved to Timberlake.Tom Zovko said the family is waiting to hear when Zovko's body will be flown home. A funeral service will likely be held at St. Paul Croatian Church in Cleveland, he said.Timberlake Village Mayor John Roskos extended his sympathy to the family yesterday.''My condolences go out to the family,'' Roskos said. ''They've got a hard time with it right now. It's a shame.''U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, R-Madison Village, spoke with the family yesterday and expressed his condolences and offered his assistance, said spokeswoman Deborah Setliff.Out of respect for the family's privacy, LaTourette would not provide any additional details about his conversation, Setliff said.Gov. Bob Taft said Zovko's service was important to his country.''Jerry Zovko was performing a very vital role in Iraq,'' Taft said. ''His tragic death underscores the fact that the United States must continue to do everything possible to provide stability to a deeply troubled region and to prevent Iraq from becoming a haven for international terrorism.''Blackwater is one of a number of security firms, many comprised of former special forces troops from the United States and Britain, that have won contracts with the U.S. occupation authority to provide security services.The company did not release the names of the four victims.''We grieve today for the loss of our colleagues, and we pray for their families,'' according to a statement posted yesterday on the company's Web site.''The graphic images of the unprovoked attack and subsequent heinous mistreatment of our friends exhibits the extraordinary conditions under which we voluntarily work to bring freedom and democracy to the Iraqi people.''Coalition forces and civilian contractors and administrators work side by side every day with the Iraqi people to provide essential goods and services like food, water, electricity and vital security to the Iraqi citizens and coalition members. Our tasks are dangerous and while we feel sadness for our fallen colleagues, we also feel pride and satisfaction that we are making a difference for the people of Iraq.''A memorial fund has been established by Blackwater to support the victim's families.All memorial gifts will be documented and appropriately acknowledged with due regard to the wishes of the donor and the nature of the contribution, the statement said.Contributions may be mailed to Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 159, Moyock, NC 27958. Make checks payable to ''Memorial Fund.'' The Associated Press contributed to this report ©The Morning Journal 2004 http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1699&dept_id=46371&newsid=11229320&PAG=461&rfi=9 ÂDonna Zovko holds a photo of her son Jerry Zovko, 32, of Ohio. He was one of four American contract workers killed in Fallujah, Iraq, on Wednesday. JOHN KUNTZ/ASSOCIATED PRESS. By JOANNE KIMBERLIN, The Virginian-Pilot © April 2, 2004 Special ops guys live their lives under the radar. They die that way as well - unless their families choose otherwise. On Thursday, Blackwater Security Consulting refused to release the identities of its four employees killed and mutilated Wednesday in Iraq. The Moyock, N.C.-based company said its decision was made to protect the privacy of the families of those killed. By Thursday night, three families had come forward to publicly acknowledge the loss of their sons. The three men have been identified as Jerry Zovko of Ohio, Michael Teague of Tennessee, and Scott Helvenston of Florida. Zovko and Teague were with the Army's airborne special forces before joining Blackwater. The victims:Jerry Zovko of Ohio had been a member of the special forces in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Michael Teague of Clarksville, Tenn., had been a 12-year Army veteran. Teague was a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Scott Helvenston of Florida served with the Navy SEALs for 12 years. He also was an actor and stunt man. Helvenston was a Navy SEAL. Reports say the unidentified contractor was also a former SEAL. Blackwater would not comment on those reports. Moyock lies just across the state line from Chesapeake, and employs many former military and police officers from Hampton Roads. Most work as independent contractors, gathering information and guarding VIPs and convoys in hot spots around the globe. The nature of what they do fosters a culture of secrecy already ingrained by years of undercover work for the government. The four ambushed Wednesday were said to be escorting food shipments in the Fallujah area, about 30 miles west of Baghdad. Jamie Smith, a former vice president of Blackwater who left the firm in 2002 to start his own security company, says he wrote Blackwater's "no names" policy - a practice also followed at Smith's new business, SCG International Risk, based in Virginia Beach. Compassion for the families is uppermost, Smith said. Safety is right on its heels. "The enemy may have contacts in the U.S.," Smith said, "and if you start putting names out there - any names - and they start finding out who your friends are and asking questions, it could become a security problem." Speaking by satellite phone Thursday, Smith said he was in the Middle East, but would not say exactly where - only that he was "close" to the area of the ambush. Smith said his company has 51 contractors in the region doing similar work as their counterparts at Blackwater. The private security industry is a tight-knit community overseas, he said. "At some point, you've worked or trained with just about everyone over here," Smith said. "You become friends." Smith described the contractors he works with as "extremely patriotic, extremely motivated." Fear is not a factor. "They're not like little boys who suddenly want to go home because they didn't expect this," Smith said. "All of them - myself included - worked for the federal government before this. We've been taking these risks for years. We accept them." Zovko's mother said she and her husband had suspected that their son might be among the dead, and their fears were confirmed Thursday morning when Gary Jackson, the president of Blackwater USA, knocked on the door of their Willoughby, Ohio, home. "It was the hardest day of my life," Donna Zovko said during an interview in her suburban Cleveland home. "Jerry was a man with a principle, an idea. He loved people. He wanted the world to be without borders, for everybody to be free and safe." Zovko's family wouldn't say whether he was married or had children. Jerry Zovko joined the Army in 1991 at age 19. He was a member of the special forces in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, his brother, Tom Zovko, said. Teague, of Clarksville, Tenn., was a 12-year Army veteran who earned a Bronze Star for service in Afghanistan and also served in Panama and Grenada, his wife, Rhonda, said in a prepared statement. She called her husband a "proud father, soldier and American." Teague was a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment - known as the Nightstalkers - out of Clarksville, Tenn. Teague had worked in the security business since he left the Army six years ago, but he joined Blackwater Security only two months ago, WTVF-TV of Nashville reported. Helvenston was identified by a family spokesperson who said the family would comment today. Helvenston lived in Leesburg, Fla., before joining the Navy when he was 17. He served with the Navy SEALs for 12 years and later worked as a fitness promoter, starting a company called Amphibian Athletics. He also was an actor and stunt man for movies including "G.I. Jane," according to a company Web site. In Moyock, the news trucks and cars that crowded the narrow road to Blackwater's gate had disappeared by Thursday afternoon, though company guards still watched warily. Many of the town's homes displayed yellow ribbons knotted on porch posts and faded paper flags taped to windows, most remaining from the beginning of the war in Iraq or various deployments. Staff at Moyock United Methodist Church said there has been talk of organizing a memorial service. Yet no one seemed quite sure how to mourn, not knowing the names of all those who died. "I hope it's none of our friends," said Ralph Holder, 60, a retired torpedoman who spent 26 years in the Navy. One of Holder's granddaughters said the news was disturbing to the town's children, because some of them had parents serving in Iraq. "We didn't talk about it in school because some kids got very emotional," said Amber Hunt, 13. Some Moyock veterans were saddened but not surprised by the deaths of the four contractors. "I'm sorry as I can be that our neighbors were involved yesterday," said Edward "Earl" Brickhouse, who lives down the road from the Blackwater training facility. But, he said, remembering his own experience in the Air Force in Vietnam, "that's just one of those things that happens. It's wartime." If the United States tries to police the world, "you can expect to take hits like that," Brickhouse said, gazing solemnly up the road toward Blackwater. Like Blackwater, Zel Technologies LLC of Hampton has workers in Iraq, as well as in many other hot spots, according to Jack L. Ezzell Jr., the company's president and chief executive officer. The company provides IT services to the military for intelligence collection and battle management, among other things. Most of his employees in Iraq are doing office-related work, he said, but some are in harm's way. "We always factor that in when we think about doing work abroad," Ezzell said. "Safety is always looked at." Many defense contractors have prior military or law enforcement experience and are prepared for the conditions they face. The deaths of the Blackwater employees has not and probably will not cause defense contractors to pull out of Iraq, said John Williams, spokesman for the National Defense Industrial Association, an Arlington-based trade group that represents 1,200 defense contractors. With 15,000 contractors on the ground in Iraq, most are working without incident, he said. "These people have been killed before, and it did not cause a mass movement in that direction," he said. About 30 contractors have been killed in Iraq since fighting began a year ago.Since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, insurance policies for these workers have increased significantly. Global Underwriters Inc. of Cincinnati covered many of the workers who were killed in Iraq, and has written policies for defense contractors from Hampton Roads. Its policies go beyond medical and travel insurance, and cover accidental death and dismemberment, kidnap and ransom, terrorism and 24-hour evacuation assistance. Staff writers Melissa Scott Sinclair and Allison Connolly and The Associated Press contributed to this report.Reach Joanne Kimberlin at 446-2338 or joanne.kimberlin@piloton line.comÂÂhttp://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=68349&ran=22767  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 02 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4747/1/E-SoCal-Croats-website-update.html ÂSoCal Croats website update Greetings,I have updated the Southern California Croats website with new info on events, Croatian MP3s, and the Forum is now active.1) Upcoming Dalmatinska Noc - with Mladen Grdovic & Dusko Lokin from ZadarUpcoming Sibenska Noc - with Ivo Patierra from SibenikUpcoming Splitska Noc - with Goran Karan from Split2) Please download older MP3s b/c they will be removed to make way for new albums.3) The Forum is active and can be used as a discussion board or announcement board.Thank you,Jeffrey Bacicwww.socalcroats.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 30 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4748/1/E-4th-Generation-Croatian-Enlisting-into-the-Navy.html ÂFourth generation Croatian, David Morris, has enlisted into the NavyFourth generation Croatian, David Morris, has enlisted into the Navy in January 2004. He is graduating from boot camp in March and will continue his training as a machinist mate. David, born 1982, and his mother Carolyn Babich Morris have been active in the Croatian community in New York City. During '91-'95 they have joined demonstrations in front of the United Nations for a peaceful, independent and democratic Croatia. They assisted in collecting first aid to Croatia, signed petitions and called the White House to urge the U.S. government to get involved, helping Croatia. His training is taking place in Great Lakes, IL and David is away from home for the first time in his life. Growing up in New York, David loved to play soccer, is a computer whiz, interested in music, movies, TV and driving his mother's car. He loves animals, especially his three cats Nicky and Pepper who were adopted and Lucky whom he rescued. David's grandfather was Matthew Babich, who was born in California in 1919, where he died in 1991. He served in the U.S. Navy along with his brother Jack. Matthew was stationed in U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, where he worked as a minesweeper. He rose to the rank of an officer and was honorably discharged. In 1903, the United States agreed to lease 45 square miles of land and water at Guantanamo Bay. It is the oldest U.S. base overseas and the only one in a Communist country. Following the attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001 it serves as the War on Terrorism Detainee Mission.David's great grandfather was John Ivan Babich, born in Mostar and emigrated to the U.S. around 1910's via Ellis Island. He settled in California, where he met his wife Marija Mary Dragovich, who was born in Hvar, Croatia. Besides being homesick, getting mail is important to David. If you have a few minutes, kindly forward a note or a postcard to David, wishing him good luck. David's address: S. R. Morris, David A.Division 917Ship 04Recruit Training Command3301 Indiana StreetGreat Lakes, IL 60088-3127 Thank You!Submitted by: Katarina TepeshNew York City, March 12, 2004 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 16 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4749/1/E-Croatian-American-Cultural-Center---Named.html ÂCROATIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTERHome of theSLAVONIC MUTUAL and BENEVOLENT SOCIETYOLDEST CROATIAN SOCIETY IN AMERICA Organized 1857In March of 2004 the Board of Directors of the Slavonic Cultural Center and the Slavonic Mutual and Benevolent Society of San Francisco, California voted unanimously to change the name of the cultural center to Croatian American Cultural Center.Vice-President: Adam S. EterovichHISTORY OF SOCIETYOn November 17, 1857, at 56 Government House near the present waterfront of San Francisco, California a group of Dalmatians, Istrians, Bokelje and Hercegovinans from Croatia and Hercegovina organized the oldest Croatian Society in America then called the Slavonic Illyric Society. Illyric was a patriotic movement in Croatia. In 1923 the name was changed to Slavonic Mutual and Benevolent Society as Illyric had lost its historic meaning.The Slavonic Illyric Society, organized and purchased the Slavonic Plot Croatian Catholic Cemetery in 1861; founded a Library in 1869; was the prime organizor of the Croatian and Slovene Catholic Church of Nativity in San Francisco in 1900.The Society built the first home and cultural center in America at Sutter Creek, Amador County in 1873. Our Gold Rush pioneers had a branch of the Society in the Amador; a branch in Sacramento in 1859; and a branch in Watsonville, California.The Society has constructed a 1.5 million dollar center in San Francisco in1975 and is now adding $400, 000. in renovations and when completed will be called the Croatian American Cultural Center.The Society had over 700 members in the 1870’s. Our membership includes six generations of Californians. Our Logo or Coat of Arms incorporates the American Flag, the red, white and blue Croatian Flag; a fox and star as found in the Arms of Slavonia.The Society is not interested in your political or religious beliefs. We welcome all men and women of good will who have a desire to preserve our ethnic culture in America.CROATIAN CEMETERY IN SAN FRANCISCO 1861On April 11, 1861, the first Catholic Bishop under the American administration, Bishop Aleman, granted the Slavonic Illyric Society of San Francisco the honor and right to a separate cemetery plot to be known as the Slavonic Plot. This plot, called Sclavonic Terra at the time, was 46’ x 19’ in size and was purchased for $400.00 in gold coin in perpetual care.No other Catholic ethnic group in the San Francisco Bay Area was granted an autonomous cemetery within the Holly Cross Catholic Cemetery. Our plot was located approximately on the site of present day University of San Francisco. The New Calvary Catholic Cemetery was organized on the 18th of October 1860 with 84 acres. The cost of a grave was $1.00 per square foot and $12.00 for an adult opening and $8.00 for openings for children. Our society would bury any Catholic Slav, but since all of the Slavs in the Society and in San Francisco were Croatians from Dalmatia, the first burials were Croatians and by the 1900’s, Slovene Catholics were being buried. Catholic Croatians in 1861 were subjects of Turkey, Hungary, Italy, and Austria; this relationship lasted on and off from 1000 AD until the formation of Croatia in 1991. The good bishop Aleman understood the plight of South- Slavs for ethnic identity and a last resting place of their own far from their beloved Dalmatia.The Slavonic Society purchased the Slavonic Plot in advance so as to provide a burial site for members, indigents, priests and other circumstances Croatians who were not in a position to pay for their final resting place.Because of the Great Earthquake and Fire in 1906 that consumed San Francisco, all burial sites in San Francisco were required to locate outside the city in Colma, except those cemeteries, determined to be historical sites, such as Mission Dolores. The Society made removals on a selected basis of family preference to the new Holy Cross Cemetery at Colma. All other Slavonic Plot burials were put into a common grave. The 46’ x 49’ plot purchased in 1861 was exchanged for a 65’ x 65’ plot in 1910. They gave up all rights to the San Francisco deed and accepted a new deed and contract. In 1911 they expanded the 65’ x 65’ to 100’ x 100’ and paid gold coin for the land and perpetual care. In 1926 they negotiated a new additional contract for an additional 100’ x 100’ and 50’ x 200’ in size. They maintain the Slavonic Plot in the sizes described to this day. The Contracts were tested in court and our contracts were upheld. The rights to a Slavonic Plot extend to the year 2200 AD. A review of some historic burials made in the 1850’s and 1860’s by our Society are of interest:Mission Dolores Cemetery on January 15, 1860Fortuna FermichOvdi Pocivajo costi pociniega FortunalaFermicha rodom od Brucia u Dalmaziuviecku niegovu 23 ga dine i svercia niegov xivot new 15 Genura 1860 u Svetoinu Franc. (San Francisco). Erected by the Slavonic Illyric Society for his memory. Rest in peace. Amen.Mission Dolores Cemetery on July 18, 1860Johan ProvizzoOvdi pocivajo costi Johan Provisso koisse rodi godine 1818 u Boka Kotor u varoscu,Erzeg Novi, Provinza Dalmatia I poge sovogna svieta na 28 luglia 1860koi ostavi nankonsebe 2 sina, 2 kceril svoju sprugu u zernu do vieka. Resquienscant in pace. Erected by the Slavonic Illyric Society to his memory.In 1862 Marco Milinovich and Marco Zenovich were brought from Virginia City, Nevada for burial. Marco Milinovich was shot and killed by an Irish gunfighter in his San Francisco Hotel and Saloon. In 1866 Antonio Sassovich, a sailor, murdered Basilio Vlahovich. Antonio was hung. Both were buried by the Society, although not members. Virginia Rasol, age 1, was the first child buried in the Slavonic Plot in 1871. The Society buried all Priests who had served the Croatian Church of Nativity. The Slavonic Plot has played a very important part in the society.USAGE OF SLAVONIANWhen the Republic of Venice controlled Istria and Dalmatia they called their Croatian subjects Schiavoni (Slavonians). Next to the Piazza San Marco in Venice is the large dock called Riva Degli Schiavoni and behind this dock was the Slavonian Quarter also known as the Castello. In this Quarter you will find the Scola Degli Schiavoni (Guild Hall of the Slavonians), Church of the Schiavoni and the homes of the Cabots who discovered North America and the burial place of the Marco Polos. This rule lasted from 1400 to 1800 and in Istria longer. During this time Croatians in Spain were known as Esclavons or Aragusa; in England and Europe as Sclavonians, Illyrians, Dalmatians or Ragusans. Croatians started to come to America in the 1750’s; they came as Slavonians to the Southern and Western United States.All of the above was done to divide the coastal Croatians from their brothers inland.Adam S. Eterovich letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 13 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4753/1/E-Malkovich-zainteresiran-za-Vilu-kod-Dubrovnika.html ÂMALKOVICH KUPUJE VILU U TRSTENOM Vlastima Bosne i Hercegovine stigla je ponuda poznatog americkog glumca hrvatskog podrijetla Johna Malkovicha koji je preko pisma namjere Vijece ministara BiH obavijestio o želji za kupnjom nekretnine, zemljišta i kuce, koja se nalazi u Trstenom kod Dubrovnika, dakle na teritoriju Republike Hrvatske. Vijece ministara BiH razmotrilo je navedeno pismo i zadužilo Ministarstvo financija i trezora BiH da Vijecu ministara BiH dostavi mišljenje o Malkovichevoj ponudi.Kako Slobodna Dalmacija saznaje, predmet Malkovicheva interesa je Villa Aurora, jedan od ljepših ljetnikovaca u Trstenom. Pravo korištenja njome ima pak vlada Bosne i Hercegovine i upravo je to jedan od razloga zbog kojeg se ova gradevina nalazi u derutnom stanju i propada.Naime, i ta vila je predmet sukcesije i pregovora o raspodjeli imovine medu bivšim jugoslavenskim republikama što traje vec godinama. Villa Aurora smještena je ispod Arboretuma u Trstenom u sjeni cempresa i bogate mediteranske vegetacije uz more, s pogledom na otoke Lopud i Šipan, a ispred vile nalazi se veliki trstenski mul.To kameno zdanje izgradeno je pocetkom prošloga stoljeca, a do pocetka devedesetih godina služilo je kao odmaralište ondašnjeg Izvršnog vijeca Bosne i Hercegovine. Na citavom imanju uz veliki vrt nalazi se i nekoliko popratnih kucica-apartmana, a vila ima i svoju vlastitu odvojenu plažu.Iako je nekoliko godina prije rata interijer vile obnovljen, tijekom okupacije ona je opljackana i razrušena, a jednim dijelom i zapaljena. Za njezinu kupnju i obnovu, doznajemo, bilo je prilicno interesenata, a svojedobno je bila zainteresirana i Hrvatska akademija znanosti i umjetnosti.Paulina PEKO Zdenko RERIG & Slobodna Dalmacija letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4752/1/EH-VoiceofCroatianet---info.html ÂVoiceofCroatia.net(slijedi na hrvatskom) Dear All:VoiceofCroatia.net is back up and running, after a short abandon in December 2003 and January 2004. It continues to focus on major political and cultural issues affecting Croatia and offers a careful selection of media articles that deal with Croatia's current problems, the country's rich cultural/historical heritage and, above all, the defense of the dignity of the Homeland War.It's multilingual - Croatian, English and French.I'm committed to its continuous improvement in terms of its content and design to facilitate your research. Also, a few new initiatives are underway, which will be posted in my Web Magazine. Your comments, ideas, and links are welcome.Sincerely,Ivana Arapovichttp://VoiceofCroatia.net _____________________Dragi Svi:VoiceofCroatia.net stranice su ponovno aktivirane, nakon kratkog napustanja u prosincu 2003. i sijecnju 2004. Nastavlja s usredotocenjem na glavne politicke i kulturne teme koje se ticu Hrvatske i nudi pazljiv odabi medijskih clanaka koji se bave hrvatskim aktualnim problemima, hrvatskim bogatim kulturnim i povjesnim naslijedjem i, nadasve, obranom digniteta Domovinskog rata.Visejezicna je - na hrvatskom, engleskom i francuskom.I dalje sam odana njezinim stalnim poboljsanjima glede sadrzaja i dizajna kako bih vam olaksala istrazivanje. Nekoliko novih inicijativa su na putu i bit ce objavljene u mom Web Magazinu.Vasi komentari, ideje i spojnice su dobrodosli.S postovanjem,Ivana Arapovichttp://VoiceofCroatia.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4751/1/H-Yahoo-group-in-French.html ÂNova Yahoo grupa. New Yahoo GroupNenad,Ako imas vremena, imam stranicu na Yahoo group Ali je na francuskomhttp://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/elafiti/ Stavila sam dosta slika sa nase mjestoDanas sam tako opet razgovarala sa prijatejima iz Sarajeva, koje znam saSipana 30 god, a dans zivu u Seattle gdje studiraju.Internet je stvarno super stvarAnne Courreau Kuncevic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4750/1/H-Internet-Radio---Ivezic-Pavuna.html Âwww.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.comÂInternet Radio letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4754/1/E-Internet-Radio-Lijepa-Nasa.html Âhttp://www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.comInternet Radio for the world community letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 05 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4757/1/E-Croatian-Apple-Farmers-in-Calfornia.html ÂCroatian Apple Farmers in CalforniaThe following appeared in the Register Pajaronian and concerns anexhibit concerning apple farming in Pajaro, California. As noted,Croatian immigrants played a big role in running the local apple farms.John KraljicLabeling historyJan 27 2004 12:00AM ByBy TARMO HANNULAOF THE REGISTER-PAJARONIANOld apple boxes receive colorful stamps for agriculture exhibitIt's not easy to slap a label on history. And on Saturday, about 10volunteers at the Ag History Project were busy doing just that -carefully re-labeling old wood apple boxes with brilliant, colorfulcompany labels.The newly labeled apple boxes will be used as part of a new exhibitbeing built inside the Codiga Center and Museum that will focus of thegrowing, packing and shipping of Pajaro Valley apples, said JohnKegebein, chief volunteer for the Ag History Project.Many of the handsomely labeled boxes will be stacked, just like theearly days, on two-horse drawn orchard wagons, known as the "fifthwheel."Buak, Elk, Morning Star, Owl, Sun Flavor, J.M. Lukrich, Lake View andJensen - just to name a scant sampling of the nearly 100 company labels(mostly from Watsonville) - all had dazzling, colorful apple labels thatboasted the company, the type of product and, in cases, amazinggraphics.The labels, which are high quality copies, represent a valuable slice ofPajaro Valley History, Kegebein said."Some of the first apples were planted around 1865 here in Watsonvilleon what was then Riverside Road," Kegebein said. "By the 1890s and upthrough the 1950s, this region was one of the major apple growing areasin the United States. We hope to preserve and share some of thathistory."Indeed, the labels are striking with their radiant colors, high designlettering, original artwork that shows landscape scenes, birds, fish,night scenes and gorgeous women. All have a unique vibrancy that rarelyis used in modern-day packing and advertisements.At one point during the height of the apple industry, there were 18local companies with apple dryers, said Nita Gizdich, owner of GizdichRanch. The dried apples were in high demand in Europe, especially inFrance, Germany, Italy and England, she said.As much as 50 percent of the early apple growers in the Pajaro Valleywere Croatian, while other ethnic groups included Irish, Italian andPortuguese, Gizdich said.The blossoming local apple industry changed substantially, however, withthe advent of controlled atmosphere storage, Gizdich said.Growers once honed their skills and the timing of their harvest todemand. In addition, controlled atmosphere storage companies couldbypass much of the state ordinances - especially with apples lasting aslong as two years in cold storage.ÂRegister-Pajaronian 2004 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4756/1/E-Old-Croatian-Family-on-Staten-Island-NY.html ÂOld Croatian Family on Staten Island, New YorkThe following article comes from the Staten Island Advance. For thosenon-New Yorkers, Staten Island is one of the 5 boroughs which make upNew York City. There was a small Croatian community in Mariner'sHarbor, Staten Island which was also the site of a CFU lodge.John KraljicA simple life in simpler timesThe stories of a Croatian family that settled in Mariners Harbor aroundWorld War I make for an interesting look backwardWednesday, January 28, 2004By KATHRYN CARSESTATEN ISLAND ADVANCEWhen Anne Devlin was growing up she was often told by her parents, tolisten because "everyone has a story." As it turned out, some of therichest stories she would hear were the ones involving her own family.Many of them were told by her maternal grandmother, Anna Stipcich Zec,born Anna Poulec, an illiterate immigrant from Croatia who outlived twohusbands and hung on to the age of 94.An extended illness before her death gave Ms. Devlin's mother, AnneStipcich Stenglein, the chance to pass on more of the family's legacy ofstories about life in Mariners Harbor during the Depression and WorldWar II. And photos taken by Ms. Devlin's father, John Stenglein, alifelong amateur photographer, provided pictorial stepping stonesthrough the family history.The stories are rooted long ago, back when the shipbuilding and repairindustry industry along the northwestern coast of Staten Island keptthousands employed.More than anything, the "waste not, want not" life of Ms. Devlin'sgrandmother and parents gave meaning to the word frugal, observed Ms.Devlin, though she is quick to qualify a word that is often used to mean"cheap.""They were frugal in the best sense of the word," said the New Brightonresident. "They managed well with very little and never lived beyondtheir means."The matriarch of the family lived most of her life in a bungalow -- adeceptively roomy, two story house -- on Holland Avenue at the edge ofDowney's Swamp, one of the major ponds that makes up what is now knownas Mariners Marsh. It was a kind of no-man's swatch of wetlands thatroll over the western shore of Staten Island. As it is now, it was arefuge for wildlife such as muskrat and a haven for kids in theneighborhood who would fish and ice skate there depending on the season.Mrs. Zec, her first husband Ignace Stipcich and a few of their childrenarrived in Mariners Harbor in 1912, when she was 25. They did not stayfor long, leaving to seek work as far away as Michigan and returning toPennsylvania, where they had been tenant farmers, and New Jersey wheretheir daughter Anne was born in Rahway. They settled for good inMariners Harbor sometime around World War I.The Croatia Mrs. Zec left behind was a land of a tribal people who werepart of the Austria-Hungary Empire. After World War I, the Croats weretaken over by Yugoslavia. They did not gain independence until 2000. Forher, Croatia was a chaotic place where marauding invaders plunderedvillages in search of males to abduct for conscription. As a girl withpoor eyesight, her life was no less embattled as she was denied aneducation in her native country and relegated to indentured servitude.From the age of 7, she worked as a scullery maid in an aristocratichouse. She impressed her employers with her cooking skills at an earlyage and moved up in status.Fittingly enough, after arriving in Mariners harbor, her kitchen onHolland Avenue was the center of family life. The resourcefulness andskill that the young servant girl employed in her native land resurfacedduring the Depression years when she appropriated land from the swamparea and farmed vegetables to distribute and barter for goods in thecommunity of Polish and Slavic immigrants who lived in the area.Having raised livestock in Pennsylvania, Mrs. Zec raised pigs (one at atime) on her "farm" on Holland Avenue. An African-American man who livedon the block helped her slaughter each pig for which he was paid in porkand a good meal.The pig farm was hardly within the zoning laws, but flouting the law forthe necessities of living and smoothing the way by offering a hardy mealcame naturally to Mrs. Zec. In true European style, she produced her ownwine and whiskey. Her daughter, Anne, Ms. Devlin's mother, related thatwhen the authorities showed up periodically to investigate, her motherwould feed the "detectee" in the kitchen while she ran into the swampwith the still.At her funeral, Mrs. Devlin was touched by the number of people who toldher "your grandmother fed my family."In another, more enlightened time, Mrs. Zec might have been a shrewdbusinesswoman. In addition to bartering her produce for goods, she tookin boarders.The will to survive and work overshadowed all other values, and theyoung Anne Stipcich Stenglein and her siblings were, in turn, put towork at an early age. In fact, her mother and father actively blockedtheir education so that might work.Despite the disruptions in her education from the many moves the familymade and the lack of parental support, Anne succeeded not only insecuring a high-school education by walking to Port Richmond HighSchool, but taught herself to read and write in Croatian, her firstlanguage and to become fluent in French.She worked at the Electric Boat Co. in Bayonne, a company that built PTboats during World War II, a time of intense activity on the waterfront.She also organized socials that promoted ethnic food options and folkdancing. They were held at Bukovac's on Simonson Avenue, one of a fewestablishments that the Bukovac family owned.Several Bukovac family members were musicians, and Ms. Devlin remembersgoing to family weddings where the food was plentiful and a tamburitzaband would play as the polka and kolo, a circle dance, was danced.The establishment was the center of neighborhood social life andcontinues today as a tavern and catering hall called the Eagle's Nest.John White, the present owner, is aware of its place in the community.One legend he has heard is that Buffalo Bill stayed upstairs when he wasin Mariners Harbor with his Wild West Show.When the young Anne Stipcich and her sister, Mildred, were decoratingfor one of these socials, a handsome police recruit, John Stenglein,offered to hold the ladder she was on.Stenglein, parents of German immigrants, lived first on Van Pelt Avenueand then on Richmond Terrace in a house whose architectural details havebeen muddled by alterations over the years. Still, the grand mansardroof is visible, indicating a social status somewhere between the humblebungalow on Holland Avenue and the mansions of oyster captains alongSouth Avenue, ornaments of wealth from a bygone era.Stenglein's parents were educated in Germany. His father was anaccountant with a firm on Roosevelt Island.An outstanding football player with the Stapleton Arrows, the youngStenglein was offered a college scholarship in Connecticut. He had toforgo it, however, after his father died unexpectedly from pneumonia andhe had to help support his mother.He didn't have to go far for work. Across the street was the Great LakesDredge and Dock Company where he got a job as a blacksmith. The company,a worldwide operation based in Chicago, Ill., is still operating on theTerrace.According to Charles Sachs, in "Made on Staten Island," in the earlyyears of the 20th century, the northwest corner of the Island saw a boomin shipbuilding and repair plants with a work force of 6,806 people by1920. The 1940s saw a second surge, especially with the establishment ofBethlehem Steel shipyard which employed 12,000 workers.In comparison, Brian Goetchius, yard superintendent at Great Lakes, saysthat there may have been 30 to 40 employees not long ago, though todaythere are just six or seven fulltime employees, the rest transientworkers who come to do the dredge work.Stenglein went on to be accepted in the police department. He served inthe 6th Precinct for 26 years.When Anne Stipcich and Stenglein married, they lived in the HollandAvenue house. On warm summer nights, Stenglein, who had bought a 16mmprojector, would put a sign up, "Movies tonight." He attached a screento the side of the barn, and when darkness fell, neighbors would gatherfor entertainment and refreshments baked by Mrs. Stenglein.The young family moved to Port Richmond in the 1950s, but Stenglein kepthis ties to Mariners Harbor, especially through athletics. In the daysbefore Little League and Babe Ruth leagues, he reinvigorated theMariners Harbor Democrats (not a political club), whose members clearedthe lot across from Weissglass Dairy to make Decker Field.Among the many fellows who were given something to do and kept out oftrouble was Nick Bruno, a standout Port Richmond basketball and baseballplayer who was a beloved teacher at PS 44, Mariners Harbor.Ms. Devlin, a librarian at Egbert Intermediate School in Midland Beach,reflects on the balanced life her parents lived with attention to manualtasks like baking, sewing and carpentry, physical fitness and theintellectual stimulation of reading poetry -- Kipling, Tennyson, Whitman-- together.What they also did, she said, was live a simple life in a way that theybelieved. "You really do make a difference if you think that we are allin this together." tail Kathryn Carse is the Flip! editor of the StatenIsland Advance. She can be reached at carse@siadvance.com . letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4755/1/H-Hrvatska-Matica-Iseljenika-Zove-Vas.html ÂPriblizavanjehrvatske kulturne bastine svijetuwww.matis.hrMatica Iseljenika HrvatskeMr. Nenad Bach P.O. Box 145Croton On Hudson, NY 10520USAZagreb,27.sijecnja2004. Postovani gospodine Bach,obracam Vam se kako bih Vas iscrpnije upoznao s radom i planovima HMI-a za 2004. godinu, a i za buducnost, o kojima sam Vam vec nesto rekao u nasem nedavnom telefonskom razgovoru. Nadam se da ce nasa suradnja uroditi plodom na obostrano zadovoljstvo i zadovoljstvo hrvatskih iseljenika u Americi i diljem svijeta. Ne bih zelio zlorabiti Vasu blagonaklonu spremnost da nam pomognete u realizaciji tih projekata, niti Vase dragocjeno vrijeme, ali Vas moram ukratko upoznati s radom HMI-a kojim gradimo partnerstvo s iseljenim Hrvatima i njihovim potomcima, s udrugama koje djeluju diljem svijeta. Cilj nasega djelovanja je stvaranje cvrstih spona iseljene Hrvatske sa domovinom. Svi nasi dosadasnji projekti koje smo ostvarili u domovini i izvan nje kao sto su podukahrvatskog jezika i kulture, projekti nakladnistva, skola folklora, sviranje tradicijskih instrumenata, seminar «Stvaranje kazalista» i dr. bili su usmjereni k tome cilju; promicanju vrijednosti hrvatske kulturne bastine kako bi hrvatski covjek sacuvao svoj etnicko-kulturni identitet u sredinama u kojima zivi.Pored tradicionalnih projekata koji su vec sazivjeli i s kojima i dalje nastavljamo nasu djelatnost ove godine pokrenuli smo i neke nove, vrlo zanimljive, projekte (Tecaj cipkarstva, Hrvatska kulturna bastina-ljetna skola o graditeljskom nasljedju, Seminar o hrvatskoj gastronomiji, Skola klapskog pjevanja i dr.). Medju najznacajnijima je svakako Nacionalni muzej hrvatske dijaspore u Zagrebu koji ce biti kombinacija virtualne i klasicne koncepcije Muzeja. Taj Muzej trebao bi biti okupljaliste nasih iseljenika kao i znanstvenika, eminentnih strucnjaka, umjetnika.Osim ovoga projekta Matica pokrece jos dva nova projekta o kojima sam s Vama razgovarao i za koje ste pokazali interes. Potaknuti upravo Vasim uspjesima na promicanju hrvatske glazbene kulture u svijetu i, jer je glazba najsnazniji izraz prepoznavanja identiteta jednoga naroda, odlucili smo se za projekt etno glazbene radionice pod nazivom Glazba sjeverozapadne Hrvatske - Medjimurje. Ovim projektom zelimo predstaviti tradicijsku glazbu sjeverozapadne Hrvatske te pridonijeti cuvanju i razvijanju kulturne tradicije u hrvatskim zajednicama diljem svijeta, te istraziti mogucnosti njene primjene u kontekstu hrvatske etno glazbe. Ovo je samo pocetak istrazivanja kojim zelimo obuhvatiti sve tradicijske glazbe hrvatskih regija.Drugi nas novi projekt je Slikarska radionica naivne umjetnosti, a za nju smo se odlucili jer je hrvatska naivna umjetnost vec prepoznatljiv izricaj hrvatskog identiteta u svijetu. Interes za nju ne prestaje o cemu svjedoci i izlozba nasih naivaca postavljena 2000. godine u Muzeju lijepih umjetnosti u Saint Petersburgu na Floridi.Na kraju ovoga sazetog prikaza nasih djelatnosti zamolio bih Vas da u okviru Vasega slobodnog vremena i Vasih mogucnosti budete promotor nasih projekata. Cjeloviti opis svih maticinih projekata i aktivnosti mozete pogledati na nasim novim web stranicama: www.matis.hr Obracam se Vama, jer sam procijenio da nase aktivnosti i Vase djelovanje, narocito na promicanju glazbe u svijetu, imaju zajednicki cilj; priblizavanje hrvatske kulturne bastine svijetu i ocuvanje svijesti nasih iseljenika o svojim korjenima. U nadi da cemo ostvariti suradnju zelim Vam unaprijed zahvaliti, te Vas prilikom skorog dolaska u Zagreb pozivam da budete gost Hrvatske matice iseljenika. S postovanjem, R A V N A T E LJ Nikola Jelincic, dipl.iur. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4758/1/EH-March-3rd-2004-New-York-Croatian-Community-Meeting.html ÂMeeting of the Croatian Community of the New York Metropolitan area Sastanak Hrvatske Zajednice New Yorka i sire MetropoleOn March 3rd, 2004 7:30 PM Club Rudar3 Ozujka 2004 u 19:30 u Klubu RudarAt the address, Na adresi: 34-01 45th Street, Long Island City (Astoria) New York 11103. Tel: 718 786 5833Dinner is served before the meeting, if you desire so. Meeting starts sharply at 7:45.Rucak se servira prije sastanka, ako zelite. Sastanak pocinje tocno u 7:45.All welcome !Svi Dobrodosli !You think that you are not important? You are, and if you still think you are not, than you can be if you apply yourself.Mislite da niste dovoljno vazni? Moje misljenje je da jeste a ako niste onda mozete biti.Agenda:Plan sastanka:1. What can we do more to improve our communitySto mozemo uciniti kako bi poboljsali zajednicu2. One Stop Shop for Croatian Artists / Sportsman /Scientist and visitors to New York- Accommodations (Buy quantities of Rooms in one-two-three hotels)Welcome at the airport and driving them back top the airport.- Affordable Phone Service (to be able to communicate home to Croatia immediately after their arrival and call locally without being overcharged)- Affordable Food. Agree with a Croatian Owned restaurants to give as a package price for food.- Maps and suggestions. Prepare all data and maps, so they can function immediately. (example: Most of the people who come here do not know that you have to dial 1 before area code. It isn't written almost anywhere and it is considered to be a common knowledge. Guess what? It's not for visitors.- connect them with the local New York institutions- Creation of a blueprint of the same for other cities- Media coverage if they have status that approves such attention (Radio, Print, Internet, TV)Jedna Stanica za Hrvatske Umjetnike, Sportase, Znanstvenike i posjetioce New Yorka- Prebivaliste (otkupiti vci broj soba u jednom, dva, tri hotela)- Docek na aerodromu i voznja do prebivalista te ispracaj, prijevoz do aerodroma.- Priustiv telefonski servis (tako da se moze odmah zvati kuci i lokalno)- Priustiva po cijeni hrana (U dogovoru s restoranima hrvatskih vlasnika)- Mape grada, podzemne zeljeznice, muzeja etc. tako da gosti mogu funkcionrati odmah. Primjer: Vecina ljudi ne zna da treba staviti 1 prije svakog telefonskog poziva.- Povezivanje s lokalnim institucijama.- Kreiranje matrice - prototipa za ostale gradove i zajednice Hrvata u svijetu- organiziranje interviewa za osobe koje zasluzuju paznju (Radio, Tisak, Internet, TV)3. Structure of Support for talentedStruktura podrske talentiranima4. Creation of a DATA base for the whole community. Business and Personal. Cross-reference data base as a blue print for other communities around the world too.kreiranje baze podataka za cijelu zajednicu. Kako poslovnu tako i osobnu. Krosreferenca kao matrica i prototip za ostale hrvatske zajednice u svijetuPrepare yourself, come and share your ideas connections and leg work.Dodjite pripremljeni, podijelite svoje ideje, veze i marljivost.If you have an idea, you have to express is in less then 3 minutes. No long speaches of epic proportions. Brief, compasionate and acurate is appreciated.Ako imate ideju, izrazite je u manje od tri minute. Bez dugackih epskih govora. Kratko, sazeto i strasno.Next Meeting September 29th 2004. Same time same place.Slijedeci sastanak 29 Rujan 2004. Isto mjesto, isto vrijeme.If we achieve nothing by Sept 29th., I'll give up on that day. I gave it all and if it doesn't work, it means that the community is not ready. My feeling is that YES, WE ARE READY. We just need a spark.Ako nista ne ostvarimo od planiranog do 29 rujna., ja odustajem. Dao sam sve od sebe, i ako ne radi, za mene zanci da zajednica nije spremna. Moj osjecaj je da je zajednica spremnija nego ikada. Potrebna je samo iskra.Nenad Bachwww.Croatia.org Editor in Chief, Glavni i odgovorni urednikContact for suggestions: Letters@CroatianWorld.net Kontakt za sugestije: Letters@CroatianWorld.net www.NenadBach.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 24 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4759/1/EH-Croatian-Chronicle-2nd-Edition.html ÂCroatian Chronicleclick here for the front page in pdf fileTHE SECOND EDITION OF THE CROATIAN CHRONICLEThe Croatian community in New York welcomed the second edition of the Croatian Chronicle, the newspaper striving to reach all American Croatians. Last week, on January 14th at the Croatian restaurant Ponticello, the publication's creators, Sanja Floricic Bogovic, Visnja Miocic and Katarina Deletis, marked the occasion by officially presenting the newspaper to the community's businessmen and women, members of various clubs and organizations, the clergy and distinguished members of New York's cultural world. The newspaper's editor, Visnja Miocic, said that the countless worthwhile activities taking place in Croatian communities across North America can be fully effective only if Croatians possess their own medium, through which the general public can be informed of them. She emphasized that the primary role of the Croatian Chronicle is to inform American Croatians and to chronicle the lives of Croatian communities in the United States.Sanja Floricic Bogovic, Visnja Miocic and Katarina Deletis thanked all those who contributed to the paper's creation, introduced the people who helped put it together and, since the newspaper is financed entirely independently, once again called on American Croatians to ensure its future with their subscriptions and advertisements.The evening flowed in an exceptionally relaxed atmosphere. Many guests congratulated the young team on their courage, commitment and on a quality newspaper which has attracted a lot of attention. The Croatian Chronicle contains 48 pages (8 of which are in color) of news and articles about Croatians and their communities throughout North America.The presentation was complimented by a performance of the Dalmatian a capella singing group (klapa) Astoria which has been active in New York for a number of years, and by the young mezzo-soprano Tanja Simic, who also took the opportunity to announce her upcoming concert at prestigious Carnegie Hall on February 15th.Among the articles in the second issue of the Croatian Chronicle is an interview with Karlo J. Mirth about his new book, Zivot u emigraciji, an article about possible democratic presidential candidate, Dennis Kuchinich and Croatian Americans, a story about the Croatian architect Leo Modrcin who designed New York's newest theatre, an interview with New York Giants player David Diehl, and other news and articles about Croatians and their communities throughout North America.CROATIAN CHRONICLETo contribute information, suggestions, letters or articles please call 718 278-5760;send a fax to 718 228-4311, or an e-mail at info@croatianchronicle.com . BUY A SUBSCRIPTION TO THE CROATIAN CHRONICLE! FOR ONLY $ 22.00 A YEAR, THE CROATIAN CHRONICLE WILL ARRIVE RIGHT AT YOUR DOORSTEP!Drugi broj hrvatske kronikeHrvatska zajednica u New Yorku pozdravila je izlazak drugog broja "Croatian Chroniclea" (Hrvatske kronike), lista koji zeli postati novina za sve americke Hrvate.Povodom izlaska drugog broja pokretaci i realizatori nove hrvatske novine Sanja Floricic Bogovic, Visnja Miocic i Katarina Deletis predstavile su u njujorskom restoranu Ponticello prosli tjedan list hrvatskim poslovnim ljudima, svecenicima, predstavnicima hrvatskih udruga, klubova i organizacija te istaknutim kulturnim djelatnicima iz New Yorka."Brojne i vrijedne aktivnosti Hrvata i hrvatskih zajednica na podrucju Sjeverne Amerike mogu dobiti snagu i postici puni ucinak samo ako Hrvati dobiju i svoj medij koji ce o tim dogadajima informirati siru javnost", kazala je na predstavljanju lista glavna urednica Visnja Miocic. Ona je istaknula kako je glavna uloga Hrvatske kronike informiranje americkih Hrvata i svjedocenje o zivotu hrvatskih zajednica u SAD-u. S. Floricic Bogovic, V. Miocic i K. Deletis zahvalile su tom prilikom svima koji su pomogli i omogucili nastajanje ove novine, predstavile suradnike koji su sudjelovali u stvaranju "C.Chronicla", te pozvale jos jednom sve americke Hrvate da svojim pretplatama i oglasavanjem pomognu postojanje novine, koja je potpuno neovisna i financira se iskljucivo od pretplata i prodaje oglasnog prostora.Vecer je protekla u izuzetno ugodnoj atmosferi i druzenju. Brojni gosti cestitali su mladom timu na hrabrosti i odvaznosti, kao i na ozbiljnosti kojom su pristupili ovom poslu, te na kvalitetnoj novini koja je izazvala veliku pozornost. Novina Croatian Chronicle tiska se na 48 stranica, od cega 8 u boji, a donosi vijesti i priloge o Hrvatima i hrvatskim zajednicama iz cijele Sjeverne Amerike.Na prezentaciji novine nastupila je i dalmatinska klapa Astoria, koja nekoliko godina djeluje u New Yorku, te mlada mezzosopranistica Tanja Simic, koja je ujedno i najavila svoj skori nastup u prestižnom Carnegie Hallu u New Yorku, u veljaci. U drugom broju koji je iz tiska izažao prije dva dana, medu ostalim prilozima o zivotu americkih Hrvata tu je razgovor s Karlom J. Mirthom povodom izlaska njegove knjige "Zivot u emigraciji", tekst o Dennisu Kuchinicu, mogucem predsjednickom kandidatu demokratske stranke koji je hrvatskog podrijetla, tekst o hrvatskom arhitektu Leu Modrcinu koji je dizajnirao novo newyorsko kazaliste, razgovor s Davidom Diehlom, Hrvatom koji igra za New York Giantse, te brojne druge zanimljivosti.Svi pretplatnici Croatian Chronicla obavjestavaju se da je njihov primjerak novine u posti, i da ga mogu ocekivari u svojim postanskim sanducicima ovih dana.CROATIAN CHRONICLESve informacije, sugestije, poruke i priloge saljite na;Tel; 718 278-5760Fax; 718 228-4311e-mail; info@croatianchronicle.comPretplatite se na Croatian Chronicle!Za samo $22 godisnje, Croatian Chronicle stize svaki mjesec na vasu adresu! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4761/1/E-A-present-from-Croatia.html ÂA present from CroatiaBy Rick McCorkleDec 24, 2003 - 08:02:23 am PSTMost college students go home for Christmas break.But for Lower Columbia College men's basketball player Mario Kralj, home is Zagreb, Croatia ---- halfway around the world from Longview. So Kralj's parents, Luka and Jasna Kralj, came to the United States to celebrate Christmas with their youngest son."Christmas is about being together with family," said Mario, who is living with Dave and Linda Andrew since enrolling at LCC in August."I don't miss being home for Christmas because my parents are here."Jasna (pronounced YAAZ-na) said her 19-year-old son wanted one thing for Christmas -- his parents."He wanted to show us how happy he is here, what a nice family he is living with," she said. "This would have been the first time we would've been apart. We have an older son who stayed home and will spend Christmas with his aunt."Mario said Christmas in America is similar to the holiday in Croatia."We would go to midnight mass on Christmas Eve, then we would come home and open presents," he said. "The next day we would have a large dinner with the family."Croatian winters are very similar to the weather in the Pacific Northwest, with only occasional snow."It can snow but at the moment it isn't," Jasna said. "You have a lot more rain here than we have. The summers in Croatia can also get really hot."Luka and Jasna also took a four-day trip to Las Vegas, where they saw a concert featuring country-western singer Shania Twain."The trip was Mario's gift to us," Jasna said. "Las Vegas was a nice experience. The last hour before the plane left we won $500. If we would have stayed we're sure we would have lost it. We found that four days of Las Vegas was quite enough."Miracle of the webcamMario admits he would miss his family even more if not for the webcam, which puts his face and voice on the Internet for his parents to see and for him to see them."I knew I would be away from them for a year and would be homesick and not play very well," he said. "The webcam has made it a lot easier for me and my family because we can see each other a couple times a week."Jasna said the webcam has made the family separation easier for them, too."We are a close family, and you can imagine how tough this was for us," she said. "We decided that he should come to America for his future. I don't miss him quite so much because I can see him on the computer a few times a week."There's also been some interesting moments with the webcam."I was out mowing the lawn one day and I looked up and Mario was holding the webcam out the door showing his mom and dad what I was doing," Dave Andrew said. "I was a little surprised."War and fashionFor the first 10 years of his life, Mario and his family lived in Dubrovnik, located in the southwest corner of Croatia along the Adriatic Sea."It was a really nice city about the same size as Longview," Mario said. "Then the war started in 1991, and everything changed."After declaring its independence from Yugoslavia, violence and ethnic conflict grew between the Croats and Serbs in Croatia, soon exploding into a civil war. Jasna, with Mario and his older brother Gino, moved from Dubrovnik to Zagreb, while Luka joined the community militia."We didn't have a professional army, so my dad stayed behind and fought," Mario said. "My mother moved her clothing design company to Zagreb."The economic impacts of the war have also been hard. One of the by-products is a 22 percent sales tax that Croatians pay on all purchases to help rebuild their economy."The prices here are much cheaper," Jasna said of the U.S.Croatia, which is about one-third the size of Washington state, has 4.9 million residents, including more than one million in the capital city of Zagreb.Luka works for a company that sells pipe for streets and highways, and Jasna produces and sells women's clothing through Mardino (pronounced Mar-gino and named for her sons, Mario and Gino)."We purchase material from Italy and France and sell the clothing in Croatia, Slovenia and the surrounding countries," she said. "While I am here, Gino is the director of the business. He has already finished university in communication technology and electronics. He plans to come to the United States next year to get his master's degree at a university in either Florida or Virginia."European basketballMario didn't start playing basketball until he moved to Zagreb."The main sport in Dubrovnik is water polo and a lot of people play it in the sea," he said. "My mother liked basketball more than water polo so I started playing it and quickly forgot about water polo."Mario fine-tuned his hardwood skills and made plans to play his senior season (2001-02) in the United States."Some schools in Europe looked at me and wanted me to come play for them, but I decided to come to America so colleges here could see me play and I could be recruited," he said. "I applied to be an exchange student." The Andrews were selected to be his host family, he said, because Linda Andrews is of Croatian descent, and the family lives in the Mark Morris district.But Mario tore an anterior cruciate ligament during the summer, which put his high school plans on hold. Mario and Luka traveled to Chicago, and Dr. Michael Lewis, the team doctor for the Chicago Bulls, performed the surgery at the North Shore Medical Center."We knew the doctors in Chicago were very good," Jasna said. "We sent him there because we didn't want to put him at any risk because (basketball) is his future."During his rehab in Croatia, Mario served as player-coach for his high school team, which finished second in the championships."Everything is about club basketball and the best players are on clubs in Croatia," Mario said. "The high school team doesn't practice, and it isn't organized like it is here. I coached the team while I did rehab and got to play in the final game of the year."But while Mario sat out for a year, he worried about his chances of playing college basketball."I didn't know if I would be recruited so I contacted (the Andrews) and they told me about Lower Columbia College," he said. "I knew I wouldn't be as good as I was before the injury, and I thought LCC would be the right place for me to get back to where I was and get the minutes I needed to get there."Before his injury, Mario had been selected to play on the Junior National Team that competed for the National Championships."When you represent your country, it's a real honor," he said. "I remember scoring 41 points in one of the games during a tournament in Madrid. Basketball is lot different in Europe than in America because the game here is so much faster and there is a lot more contact. I also don't think my national team is any better than (the Red Devils)."Mario hopes to eventually play basketball at a four-year school and pursue a degree in sports management."Who knows, one day maybe I would come back and coach at Lower Columbia," he said with a chuckle."I could live in the extra room at Dave and Linda's house and use the webcam to see my family."Rick McCorkle is a sportswriter for The Daily News. He can be reached at 577-2529 or rickmc@tdn.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4760/1/H-Croatian-American-Radio-Club-Chicago--Radio-Gospic.html ÂPROSIRENJE SURADNJE RADIO GOSPIcA I CROATIAN AMERICAN RADIO CLUBA IZ CHICAGA Iz Rijeckog Novog lista, 14. sijecanj, 2004.ÂPomoc americkih Licana Radio Gospicu GOSPIc - Hrvatski radio Radio Gospic prosle je godine nastavio suradnju s brojnim radio postajama u dijaspori. Najveci opseg suradnje i broj odaslanih informacija vezan je uz Hrvatsko-americki radio klub u Chicagu kojega vodi ugledni poslovni covjek Mile Stimac, inace Licanin podrijetlom iz Stajnice. Tijekom 2003. godine Radio Gospic je kolegama iz SAD odaslao na stotine razlicitih informacija, posebno u vrijeme izbora i blagdana. Suradnja je nastavljena i u prvim danima ove godine i po svoj ce prilici biti jos intenzivnija. Voditelj postaje Croatian american radio club uvjeren je da je ovo samo prvi korak plodne suradnje. - Na sirem podrucju Chicaga zivi vise od 50 tisuca Hrvata, a mecu njima je veliki broj Licana, kazao nam je Mile Stimac. Program emitiramo subotom i slusanost je mecu Hrvatima odlicna. Uvocenjem informativnih emisija uz pomoc kolega iz svih krajeva Hrvatske, ovim putem imaju svjeze informacije iz prve ruke. Suradnja s Radio Gospicem je na vrlo visokoj razini. Za prosle smo blagdane imali i jedan blok radio cestitki koje su nasi ljudi iz Amerike odaslali rodbini u Lici. Mi cemo se svakako nastojati oduziti Radio Gospicu. Ovdje planiramo organizirati jednu zabavu, a cist prilog bit ce donacija kolegama. Kako smo doznali, Radio Gospicu uz mnostvo opreme hitno treba novi mixer i vjerujem da cemo uspjeti sakupiti novac za jednu takvu donaciju, uvjeren je voditelj Hrvatsko americkog radio kluba Mile Stimac. Spomenuta zabava trebala bi se odrzati sredinom ozujka i na njoj ce nastupiti netko od izvocaca s hrvatske etno scene. Lj. S. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4763/1/E-Croatian-American-Tavern-Owner-Killed-in-Louisian.html ÂBar owner fatally shot at tavern in GentillyThe following appeared in The Times-Picayune of New Orleans. JohnKraljicAnyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 504 822-1111.Bar owner fatally shot at tavern in Gentilly'Like losing a family member,' patron saysFriday January 09, 2004By Leslie WilliamsStaff writerDuring the past couple of decades or so, Steven Horvat had gotten toknow Emmett Sindik well. Both had links to Croatia. Horvat immigrated tothe United States from there; Sindik had Croatian grandparents. The twotalked a lot about sports and other things. And for years, Sindikmanaged Horvat's favorite watering hole, the Clematis Bar, which wasestablished in Gentilly in 1939.Neighborhood residents and people who used to live in the neighborhoodfor years have gathered at the bar where, Horvat said, "everybody knowseverybody." The bar had become particularly important to Horvat since helost about 95 percent of his sight about 2  years ago. The bar, whichfor a while also operated a restaurant, is across the street fromHorvat's home in the 3600 block of Clematis Street and is the only placeHorvat can go unaccompanied.On Wednesday, Horvat "cried like hell all night," not because his lifewill likely change, but for the loss of Sindik, 67, who was gunned downat the bar during what police called an attempted robbery.On Wednesday at about 10:30 p.m., a man was leaving the bar. Two maskedgunmen forced the patron back inside and ordered everyone to lie on thefloor. Sindik ran to the rear of the bar, police spokesman Sgt. PaulAccardo said. One of the gunmen leaped over the counter, chased Sindikto the store room and opened fire, shooting the proprietor "multipletimes in the body," Accardo said.The two gunmen then fled, he said. Detectives think cash might have beenstolen from the register and from four customers in the bar.None of the patrons was injured, Accardo said.Horvat, 66, said he had spoken with Sindik hours before the shooting."We were talking about Amazon mahogany," said Horvat; his son's businessdeals with the importation of exotic lumber.Sindik appeared in pretty good spirits, Horvat said. "He's always been afriendly fellow -- and helpful. If you were short on cash, he'd let youpay later."After Horvat, a roofing contractor, lost most of his sight, Sindik wouldsometimes escort Horvat home.Before becoming the owner and backup bartender at Clematis Bar, Sindikoperated the Old Post Office bar on Downman Road, Horvat said.At this point in his life, Sindik didn't need the money, Horvat said."One day he told me that, 'You know why I keep that bar going? Because Idon't have anything else to do.' " "It's so sad," Horvat said. "It's like losing a family member."It's so unfair. What kind of world do we live in? New Orleans is such abeautiful place. It has the potential for greatness, but these peopledisrupt it, pure criminals."Fifth District Detective Barret Moron is in charge of the investigation.Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 504 822-1111.Callers need not identify themselves and may earn a $1,000 reward.Leslie Williams can be reached at lwilliams@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3358. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4762/1/H-Grad-Mostar-i-upravljanje.html ÂMOSTAR... još jedna nepravda ? 11. sijecanj 2003.Nakon okoncanja ratnih sukoba u Mostaru kao i cijeloj BiH, grad Mostar je jedini u BiH stavljen pod medunarodnu upravu, te je 1996. nametnut i tzv. 'Prijelazni statut' kao privremeno rješenje po kojem je, do tada jednistveni grad, podijeljen na šest gradskih opcina. Opcine su uspostavljene na nacin da tri opcine imaju hrvatsku vecinu, a tri bošnjacku (muslimansku) vecinu, što u naravi predstavlja ratnu podjelu grada.Proteklih sedam godina ovakav administrativni ustroj pokazao je krajnju neprikladnost, neucinkovitost i neracionalnost u funkcioniranju grada u kojem sada postoji sedam administracija (šest opcinskih i gradska), u kojima radi preko 700 službenika, a za potrebe svega oko 100000 (sto tisuca) stanovnika.Zbog svih ovih razloga medunarodna zajednica je inicirala proces izradbe novog Statuta grada Mostara pri cemu se želi doci do najkvalitetnijeg rješenja s opce prihvacenim demokratskim nacelima koja vrijede za sve opcine i gradove u BiH. U tom smislu sugerirano je od strane Visokog predstavnika u BiH g. Paddy Ashdowna (High Representative - HR) da je najbolje rješenje ustrojiti jedinstvenu upravu grada Mostara bez nižih organizacijskih cjelina, tj. bez opcina. Na izradbi prijedloga takvog novog Statuta i nakon tromjesecnog rada (travanj-srpanj 2003), u tu svrhu uspostavljenog Povjerenstva od strane Gradskog vijeca, nije postignuto nikakvo rješenje. S istom zadacom OHR, odnosno Visoki predstavnik, imenovao je novo Povjerenstvo na celu s g. Norbertom Wintersteinom koje je imalo ima da do 15. prosinca 2003. godine dostavi prijedlog novog Statuta grada Mostara. U radu Povjerenstva su sudjelovali predstavnici svih naroda i stranaka koje imaju vijecnike u Gradskom vijecu.Temeljni problem u radu Povjerenstva je nastao kod definiranja:1 konacnog statusa grada,2 izbora za Gradsko vijeceMuslimansko-bošnjacki clanovi Povjerenstva nisu htjeli prihvatiti proces ujedinjenja grada Mostara i nastoje, po svaku cijenu, zadržati ratom nametnutu podjelu grada, te tako sacuvati dominaciju svog naroda nad ostalima koji sada žive u opcinama s muslimanskom vecinom. Clanovi Povjerenstva iz reda hrvatskog naroda su nadvojbeno opredjeljeni za jednu i jedinstvenu gradsku upravu bez opcina i bez skupe administracije koja opterecuje porezne obveznike. Službeno stajalište HDZ-a je za uspostavu jedne jedinstvene administracije. Takvo zalaganje se podudara sa stajalištima Europske Unije (EU) i medunarodne zajednice. Na žalost prijedlozi i argumenti predstavnika HDZ-a nisu imali utjecaja na konacna riješenja.Prijedlog predsjedtelja Komisije za reformu grada Mostara g. Norberta Wintersteina, odnosno odredbe koje se odnose na izborni sustav za izbor vijecnika u Gradsko vijece grada Mostara predstavljaju jako lošu varijantu koja, u biti, ne postoji u zakonodavstvu Bosne i Hercegovine niti je zasnovana na temeljnim opce poznatim i prihvaceni demokratskim principima, a sve opet na štetu Hrvata.Prijedlog izbornog sustava izgleda ovako:- Gradsko vijece ima 31 vijecnika- 6 izbornih jedinica (to su podrucja bivših opcina)- svaka izborna jedinica bira po 3 vijecnika- za razinu cijelog grada se formira Gradska lista- sa Gradske liste se bira 13 vijecnika i to 4 Hrvata, 4 Bošnjaka, 4 Srbina i 1 ostaliTo znaci: (3 x 6) + 13 = 31, odnosno, 58% Gradskog vijeca se bira po izbornim jedinicama a 42% sa jedinstvene gradske liste uz primjenu ogranicene etnicke kvote od 4+4+4+1.- Izbor po tri vijecnika iz svake izborne jedinice (podrucja bivših opcina, Clanak 17. tocka 1.) je jako loše rješenje jer vodi ka izravnom kršenju '...jednakog i istog izbornog prava za sve...' (Europska povelja o lokalnoj samoupravi, Clanak 3. stavak 2., Izborni zakon BiH). Konkretna primjena ovog principa dovodi do diskriminacije i nejednake vrijednosti glasova za vijecnike iz razlicitih izbornih jedinica. Primjer: izborna jedinica Sjever (Bošnjaci-muslimani) sa 4.500 upisanih biraca i izborna jedinica Jugozapad (Hrvati u vecini) sa 26.000 upisanih biraca daju isti broj odnosno po tri vijecnika. Ne postoji primjer u BiH, a možda i u svijetu, da izborne jedinice sa ovako velikom razlikom u broju upisanih biraca daju jednak broj vijecnika-zastupnika. Tri opcine sa bošnjackom vecinom (30% ukupno upisanih biraca) ce uvijek dati svih 9 bošnjackih vijecnika, a opcine sa hrvatskom vecinom (70% upisanih biraca), koje su u suštini jedine multietnicke opcine u Mostaru, daju 6 hrvatskih i 3 bošnjacka vijecnika, iako samo opcina Jugozapad ima više upisanih birca nego sve tri bošnjacke opcine zajedno. Ako racunamo na prosjecan odaziv biraca od 70% to znaci da za jednog bošnjackog vijecnika u dijelu istocnog Mostara je dovoljno oko 1000 glasova, a u zapadnom hrvatski kandidat treba osvojiti više od 6000 glasova. Iz ovoga je jasno da je ovakvo rješenje neprimjereno i diskriminatorsko, te tražimo ispravku ovog dijela predloženih izbornih pravila za Gradsko vijece Mostara (Poglavlje II). - Pravilo po kojem se minimalna zastupljenost naroda (minimalna etnicka kvota) uzima iskljucivo sa zajednicke liste, ne uzimajuci u obzir vec izabrane vijecnike po izbornim jedinicama je neprihvatljivo. Uz primjenu prethodnog diskriminirajuceg postupka ovo pravilo osigurava Bošnjacima-muslimanima vecinu u Gradskom vijecu iako su manjina u ukupnom birackom tijelu.Hrvati cine oko 60% ukupnog pucanstva grada Mostara, a ovako predvidenim izbornim sustavom se želi onemoguciti izbor vijecnika iz reda hrvatskog naroda i nedemokratski reducirati volja birackog tijela. Ovakva izborna pravila ne postoje nigdje u BiH i bila bi neprimjerena posebnost samo za grad Mostar. Nije poznato da takva ogranicenja postoje bilo gdje u civiliziranom i demokratskom svijetu.Uz diskriminaciju po osnovu birackog prava evidentna je i diskriminacija po osnovu gospodarske, odnosno financijske snage pojedinih podrucja Grada Mostara. Zaista je nerazumno da se kroz izborni sustav za gradsko vijece favoriziraju ona podrucja (bivše opcine) koja nisu bila sposobna potaknuti gospodarske aktivnosti na svojoj razini kako bi se osigurali veci porezni prihodi. Da li je prihvatljivo da porezni obveznici iz 3 'opcine' sa hrvatskom vecinom pune gradski Proracun sa 65%, a porezni obveznici iz 3 'opcine' sa bošnjackom vecinom sa 35%, uz izborno 'pravilo' po kojem ce vijecnici bošnjacko-muslimanskih stranaka, iako je njihova izborna baza apsolutno manja, uz potporu Medunarodne zajednice, imati vecinu u Gradskom vijecu i odlucivati o financijskim sredstvima koja ce u vecini osiguravati hrvatski porezni obveznici. Najblaže receno - dvostruka nepravda! Na kraju, želimo naglasiti kako je stajalište predstavnika najjacih politickih stranaka hrvatskog naroda u gradu Mostaru da status grada Mostara i nacin izbora za Gradsko vijece moraju biti identicno regulirani kao i u drugim opcinama i gradovima u BiH. To znaci da hrvatski narod mora biti ravnopravan i da mora imati ista prava kao što ih imaju ostala dva naroda u drugim gradovima i opcinama u Bosni i Hercegovini sa slicnim brojem stanovnika i slicnim multietnickim sastavom pucanstva kao Mostar.Smatramo kako izborna pravila za Gradsko Vijece Mostara ne bi trebala izlaziti iz postojecih okvira Izbornog zakona BiH. Ako je vec izvjesno da bi Mostar trebao biti ustrojen kao jedna jedinica lokalne samouprave onda Izborni zakon Bosne i Hercegovine, u tom slucaju, precizno definira provodenje izbora u okviru jedne izborne jedinice, što smatramo najprimjerenijim rješenjem imajuci u vidu mehanizme zaštite vitalnog interesa i obvezatnu zastupljenost svih naroda.Josip Merdžo, clan Povjerenstva za reformu Grada MostaraMolimo sve one koji to mogu i žele, a prije svega Hrvate i hrvatske organizacije u USA, Europi i diljem svijeta da svojim djelovanjem ukažu na nepravednost ovakvog prijedloga izbornih pravila za grad Mostar, te da podignu svoj glas protiv još jedne diskriminacije koja se želi napraviti prema Hrvatima.Uputite svoja pisma prije svega Uredu OHR u Sarajevu tj. g. Paddy Ashdownu i njegovim suradnicima te udrugama i organizacijama koje se bave demokratizacijom i ljudskim pravima. Uputite svoja pisma i djelujte putom sredstava javnog priopcavanja i medija prema svima za koje Vi smatrate da mogu pomoci. Ostalo je još malo vremena. Do kraja sijecnja 2003 ce se nastaviti razgovori a Vaše djelovanje može pomoci u postizanju pravednog i poštenog rješenja za Hrvate i sve gradene Mostara.Hvala svima!Linkovi i adrese:OHR, Office of the High Representative, www.ohr.intHigh RepresentativePaddy Ashdown, Emerika Bluma 1, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina,Fax: +387 33 283 550Fax: +387 33 283 501 ian.patrick@ohr.int Werner Wnendt Senior Deputy High Representative, Fax: +387 33 283 916, werner.wnendt@ohr.intDietrich BeckerDeputy Head of Political DepartmentFax: +387 33 283 970, dietrich.becker@ohr.intnorbert.winterstein@mostar-commission.orgOSCE Mission to Bosnia and HerzegovinaHead of MissionAmbassador Robert M. BeecroftObala Kulina Bana 19, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina,Fax: +387 33 442 479info@oscebih.org urdurg@oscebih.org richardm@oscebih.org Amb. Clifford BondU.S. EMBASSYSARAJEVOAlipašina 43fax: +387 33 659-722Na ovom linku možete naci gotovo sve institucije i organizacije koji imaju utjecaja na zbivanja u Bosni i Hercegovini:http://www.ohr.int/rltd-sites.asp letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4764/1/H-Internet-Radio---Lijepa-Nasa-Bach-Jovic.html Âwww.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com Â ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDatum Intervju gost  06. sijecanj 04. Zvonimir B. Ranogajec-Deseta obljetnica satelitskog TV i radio programa Hrvatskog informativnog centra  06. sijecanj 04. Josip Jovic-kolumna-Tko bi branio Hrvatsku  06. sijecanj 04. Nenad Bach-interview on WXCI 91.7 FM,presentation of his new album " A Thousand Years of Peace" and many,many beautiful and truthful words for our homeland Croatia,recorded on Dec.10.03 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4765/1/E-Prevent-a-cold.html ÂEat This. It Just Might Prevent a ColdNews flash! Mom was right! Some foods really can cure what ails ya. Sneezing? Sniffling? Head for your refrigerator instead of your medicine cabinet.The best way to prevent a cold is to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, but beyond that there are numerous scientific studies that show certain foods really can help fight the severity and duration of a cold. Special recognition and thanks to the Orange County Register, WebMD, HealthScoutNews, and Reuters Health for the following food tips:Chicken Soup: At the first sign of a scratchy throat or the sniffles, make a pot of chicken soup. "It works every time," Jyl Steinback, author of "Superfoods: Cook Your Way to Health,"http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click?bfmid=2181&sourceid=39421887&isbn=1928998402told the Orange County Register. But you have to eat it on the first day of the cold--just as you start to feel sick. Chicken soup has been used for more than 2,000 years as a medicine for respiratory disorders, including colds, flu, and asthma. According to Dr. Irwin Ziment, a pulmonary specialist at the University of California, Los Angeles, the magic ingredient is most likely cysteine, an amino acid that is abundant in chicken soup. It works much like the chemical acetylcysteine that is used in medicines prescribed to combat congestion. The Orange County Register also notes that chicken soup may be a mild antibiotic that could help the body fight infection.Broccoli, Carrots, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Tangerines, and Avocados: These very colorful foods have one thing in common: They are packed with vitamins A, C, and E which give these foods a supercharged boost to help fight the severity and duration of colds. They are also rich in antioxidants, which may slow down cold and flu viruses.Wine: One to seven glasses of wine a week--and red wine is best--could prevent you from coming down with a cold, reports HealthScoutNews of a research study from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The protective effects are even stronger with eight to 14 glasses a week. But it has to be wine; beer and spirits don't have the same protective effect.Garlic: Garlic not only boosts the immune system, but also contains a substance that kills the rhinovirus that causes colds and flu. It has anti-inflammatory powers as well.Onions: They're rich in sulfur compounds, which have antiviral properties.Citrus Fruits: They're packed with vitamin C, which can help fight the cold infection.Yogurt: Eat just 6 ounces of yogurt a day to help reduce your susceptibility to colds by 25 percent, reports WebMD of several scientific studies. Why? The bacteria in yogurt might stimulate production of immune system substances that fight disease. Yogurt can also minimize the symptoms of hay fever.Jalapenos: Some like it hot enough to make their eyes water! And when they're that hot, jalapenos and other peppers can help break up congestion, as well as boost the immune system.Almonds, Pistachios, and Cashews: These nuts are good sources of protein and omega-3 oils, which will boost your immune system.Ginger: This spice is a natural anti-inflammatory. It can also soothe nausea and vomiting.Apples: Yeah, an apple a day really can keep the doctor away. Apples--including the peel--have a protective effect on the lungs. They're rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.--Cathryn Conroy letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 03 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4767/1/H-Vasa-je-ljubav-ugradena-u-temelje-hrvatske-slobode.html ÂPORUKA HRVATIMA IZVAN DOMOVINE:"Vaša je ljubav ugradena u temelje hrvatske slobode."24. prosinca 2003. Hrvatice i Hrvati,svima vama izvan domovine, vašim obiteljima i vašim najmilijima želim blagoslovljen i sretan Božic i uspješnu i plodnu Novu 2004. godinu. Božicni blagdani predstavljaju vrijeme ljubavi, nade, mira, obitelji i Božjeg blagoslova.Neka ovo božicno vrijeme bude svima vama vrijeme za radost, jer smo i uz vašu pomoc, Hrvatskoj vratili nadu u dostojanstvenu buducnost. Jucer je novoizabrani Hrvatski sabor u kojem voljom hrvatskih biraca HDZ ima vecinu, imenovao hrvatsku Vladu kojoj imam cast biti na celu. Zajednickim trudom, predanošcu i ljubavlju prema domovini, hrvatskom narodu i svim gradanima Hrvatske, možemo od naše domovine uciniti zemlju prosperiteta. Ocekujem na tom putu i vašu nesebicnu pomoc. Ocekujem vaše djelatno sudjelovanje u hrvatskom društvenom, politickom i gospodarskom životu. Hrvatska Vlada i hrvatske društvene institucije bit ce vam u tome na usluzi. Vaša je ljubav ugradena u temelje hrvatske slobode.S poštovanjem,dr. Ivo Sanaderpredsjednik Vlade RH i predsjednik Hrvatske demokratske zajednice letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4768/1/HE-Sretan-Bozic-i-Nova-Godina.html ÂSretan Božic i Nova Godina !Merry Christmas & Happy New Year !Froehliche Weihnachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr!Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année! Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo ! Chestita Koleda i Shtastliva Nova Godina ! Veseloho Vam Rizdva i Shchastlyvoho Novoho Roku!Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva i s Novim Godom ! Afvcke Nettvcakorakko !Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun!Rõõmsaid Jõulupühi ja Head uut aastat!Hyvää Joulua or Hauskaa Joulua - 0nnellista uutta vuotta!Kellemes karácsonyi ünnepeket és Boldog újévet!Pax hominibus bonae voluntatis!Linksmu Kaledu ir laimingu Nauju metu ! Jovi talshpivdi un Vondzist uto aigasto !Wesolych Swiat i Szczesliwego Nowego Roku!Glædelig Jul og godt nytÃ¥r !Boas Festas e um feliz Ano Novo!Craciun fericit si un An Nou fericit!Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou!Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo !God Jul och Gott Nytt Ã…r !Vesele Vianoce a stastny novy rok Vesele bozicne praznike in srecno novo leto Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan ! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 25 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4769/1/E-New-Southern-California-Croat-Website.html ÂThe Croatian community in Southern California is over 250,000 strongNew website So.CalCroatshttp://www.geocities.com/socalcroats This is So.Cal Croats !!Croatian events, Croatian partys, Croatian stores, Croatian churches and masses, Everything Croatian in the Southern California area:AT Southern California Croats Web Site !!!http://www.geocities.com/socalcroats SoCal Croats - Southern California Croats The Croatian community in Southern California is over 250,000 strong with 30,000 just in the San Pedro community (Los Angeles Harbor)....................The website is still under construction, so keep checking for updated parts of the site letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 16 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4773/1/H-SUSRETI-DOMOVINSKE-I-ISELJENE-HRVATSKE-2004.html ÂPoziv na hrvatske ljetne susreteUdruga «Za Domovinu» (ZD) organizira od 12. 08. - 21. 08. 2004 na Makarskoj rivijeri 1. Susrete Domovinske i Iseljene Hrvatske (SDIH), desetodnevni aranzman za zainteresirane Hrvate iz domovine i iseljenistva sa vrlo zanimljivim programom ljetovanja u mjestu Drvenik ( 30 km od Makarske). Sudionici «Susreta» (oko 300) za Veliku Gospu 15.08. posjetice Medugorje. U Sinjskoj krajini 14.08. (selo Gornja Tijarica) bit ce prisutni na nasoj kulinarskoj puckoj veselici «Dani rastike, pure i prsuta» kao i drugih autohtonih jela i specijaliteta hrvatskog kamenjara (Dalmacije, Hercegovine, juzne Bosne Like Primorja i Istre). Na zajednickoj veceri bit ce podijeljene nagrade natjecateljima za najbolji prsut i najukusnije skuhanu rastiku i puru sa naseg kamenjara. Vrhunac dogadanja - pucki Koncert Iznenadenja. U programu je takoder uvrstena kazalisna monodrama «Kako govoriti Hrvatski». Sudionici «Susreta» bit ce u mogucnosti prisustvovati na dan Svetog Roka 16.08. u Malom Drveniku - dalmatinskoj festi, gdje ce uz glazbu bit ponudena pecena riba na gradele i domace vino, to se odrzava u organizaciji turist.zajednice mjesta Drvenik. U obliznjem mjestu Brist 17.08. ( 8 km) pribivati ce kulturnoj smotri «Dani Dalmatinske pisme i rici» koja se odrzava u spomen na velikog hrvatskog jezikoslovca fra. Andrije Kacica Miosica, rodenog u tom malom mjestu. Nadalje, tijekom susreta bit ce odrzano nekoliko vecernjih predavanja (razgovora) na temu «Politicka kultura u Hrvata» s nekolicinom eminentnih gostiju iz Zagreba. Djeca starosti od 3. - 12.god. imaju popust 30% od cijene aranzmana. Za djecu organiziramo igraonice i radionice. Za mlade u vecernjim satima organiziramo Cro-party u disko klubu u Drveniku a za starije na terasi hotela zivu glazbu. Mogucnost kratkog izleta na Sucuraj (Hvar) 20.min. trajektom od Drvenika kao i moguci odlazak na planinu Biokovo ponad grada Makarske, te odlazak na kazalisne predstave «Glumci u Zagvozdu» Imotska krajina.Cijena cjelokupnog desetodnevnog aranzmana (puni pansion) dorucak, rucak vecera / + pice po izboru svaki dan za rucak i veceru te boravisna taksa iznosi 300 eura. Voznja autobusima u Medugorje (jedan dan) i u selo Tijaricu (drugi dan - u oba smjera) te cijena vecere s picem po izboru na «Danima rastike pure i prsuta» iznosi sve skupa 40 eura po osobi. Dakle, sveukupno cijena desetodnevnog aranzmana iznosi 340 eura. Mogucnost transfera od Splitske i Dubrovacke zracne luke do Drvenika, kao i mogucnost organiziranog odlaska u Vukovar samo za vece grupe. Zelja je organizatora da bude sto vise sudionika iz mnogih drzava svijeta gdje zive Hrvati. Nadamo se da cemo u suradnji s Vama uciniti nase Susrete nezaboravnim!!!Ukoliko ste zainteresirani za nas program ljetovanja, molimo Vas da se sto prije prijavite na dolje navedeni kontakt (faxom ili e mailom) kako bi mogli prici konkretnoj realizaciji Vasih aranzmana i rjesavanja mogucih problema. Ukoliko ima pitanja i konstruktivnih prijedloga rado cemo Vam odgovoriti. Lijep pozdrav te svako dobro Vama i Vasim obiteljima iz domovine i svijeta zeliPredsjednik udruge «Za Domovinu» (ZD)Prof. Damir MilicTel/fax 00385/31/500 553e- mail: damir.milic@os.htnet.hrCroatia - Hrvatska letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4772/1/E-MEETINGS-OF-MOTHER-COUNTRY-CROATIANS-2004.html ÂInvitation for Croatian summer meetingsThe foundation «Pro Patria» (PP) organizing from 12. 08. - 21. 08. 2004. on Makarska riviera the 1. Meetings of Mother-country and emigrate Croatia (MMCEC), the ten days arrangements for homeland Croatians and emigrants will have very interesting program in place Drvenik (30 km from Makarska). The participants of "Meetings" (about 300) for Big Lady (Veliku Gospu) 15.08. will visit Medugorje. They will be present 14.08. in village Gornja Tijarica on our culinary-rustic party called "Days of rastike, pure i prsuta" as well as the another autochthonic speciality of Croatian rocky grounds. The competitors for the best air-dried ham, the most appetizing kale and polenta will be rewarded on common supper. The culmination of happening - rustical concert of surprise. In the program also will be inserted the theater monodrama called "How to talking Croatian". Participants will be able to participate 16.08. on day St. Roco in Mali Drvenik to Dalmatian festa (celebration) where you can enjoy in music, baked fish on gradela and home autochthonic vine in organization of turistic communiti of Drvenik. In the neighboring place Brist 17. 08. the guests will participate to cultured muster «Days of Dalmatian song and word» which will be held in commemorative on big Croatian linguist fra. Andrija Kacica Miosica, born in this small place. Further it will be kept a several evening conversation on the subject »Political culture of Croatian people» with a few eminent it guest from Zagreb. The children ages from 3 - 12 god. have a lower price of arrangement for 30 %. We are organizing for young children playrooms and workrooms. For teenage guests in the evening hours we organize Cro-party in disco club at Drvenik, and for older on terrace of hotel will be playing live music. The short trip possibility on Sucuraj (Hvar) 20 minutes with the ferry from Drvenik as well as being able to departure on mountain Biokovo above the town Makarska, though the departures in theater to watch the show «Actors in Zagvozd» small place in Imotska bordeland. The price of is carrying out the all of ten days arrangement (amply pension) breakfast, lunch, supper/ + the drink by choice daily for lunch and dinner and the place tax costs 300 euro. 2.) The Drives to Meðugorje (one day), into village Tijaricu (other day in both way) and the supper and drink by choice on «Days of rastike, pure and prsuta" will cost 40 eura apiece. The total price of ten days arrangement is carrying out well, the 340 eura. The transfer possibility from Split and Dubrovnik air station to Drvenik, as well as the possibility to visit Vukovar are only for bigger groups. The wish of organizer will give the hundred higher present Croatian from why more unlike countries. We are hoping that we will in cooperation with You make our Meetings unforgettable!!! If You would be interested in our program of spending summer, we are asking you to report soon as possible on the addresses below the text, so then we would be able to the concrete consummation of your arrangement and solve the possible problems. If you have some questions or constructive preposition we will answer and hear you gladly. We wish best regards and every good to You and Your families from homeland. The president of foundation «Pro Patria» (PP) Prof. Damir Milic tel/fax the 00385/31/500-553 e-mail: damir.milic@os.htnet.hrÂCroatia - Hrvatska letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4771/1/E-New-England-Friends-of-Croatia-in-Boston.html ÂNew England Friends ofCroatiainvites you to theTraditional Annual CroatianChristmas PartySaturday, December 6 2003 7:00 p.m.Ovo vam je jedinstvena prilika da upoznate neka nova lica, najedete sefine klope (sarma, kiselo zelje sa kobasicama, krvavice... mljacmljac, a tek kolaci...), poigrate se tombole i mozda osvojite i ponekunagradu..., ako nekom zatreba prijevoz ili mu je neugodno sto bi dosao(la) sam(a)... neka se javi...Dodjite, pozovite prijatelje... bit ce nam veselo...New England Friends of Croatiainvites you to theTraditional Annual CroatianChristmas PartyWhen: Saturday, December 6 2003 7:00 p.m.Where: Congregational Church of West Medford400 High Street (this is Rt. 60), Medford. MaLocated between Alston and Cottage StreetWhy: To meet friends, eat traditional Croatian food, listen toCroatian music, dance..... or just talk.What does it costs?Family: $ 50Individual: $25Student: $15Main and some side dishes will be provided, deserts, salads areappreciated.If you want to prepare a main dish it is also welcome.Any questions, call Jolanda at 617-625-6204 or e-mail:Jolandakp@rcn.com Please remember that Christmas Party is also the time when we collectthe annual membership fees. Membership Fee is almost our only incometo cover expenses and provide charitable contributions to persons ororganizations in need.Hope to see you all!Op-edLate for this year, but catch it for the next one!nb letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4770/1/H-Internet-Radio-Lijepa-Nasa.html  Â www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com   ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDatum Intervju gost  08. prosinac 03. Josip Jovic- kolumna-"Gradjanska" histerija  03. prosinac 03. Michaela-razgovor o novom albumu "Matrix present MICHAELA" i solo karijeri  03. prosinac 03. Zvonimir B. Ranogajec-Krscanska perspektiva,Sve ima svoje doba i svaki posao pod nebom svoje vrijeme  02. prosinac 03. Josip Jovic-kolumna-Izborna pobjeda naroda  01. prosinac 03. Brian Gallagher - Tribute to Frank McCloskey by Jerry Blaskovich M.D.  30. studeni 03. Suzy Records-Matrix present MICHAELA , www.matrix-hr.com , www.michaela.com.hr  22. studeni 03. Bela Tonkovic-povratak protjeranih Hrvata u Vojvodinu, povratak imovine,istrage Medjunarodnog kaznenog suda i EU,odnos sluzbene vlasti R Hrvatske prema Hrvatima Vojvodine,aktivnosti hrvatskih zajednica,promjene u Demokratskom savezu Hrvata Vojvodine,trenutne aktivnosti  22. studeni 03. Michael Edwards-about his start to play clarinet,solo recitals at some of the most respected concert halls,recording for radio and television network,performance with famous orchestras,chamber music,music of Bruno Bjelinski,concert in Washington-review,about Croatia and Zagreb,special message,more about Michael Edwards  18. studeni 03. Ljerka Pleslic Bjelinski-glazba Bruna Bjelinskog,koncert u Washingtonu,posjecenost koncerta,znacenje odrzavanja takvih kulturnih dogadjaja  17. studeni 03. Josip Jovic-kolumna-Danke Deutchland  17. studeni 03. Stjepan Mesic-nerjesena pitanja sa Slovenijom,ocjena rada MKS u Haagu i odnosi Hrvatske i tuziteljstva,reakcije na izjave Ante Markovica i Lorda Owena u Haagu,unapredjenje proizvodnje i izvoza, vanjski dug Republike Hrvatske,komentar na" poziv dr. Sanadera Srbima da se vrate u Hrvatsku ",parlamentarni izbori  17.studeni 03. Zvonimir B. Ranogajec-"Stajaliste" iz krscanske perspektive-reakcija na tekst objavljen 12. studenog 2003. u Vjesniku autora Fahrudina Novalica  12. studeni 03. Marko Puljic- Midwest Croatians,zastupljenost Hrvata na internetu, povezivanje hrvatskih zajednica preko interneta,  10. studeni 03 Josip Jovic-kolumna-Volim svoju fotelju  10. studeni 03. John Kraljic-aktivnosti NFCA-a,odnosi SAD-a i Hvratske, stav NFCA-a prema Kaznenom sudu u Haagu,suradnja hrvatskih organizacija u iseljenistvu,parlamentarni izbori  08. studeni 03. Josip Mayer-Drustvena zajednicka suradnja 2004 god.  08. studeni 03. Bozena Marcelic-Ludo more , Morning on the Pacific  07. studeni 03. Nenad Bach-komentar na svjedocenje Lorda Owena u Haagu,izostanak reakcije od strane hrvatskih vlasti na izjave Lorda Owena, nacionalna strategija,nametanje osjecaja krivice i stalnog straha od Haaga,novi glazbeni albumi i reakcije glazbenih kriticara  07. studeni 03. George Rudman-Croatian American Association - Press release  31. listopad 03. Radio dvoboj dr. Sanadera i Racana-snimak emisije " Poligraf" Hrvatskog radija- prvog programa. Autorsko vlasnistvo je Hrvatske Radiotelevizije  31. listopad 03. NY Times Review- Nenad Bach's CD 'A Thousand Years of Peace'  31. listopad 03. Josip Mayer-Osvrt , Demokratske drustvene kriterije  27. listopad 03. Zvonko B. Ranogajec-Prikazivanje TV emisije na Hrvatskom satelitskom TV programu za Sjevernu Ameriku-Posljednji oprostaj i sjecanje na fra Marka  27. listopad 03. Josip Jovic-kolumna-Demokrat posebnog kova  25. listopad 03. Helena Prajo, gen. Zivko Budimir-presuda Vrhovnog suda F BiH g. Tiboru Praji za "ratni zlocin protiv civilnog stanovnistva"(dvije godine sest mjeseci),neutemeljenost optuzbi,sudjenje kao pripadniku HVO-e,svjedoci optuzbe,odnos hrvatskih politicara prema ovom slucaju, samohrana majka sa troje djece-bez pomoci,troskovi obrane,broj racuna za pomoc i donacije  23. listopad 03. gen. Zivko Budimir-priopcenje HKDU-e o Alijinom danu zalosti  23. listopad 03. Josip Merdzo-odluka Vlade FBiH o proglasenju dana zalosti povodom smrti Alije Izetbegovica na podrucju Federacije BiH donesena bez znanja hrvatskih ministara,uloga Alije Izetbegovica tokom rata u BiH i njegova odgovornost za stradanje Hrvata,stav HDZ-a BiH prema HDZ-a u Hrvatskoj i parlamentarnim izborima u Hrvatskoj,reforma obrambenog sustava, zastupljenost hrvatskih predstavnika u medijama u Federaciji BiH,problemi Sveuculista u Mostaru,obrazovna reforma  22. listopad 03. Drzavno izborno povjerenstvo- www.izbori.hr,obvezatne upute broj l-redoslijed izbornih radnji i tijek rokova,obvezatne upute broj 2-obrasci za postupak kandidiranja,obvezatne upute broj 3-postupak kandidiranja  20. listopad 03 Josip Jovic-kolumna-Gotovina u ribolovnoj zoni  20. listopad 03. HKDU-novosti iz HKDU-e  18. listopad 03. Miso Relota-intervju sa Antom Djapicem, predsjednikom Hrvatske stranke prava  18. listopad 03. HKDU-Pjesma doktoru Marku Veselici  17. listopad 03. Katarina Tepesh-English language  16. listopad 03. dr. Andrija Hebrang-Otvoreno pismo hrvatskom iseljenistvu,medijska blokada,komentar na izvjesce glavne tuziteljice haskog suda Carle del Ponte Vijecu sigurnosti UN-a,stav HDZ-a prema slucaju gen. Ante Gotovine,ocjena (ne)uspjesnosti Vlade prema MKS,kako izbjeci daljnja ponizavanja od strane MKS-a,komentar na raspisivanje nagrade SAD-a ($5 mil.),nekoordiniranost drzavnih vlasti u vaznim situacijama, ispitivanja javnog mijenja,glasati-duznost svakog Hrvata  15. listopad 03. prof. Vlado Djolo-razlozi prelaza Zupanijskih odbora Hrvatskih demokrscana u Hrvatsku krscansku demokratsku uniju BiH, spremnost HKDU-a u toj situaciji,stanje u drugim ograncima Hrvatskih demokrscana,zelja za ujedinjenjem svih demokrscanskih stranaka u jednu,  14. listopad 03. Josip Mayer-Price i dozivljaji, Moj hobi je voljeti hrvatsku domovinu, Moj rodni kraj,Dusa mi je puna svega,  13. listopad 03. gen. Zivko Budimir-priopcenje HKDU-a u s vezi prelaska ogranka Hrvatskih demokrscana Sirokog Brijega u HKDU  13.listopad 03. Josip Jovic-kolumna,Amerika uhicuje Hrvatsku  10. listopad 03. dr. Mate Granic-komentar na izjavu Carle del Ponte pred Vijecem sigurnosti u UN,tvrdnje glavne tuziteljice o gen. Anti Gotovini, komentar na izjavu g. Prospera i ponudi novcane nagrade($ 5 miliona) od strane SAD-a,odnosi sa Slovenijom,Europa i Hrvatska,najnovija istrazivanja javnog mijenja o popularnosti koalicije DC-a i HSLS-a  07. listopad 03. Brian Gallagher-about Carla del Ponte and her visit to Zagreb,gen. Ante Gotovina,relations Croatia and NATO,Croatia and EU, Croatians in BiH,about Paddy Ashdown, fight for Croatians rights,Croatians in London,CroatiaFocus  06. listopad 03. Josko Kontic-danasnji posjet Carle del Ponte Zagrebu, teme razgovora tog posjeta,komentar na proglasenje ribolovno-ekoloskog pojasa u Jadranu,reakcija Slovenije i EU na tu odluku,komentar na posjet premijera Racana Velikoj Britaniji,reakcije na koaliciju HSLS-a i DC-a,  01. listopad 03. gen. Zivko Budimir-preustroj vojske BiH,pijedlog Povjerenstva za obrambenu reformu,polozaj hrvatske" komponente", komentar na kritike zastupnice EU parlamenta gospodje Doris Pack u s vezi rada Visokog predstavnika MZ u BiH Ashdowna,komentar na prosvjed prosvjetnih radnika u Mostaru  01. listopad 03. Zvonko Ranogajec-Otvoreno pismo-Opca apatija, ignorancija,sutnja i navjera zahvatila je vec dulje vrijeme gotovo sve segmente hrvatskog drustva,pa tako i Hrvatsku dijasporu.Rijetki su Hrvati koji se odluce....  28. rujan 03. Brenda Brkusic-about her first documentary "My Croatia", documentary film "Freedom from Despair",presentation of Croatia in right way,what is the film about,the challenges in making the film,donations for film,people who help,distribution,contact- crofilm2003@yahoo.com  25. rujan 03. Josip Milic-razlozi strajka u osnovnom i srednjim skolama Hercegovacko-neretvanske zupanije,razlozi koji su doveli do takvog stanja, cilj sutrasnjeg prosvijeda ispred zgrade zupanijske Vlade,sastanak sa ministrom Musom,reforma obrazovanja  22. rujan 03. dr. Mate Granic-parlamentarni izbori,koalicija HSLS-a i DC-a,zajednicki koalicijski gospodarski i politicki programi koji rjesavaju nagomilane probleme,strucnost koalicijskih kadrova,komentar na izvjesce Human Rights Watcha,komentar na optuzbe dr Sanadera prema hrvatskim tajnim sluzbama,  21. rujan 03. gen. Zivko Budimir-komentar na ispriku Predsjednika Mesica,komentar na zahtjev duznosnika muslimanske stranke SDA o potrebi isprike od strane Predsjednika Mesica u ime RH prema "gradjanima Bosne i Hercegovine",potreba isprike od strane muslimanskog vodstva prema Hrvatima,potreba zahvale od strane muslimanskog vodstva i muslimana prema RH i Hrvatima za nesebicnu pomoc koju su Hrvati pruzili muslimanima za vrijeme rata u BiH,odgovornost muslimanskog vodstva za vrijeme rata u BiH za zrtve u Srebrenici,osuda tog zlocina,kamenovanje Hrvatsko-katolickog skolskog centra u Sarajevu(prije dva dana) i drugi pritisci na Hrvate u BiH,odnos hrvatskih stranaka prema tim problemima, Hrvatski narodni sabor,......  20. rujan 03. Josko Kontic-odluka Velikog vijeca HSLS-a u s vezi koalicije sa Demokratskim centrom,datum parlamentarnih izbora,reagiranje javnosti,veliki vanjski dug,Zakon o pomorskom dobru,odnosi sa Slovenijom, odnos sadasnje vlasti prema bitnim pitanjima za RH,komentar na ispriku Predsjednika Mesica  20. rujan 03. Nenad Bach-nastanak albuma "A Thousand Years of Peace",ljubav prema Domovini izrazena u pjesmama i uporaba tamburice,gosti albuma Michael York i Martin Sheen, inace prijatelji Hrvata i Hrvatske,pjesme koje govore o stradanjima za vrijeme Domovinskog rata umjetnicki izrazene,CROWN,reagiranje na izvjesce "Human Rights Watch", dijelovi pjesama sa albuma:" I love losers","The roads come back to you","I just can't take it any more","Can we go higher?", "www//www","Truth is so simple","Between two flights",........  17. rujan 03. dr. Jure Zovko-dosadasnja ulaganja Vlade u znanost , prisutnost hrvatskih znanstvenih i znanstveno-istrazivackih timova u medjunarodnim znanstvenim projektima,usavrsavanje znanstvenika u inozemstvu, programi za unapredjenje znanosti i gospodarstva,suradnja domovine i iseljenistva,osvrt na "obrazovnu reformu" u BiH,parlamentarni izbori  15. rujan 03. Svecenik Miljenko Dzalto-kratki osvrt na hrvatske zrtve zlocina koji je pocinila Armija BiH tj. muslimanska vojska u Uzdolu, obiljezavanje desete obljetnice od tog maskara i misno slavlje,trenutno stanje u Uzdolu u s vezi skolstva, gospodarstva, medjunacionalni odnosi, odnos hrvatskih stranaka prema Hrvatima u Uzdolu,procesuiranje zlocinaca,molba za pomoc  13. rujan 03. dr. Ivo Sanader- snimak razgovora koji je vodio Nikola Rasic za hrvatski radio SBS u Australiji 09. rujna 03.-zahladjenje odnosa Hrvatske i Slovenije,vanjski dug i odnos medija prema tom problemu, spremost za parlamentarne izbore,komentar na izjave Stipe Gabrica Jamba,komentar na izjave dopredsjednika Hrvatskog bloka Joze Metera i predsjednika HB Ivica Pasalica,o HIP-u i Miroslavu Tudjmanu, (ne)mogucnost koalicije sa Hrvatskim blokom  12. rujan 03. Josip Merdzo-komentar na priopcenje Biskupske konferencije BiH,odluka sredisnjeg odbora HDZ-a BiH u s vezi trenutnog stanja u obrazovnoj politici BiH,poziv Hrvatima i hrvatskim prijateljima da lobiraju za prava Hrvata u BiH,smisao i uloga Daytonskog sporazuma,odnosi u Vladi Federacije BiH.  11. rujan 03. Anto Djapic-komentar na posjet Predsjednika Mesica Srbiji i isprike koje su upucene,rijesenje problema sa Slovenijom,parlamentarni izbori,stav HSP-a prema Hrvatima BiH i stav prema "reformi obrazovanja" koja se namece Hrvatima u BiH  08. rujan 03. Svecenik Martin Sentic-hrvatske zrtve tokom i poslije Drugog svjetskog rata,zrtve Jasenovca,naredba Josipa Broza Tita za likvidaciju 50 000 Hrvata,"Crna knjiga komunizma",velicanje komunistickih zlocinaca  07.rujan 03. Ivo Sanader-razgovor vodjen 22. lipnja 03. za Dnevnik HTV-a  07. rujan 03. Rade Buljubasic-Snimak razgovora predsjednika koordinacije HDZ-a Australije i Novog Zelanda za "Hrvatski narodni radio" u Sydneyu 16.kolovoza 03.  05. rujan 03. Don Martin Sentic-"Jura Homunizam"-prava covjeka,pogledi na pobacaj i homoseksualnost,kratki osvrt na zlocine komunizma u svijetu i Hrvatskoj........  05. rujan 03. prof. dr.Andrija Hebrang-rjesenja nastale situacije sa Slovenijom,ratna odsteta,incidenti srpske manjine u Hrvatskoj i odnos medija i Vlade prema tim problemima,odgovor na optuzbe Stipe Gabrica Jamba,parlamentarni izbori i programi za oporavak gospodarstva,nacionalni ponos,suradnja sa iseljenistvom,problemi Hrvata u Vojvodini i BiH.  04. rujan 03. Josko Kontic-problemi sa Slovenijom,americki zahtjev o neizrucivanju americkih drzavljana Medjunarodnom kaznenom sudu,gen. Gotovina,gen.Norac,osvrt na tragediju hrvatske obitelji Andjelic kod Konjica i polozaj hrvatskog naroda u BiH,pokusaji dokidanja hrvatskog jezika putem obrazovne reforme  03. rujan 03. Stipe Mesic -Najnovija dogadjanja u s vezi proglasenja gospodarskog pojasa,odnosi sa Slovenijom,borba protiv globalnog terorizma,razlozi skorog odlaska u Beograd,polozaj Hrvata u Bosni i Hercegovini i Vojvodini,procjena uspjesnosti posjeta Libiji.  01. rujan 03. Michaela-je bila pjevacica hrvatske grupe MATRIX koja je za proslu godinu proglasena medju tri najpopularnije dance grupe u Hrvatskoj.Prvi singl koji je objavljen prije ljeta pod naslovom "Na zadnjem sjedistu tvoga auta" jedan je od najslusanijih ovoljetnih hitova.Poslusajte sami sto nam ima reci Michaela.   ÂÂSnimka razgovora koji je vodjen 28. kolovoza 03. sa fra Sitom Coricem na hrvatskoj radio postaji "Mostar" u sklopu emisije " S radiom u podne".Tema razgovora je reforma obrazovanja i ostala pitanja od nacionalnog interesa za Hrvate u BiH.Emisiju vodila novinarka Zeljka Sesar.  27. kolovoz 03. Josip MerdzoÂÂÂ-komentar na odluku Visokog predstavnika MZ o kaznjavanju HDZ-a BiH sa novcanom kaznom,reforma obrazovanja i uticaj te reforme na hrvatski jezik u skolstvu,  26. kolovoz 03. gen. Zivko BudimirÂÂÂÂ-napadi na Hrvate i crkvene sluzbenike u BiH,planovi Bosnjaka o ukidanju hrvatske nacije i jezika na podrucju BiH,reforma skolstva,djelatnosti HKDU-a BiH  25. kolovoz 03. Julija BusicÂÂ-Ânovosti u s vezi sudskog postupka za pustanje na slobodu Zvonka Busica,podrska od strane institucija i pojedinaca,nesto vise o knjizi-cetvrto izdanje   25. kolovoz 03. Nenad BachÂ-umjetnik i glazbenik(NY),filmska glazba,nastupi sa poznatim osobama iz svijeta glazbe i umjetnosti,uloga glazbe,kulture,znanosti,sporta i sl. u promociji Hrvatske u svijetu,"kako postati sami sebi prijatelj",rad na novom albumu  23. kolovoz 03. Miro KaracicÂ- realisticko poimanje pluralizmai definicija pluralizma,pluralizam etnickih sustava,kulturni i moralni relativizam,"Dekaloska demokracija,"Jura Homunizam","Klub demografske obnove"   21. kolovoz 03. dr. Mate GranicÂ-proglasenje gospodarskog pojasa i ponasanje Vlade u tom slucaju,vanjski dug,incidenti srpske manjine u Hrvatskoj i ponasanje Vlade i medija,poruke predsjednika europske komisije g. Romana Prodija hrvatskim politicarima,spremnost Demokratskog centra za izbore  19. kolovoz 03. Luka PodrugÂ-koalicija HKDU-a i HCSP-a,gospodarski pojas,nerijesena granicna pitanja,komentar na izjave Zmage Jelinicica o podjeli hrvatskog Jadranskog mora,incidenti srpske manjine u Hrvatskoj,polozaj Hrvata u BiH i Vojvodini,hrvatske zrtve komunistickog rezima,velicanje komunistickih zlocina,omalovazavanje Domovinskog rata Â  17. kolovoz 03 dr. Anto kovacevicÂ-Dan pobijede i domovinske zahvalnosti,granica na Dunavu,polozaj iseljenih Hrvata iz BiH u Hrvatskoj i odnos Vlade prema tom problemu,komentar na izjave udbinog egzekutora Vinka Sindicica,pozari   16. kolovoz 03. Vesna Skare-OzboltÂ-stete i uzroci pozara,polozaj umirovljenika,zagadjivanje prirode raznim vrstama otpada i odnos Vlade prema tom pitanju,trgovina zenama i djecom  07. kolovoz 03. Josko KonticÂ-uzroci pozara i djelotvornost sluzbi za gasenje pozara,odnosi Slovenije i Hrvatske,Dan pobijede i domovinske zahvalnosti,"Viktor Lenac",slucaj "Sindicic" Â  07. kolovoz 03. George Rudman-povod posjeta BiH,posjet Svetog Oca Banja LuciÂi susreti sa najvisim crkvenim duznosnicima u BiH,polozaj Hrvata u BiH,aktivnosti CAA u Kaknju,planovi CAA,dolazak predsjednika predsjednistva BiH g. Dragana Covica u SAD Â   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4777/1/E-Croatians-in-South-Africa.html ÂCroatians in South AfricaIn Search of a Better LifeAre Croats (amongst) the first settlers in South Africa ?To claim that Croats participated in the discovery of new continents and that they sailed with Columbus, Magellan, Da Gama and other great explorers, would not be easily believed and probably questioned by many. To say that they established the first supply station and probably had a colony on the South African coast sounds like fiction. However, the 1400-1650's were in fact the golden age for Croatia, quitedisproportionate to her size in territory and population. These Croat explorers: sailors, mariners, captains, pilots, merchants, bankers and diplomats; were mostly from the Dalmatian Coast and the Republic of Raguza (Dubrovnik). The Croatian Republic of Dubrovnik was known in the Middle Ages as the Republic of Raguza and it was well respected for its merchants, shipbuilders and sailors. Together with Venice they commanded the largest merchant fleets in the Mediterranean. Using the able diplomats and unsurpassed skills of its mariners and merchants Raguza managed to spread trade interests far away from the Mediterranean. In order to improve the spice trade a Raguzan colony of Sao Braz was established on the Malabar Coast in north Goa, India. The Church of Sao Braz was built in 1653. This coIony had at one time 12 000 residents. Saint Vlaho was (is) the Patron Saint of Raguza (Dubrovnik). It is of interest to note that Saint Vlaho is mentioned as Blaise or Blaze in English and Braz or Bras in Portuguese. "During the absence of Venice the largest part of the oriental trade was taken over by Raguza, which in about 1530-1540 had a virtual monopoly of that trade. For a decade or two there existed a sharp competition between Raguza and Portugal, which was also carried on in Portugal's own East Indian empire. The Raguzan colony Sao Braz near Goa is one of the strangest and most interesting examples of the economic expansion of that little republic in the period of the commercial revolution." (*) This book has. South Africa's map,. dated 1508, with two place names:' '.Cape of Good Hope and Cape of Sao Bras (Saint Vlaho)!, see below. "Sao Bras or Mossel Bay is located 60 leagues beyond the Cape of Good Hope. Bartholomew Dias stopped there and named it Bahia dos Vaqueiros. Vasco da Gama had remained there for thirteen days on his voyage to India, securing beef and water from the natives. It was here that he broke up his store-ship. Cabrat would probably have stopped at Mossel Bay (Sao Bras) for supplies and water had it not been for the storm which he encountered in the South Atlantic" On the early 19th century maps (1805) there is still distinctively marked, Cape of St. Blaise, situated between Mossel Bay and adjacent Fish Bay. This indicates that able Ragusans had established, under the name of Sao Bras, and used Mossel Bay as a supply station on their voyages to India. May we proudly conclude, on the basis of the above evidence, that Croats discovered and lived in this beautiful land before Dias, Da Gama and other famous explorers, certainly long before van Riebeeck! "C.DE S. BRAS", Cape and Bay of Saint Blaise (Vlaho) For us, Croats and descendants of early Croat settlers in South Africa, the "Book about the voyage of Pedro Alvares Cabral to Brazil and India in 1500-1501", London 1937, is of special interest. Compiled from: A.S. Eterovich, "Croatia in the New World"(*) Ragusan Press, CA, 1992. (article taken from CASA (Croatian Association of South Africa) newsletter) http://www.geocities.com/ivol2001/cs_1stcr.htm http://www.geocities.com/ivol2001/cs_refer.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 30 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4776/1/H-Donja-Hercegovina-Website.html ÂÂDonja Hercegovina Prof. dr. Pero Marijanovic, dekan Gradjevinskog fakulteta u Mostaru, bi bio zahvalan ako biste upoznali clanove sa slijedecom web stranicom, na kojoj ima i forum.http://www.rb-donjahercegovina.ba/ Lijep pozdrav.Vlado letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 30 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4774/1/E-Marijon-Ancich-Years-of-Service.html ÂMarijon Ancich teaches his physical education classes in style these days By Rob Fernas, Times Staff WriterMarijon Ancich teaches his physical education classes in style these days — at the wheel of a golf cart that makes it easier for the 66-year-old coaching legend to get around the Santa Fe Springs St. Paul campus.Football boosters and colleagues pitched in to buy the cart last year, after Ancich had surgery to alleviate a painful case of sciatica. Before then, he said, "It got to the point where I couldn't get across the field. I had to go sit down."Brent Newcomb, 61, knows the feeling. The veteran football coach at Antelope Valley had a heart attack in 1997 and had his hip replaced two years ago.When his doctor told him to take it easy during a game last month after a bout of dizzy spells, Newcomb tried to put his players at ease by telling them, "If I happen to drop dead on the field, that's right where I want to die. You guys keep playing."Though the years have taken a physical toll on Ancich and Newcomb, they have no intentions of stepping aside. The excitement of Friday nights keeps them in a routine that has defined their lives for several decades."Guys who are 66 years old are usually on a fishing boat somewhere," St. Paul assistant coach Marc Hernandez said of Ancich. "Marijon is still molding young men. That's something not many people can do."Ancich, in his 41st season as a head coach, and Newcomb, in his 26th season, have combined to coach 766 high school games. Yet they had never stood across the field from each other until Friday night, when St. Paul played at Antelope Valley in a Southern Section Division III quarterfinal.Second-seeded St. Paul won, 35-20, to give Ancich his 331st career victory, the second-highest total in California history behind Herb Meyer of Oceanside El Camino. Newcomb has 204 victories as of the end of this season. Ancich's teams won three section titles and appeared in five finals during his first stint at St. Paul from 1961 to 1981, and he guided Tustin to two championship games in nine seasons from 1984 to 1992.Newcomb's Antelope Valley teams have won three section titles and appeared in six finals."Once it gets in your blood, it's hard to get out," Newcomb said. "I'm not a person who goes home and turns on a saw in the garage and starts wood projects. I'm not into painting or gardening. My hobby is football. My best friends are football coaches."Like Newcomb, Ancich said he still gets a kick out of working with teenagers."I still enjoy the competitive experiences of the students," Ancich said. "It keeps your mind focused and you have the ability to watch guys grow up in front of you."To see them come back as adults is inspiring. Many of my former players have done some great things. You feel like you're helping them."Many of Ancich's former players and assistants have coached in the Southland, including Dick Bruich of Fontana Kaiser, Pat Degnan of Quartz Hill, Tim Lins of Moorpark and former Cal State Northridge and Temescal Canyon coach Bob Burt. A "Family Tree" in the St. Paul program lists 116 coaches who either played or coached for Ancich."I don't think there's any coach in Southern California who doesn't have some tie to Marijon Ancich," Hernandez said. "He's kind of like the father of football in Southern California."Ancich's personal family tree also has deep roots. He has seven children from two marriages and 27 grandchildren. His oldest child, daughter Joette McEntee, died last year at age 47 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.Many alumni remain loyal to St. Paul, returning to attend games and help with fund-raising projects. Some are drawn by the traditions initiated by Ancich and that continue to distinguish the Swordsmen program.Players still embrace the school's pregame ritual. Dressed neatly in navy-blue blazers, gray slacks, light-blue dress shirts and St. Paul ties, they have traditionally enjoyed a meal of steak and potatoes with one stipulation — no talking.The idea is to make the players focus on the game, and far more often than not, it's worked. Ancich has a career record of 331-117-10 and has won 18 league titles, 14 of them at St. Paul. But Ancich acknowledged that getting his players' attention becomes increasingly difficult with each season."The most difficult thing is getting the information into their heads," he said. "Our strength has always been preparation, but that's really hard to do now. Everyone has these [video] games. The distractions are unbelievable."Ancich, a 1955 San Pedro High graduate, started as an assistant at St. Paul in 1959, becoming the coach two years later.After St. Paul capped a perfect 1981 season with a 30-9 victory over Colton in the Division I final, he accepted a job as offensive coordinator at Northern Arizona. But he soon grew weary of the college game and returned to Southern California after one year, helping out at Cerritos College for a season before becoming the coach at Tustin in 1984.Tustin was 3-17 in the two seasons before his arrival. Under Ancich, the Tillers won four league titles and reached the playoffs seven times.Despite his advancing age, Ancich still shoulders the bulk of the coaching duties for St. Paul."A lot of head coaches have coordinators left and right," Hernandez said. "He's basically the offensive and defensive coordinators. As assistant coaches, we implement it, but he does all the play-calling and sets the defense. He's still sharp as can be. I'm just glad I'm on his side."Newcomb said he considers Ancich one of the three greatest coaches in the state, along with El Camino's Meyer and Bob Ladouceur of Concord De La Salle."It's really impressive what he's done for football," Newcomb said. "It's an honor for us to play against St. Paul."It's not often when Newcomb has faced a more experienced coach. He started as an assistant at Antelope Valley in 1969, when the high-desert community was sparsely populated."We used to have alfalfa, mining and aerospace," Newcomb said. "Now we've got shopping malls and everyone drives to L.A. to work."Newcomb learned many of his coaching techniques as an assistant under John Lowry, who guided Antelope Valley to section titles in 1976 and 1977 before resigning. Newcomb became coach the next season and soon distinguished himself.His teams won a section title in 1981 and reached the final in 1985 and 1986. Perhaps the highlight of the 1986 season came when the Antelopes ended Canyon Country Canyon's 47-game winning streak, among the longest in state history, in a regular-season game at Antelope Valley.It was "one of our greatest victories," Newcomb said.Others would follow. Antelope Valley won Division II titles by beating Canyon in 1988 and Newhall Hart in 1994.Newcomb had established a winning tradition, but his career appeared in jeopardy after he suffered a heart attack a few months after the 1997 season.For a coach who had hinted at retirement in the past, it seemed a perfect time for Newcomb to step down. But any talk of retirement faded as Newcomb's health improved and Antelope Valley continued to enjoy success.This is the fourth consecutive season the Antelopes have advanced at least to the quarterfinals. Newcomb's record is 204-109-3 with 11 league titles."He enjoys what he's doing," said Newcomb's son Brandon, the team's offensive coordinator. "We're still playing in big games. That's what it's all about."Along the way, Newcomb has grown more understanding of his players, many of whom have little knowledge of the program's tradition."I've had to change a little bit," he said. "Our players used to have buzz haircuts and say, 'Yes, sir; no, sir.' We've had a lot of people move up from L.A. Now there's always a kid or a parent testing you."Newcomb said he doesn't know when he'll stop coaching, but he does know what would make his final seasons easier on him."I'd probably be a lot better off if I had a golf cart," he said.Informed that Ancich already uses a cart, he replied, "That's amazing. I've been thinking about getting one."Just goes to show that great minds — and aging bodies — think alike. Copyright 2003 Los Angeles Times letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 30 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4778/1/E-Croatian-Christmas-Event-in-London.html ÂCroatian Christmas Event in LondonSaturday, 6 December 2003CSYPN continues its domination of the London's Croatscene. And why not?--------------Dear FriendsIt is that time of the year once again - time torejoice in the Christmas spirit, time of elections,decisions, festivities and our AGM.We will hold our AGM on Saturday, 6 December, atThe Media Club near Oxford Circus, starting at7pm promptly. We intend to finish with the AGM business by8pm and after that, we will have CSYPN Christmasparty. We would like to invite you to join us atboth AGM and the Christmas party. Tickets on thedoor will be free for CSYPN members and £5 fornon-members, but you will need to pre-registeron the guest list by emailing to xmas@csypn.org.ukby Monday, 1 December 2003.There will be a DJ entertaining us with a fewslots of Croatian music.As spaces are limited please reserve your placeearly to avoid disappointment.We look forward to seeing you in great numbersto finish another successful year with greatparty spirit, as we Croats (and Croatia lovers) do!---When: Saturday, 6 December 2003Where: The Media Club131-151 Great Titchfield StreetLondon W1Whttp://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=529068&Y=181729&A=Y&Z=1 RSVP: by Monday, 1 December on- agm@csypn.org.uk - nominations only- xmas@csypn.org.uk Price: FREE - members/£5 - non-membersLots of love from your CSYPN committee letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 27 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4775/1/E-Born-when-Croatia-was-part-of-the-Austro-Hungarian-Empire.html  Born, when Croatia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Â"I go at my own pace. I get there"Jim Kruzic keeps up with busy lifeStill drives, bought first car in 1939BILL TAYLORFEATURE WRITERThe elevator door is open, but Marijan Kruzic - Jim to his friends - strides by and heads for the stairwell."It's only four floors down," he says over his shoulder. "I don't always walk up but sometimes."As he unlocks his blue Toyota in the parking lot of the Shepherd Village seniors' community on Sheppard Ave. E., a neighbour says, "Drive carefully."Kruzic grins and whispers to her, "We're going to the pub." He's kidding. This is just a get-acquainted joyride.He's reminding his passengers to fasten their seat belts when he pauses. His eyes are puzzled."Why are you so interested in me?" he says.Well, for one thing, he's 100 years old and still driving. Driving confidently and decisively, at that, keeping up with the Scarborough traffic and quickly, calmly, hitting the brakes when someone runs a red light and cuts him off.But there's far more to Kruzic than a well-used parking spot with his name on it. This is a man who's lived through all but three years of 20th-century history. He's the same age as the King Eddy hotel downtown. When he was born, his Croatian homeland was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Across the Atlantic, the Wright brothers were still just talking about flying. He's a testament, if you like, to the benefits of city living. Most of his life has been spent in one urban sprawl or another.On a more personal note, there can't be too many people who've had a Toronto Star subscription since 1932, which is when he came to the city.Kruzic left Croatia in 1928, shortly after he and his wife Ruzica were married. He was 24, she was 18. They spent the next six years apart before she was able to join him. Kruzic tries to recall the name of the ship that brought him to Canada. "Metagama, maybe?"Sure enough, the Internet comes up with Metagama, sailing the North Atlantic route for Canadian Pacific with no first class, only "cabin" and third."I came third class," he says. "It was 11 days. Flying's better. The food's not so good."He landed in Saint John, N.B., and was put on a train for the Prairies, where he and his fellow immigrants were slated to work on the harvest."I didn't want to do that," he says. "I didn't want to go. We were near Thunder Bay. The train was going slowly between Port Arthur and Fort William and two of us jumped off. I had $20 in my pocket. All my belongings went to Winnipeg, I guess. I didn't speak a word of English. It was scary. If they caught you, they deported you."Kruzic found safe haven with Croatians in Port Arthur. He worked laying railway ties, lumberjacking and in a leather factory until he found a job as a riveter on the Ambassador Bridge between Windsor and Detroit."That's where I made the money to bring my wife over," he says. They've been married 75 years and have two daughters. Ruzica suffers from Alzheimer's and lives in the Shepherd Village long-term-care facility.Kruzic sits in his neat little apartment, bright-eyed, slim and straight-backed. He bustles across the room to fetch a book from shelves well-stocked with classics - he's just finished War and Peace and moved on to Les Miserables - and at one point demonstrates the push-ups he does first thing every morning. They're the real thing, too, not the wussy ones where you keep your knees on the floor."On a good day I can do 10," he says, hardly breathing heavily.He learned to use a computer when he was 98 but is more impressed by outer space than cyberspace. "Man on the moon," he says. "To see that ... it would have been magic when I was young. Something out of a book."After he moved to Toronto, Kruzic owned four grocery stores. When he retired, he got his licence and sold real estate until he was well into his 70s. And he was always an activist on behalf of Croatia. He travelled to Yugoslavia in the mid-1930s to protest the treatment of Croatian dissidents and wound up behind bars, he says, until the Canadian consul got him out.He headed the Ontario branch of the Croatian Fraternal Union for 27 years until in 1999, he was named president emeritus. He ponders his own long life. "Luck? Moderation? I don't smoke, I don't drink ... I do drink sometimes. Red wine mostly. And I go at my own pace. I get there."Frequently by car. The conversation keeps coming back to driving. Kruzic learned in 1939 but without the formality of passing a test. "Never! I got my first car in Timmins. I was just looking, not thinking of buying. The salesman said, `Would you like to buy one?' I said, `I don't have a licence.' He said, 'No problem.' You bought a car, they gave you a licence with it. It was a 1929 Chevy. I paid $87.""Now, I'll drive you anywhere you want to go. Short distance, long distance, I don't care."(For the record, says transportation ministry spokesperson Bob Nichols, Kruzic is the 12th oldest registered driver in Ontario. "There are two aged 102 with active licences and nine aged 101," Nichols says. "Whether they still drive regularly, however, we don't know.")Source: http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1069456208779&call_pageid=968332188774&col=968350116467 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4779/1/E-Leaving-for-Iraq.html ÂLeaving for Iraq Dear Friends:In a few days I leave for Iraq where I will join the staff of the Coalition Provisional Authority,specifically the Office of Governance & Democracy, for a year. I hope my work in the Balkans of the pastdecade and on Latin American issues prior to that will help me bring to my work in Iraq important principlesmore than anything else. There are those who do not support this mission or consider promoting democracy forthe Iraqi people silly - they have a right to be wrong. As for me I go there with ferver in the heart and asober mind. Keep me in your prayers.Sincerely,Max PrimoracMax.Primorac@open.hrOp-edMay luck be with you. Come home safe. Write us from the field.Nenad letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 23 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4782/1/E-The-Croatian-Diaspora-votes-in-40-countries.html ÂThe Croatian Diaspora votes in 40 countries at 155 polling stationsCroatians abroad vote in elections to decide country's path to EU22 November 2003 Croatians living abroad on Saturday cast ballots one day ahead of their fellow citizens in a crucial parliamentary election that will decide who will lead the former Yugoslav republic into the European Union. Croatia applied for EU membership in February and is hoping to join along with Bulgaria and Romania in 2007. Public opinion polls suggest a nail-biting race between the incumbent coalition made up of pro-western moderates and the nationalist opposition in the parliamentary election. A total of 399,849 Croatians, most of them living in neighboring Bosnia-Hercegovina and who have been traditionally allied with nationalists, are to elect up to 12 deputies, depending on turnout, during voting held on Saturday and Sunday. In the incumbent 151-seat parliament, Croats with no permanent residence in Croatia had six deputies, all nationalists. The Croatian Diaspora votes in 40 countries at 155 polling stations in the third such ballot since Croatia proclaimed independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991. Croats living abroad voted for the first time in 1995 polls. The largest number of polling stations -- 30 -- opened at 7:00 amin neighbouring Bosnia, home to some 300,000 Croats with dual citizenship who are entitled to vote in the Croatian polls. Most of the people standing in a queue in front of the Croatian embassy in Sarajevo, who arrived from all across Bosnia, said they wanted to vote out the current moderate leaders in Croatia. "We expect something better. We must replace those who lead us to ruin," said Ivanka Juric from the central town of Zenica. "I expect new authorities to support Bosnian Croats much more than those who are in power now," Josip, a 50-year-old from Sarajevo, told AFP. Croatia's former ruling nationalists backed Croat separatists during Bosnia's 1992-95 war, including the formation of their self-styled statelet known as "Herceg-Bosna."Relations between Zagreb and Sarajevo have significantly improved since 2000, when a center-left alliance formed a government in Croatia and stopped meddling in Bosnia's internal affairs. Croatian financing for ethnic Croat forces in Bosnia was diverted to cultural and other peaceful activities, and in 2001 Zagreb clearly condemned fresh Bosnian Croat attempts to set up an autonomous zone in the mountainous Balkan republic. The next government is likely to be a coalition as no party is expected to win a majority in parliament. In the previous election in January 2000, the center-left coalition, led by Prime Minister Ivica Racan's Social Democrats (SDP), inflicted a crushing defeat to the nationalist Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), on a platform that called for anchoring Croatia to Europe. The moderates' 2000 election triumph was a milestone for Croatia after a decade of authoritarian policies under former president Franjo Tudjman, who died in December 1999. Copyright © 2003 AFP. All other copyright © 2003 EUbusiness Ltd.http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/031122110342.ujp5hbqz letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 22 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4781/1/E-Elections-2003-TODAY--TOMORROW.html ÂVote at your Consulate General from 7am to 7 pm. November 22-23Glasajte u Vasem Konzulatu od 7 ujutro do 7 vecer, 22-23 SudeniVOTING ABROAD 2003 - TODAY & TOMORROWA Bosnian Croat cast his ballot for general elections in neighboring Croatia in Sarajevo on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003. The dual citizens are part of a worldwide diaspora that started voting one day ahead of Sunday's national elections in Croatia. (AP Photo/Hidajet Delic) At your Consulate General from 7am to 7 pm. November 22-23Glasajte u Vasem Konzulatu od 7 ujutro do 7 vecer, 22-23 SudeniA map and factfile of Croatia, ahead of parliamentary elections on Sunday(AFP) AFP - Nov 20 3:42 PM ÂIvo Sanader, leader of the Croatian Democratic Union, better known by its Croatian acronym, HDZ, is seen during an interview, in his headquarters in Zagreb. Darko Bandic / AP Slaven Letica, a candidate for the rightwing Croatian Party of Right (HSP), poses on horseback with traditional cape and sword, in front of a 19th century hero monument in Zagreb on November 20. Croatia holds parliamentary elections on November 23 and HSP is likely to get at least 10 percent, according to surveys. REUTERS/ Nikola Solic ÂFormer ruling nationalist party claims it's reformed and ready to return to power ASSOCIATED PRESS ZAGREB, Croatia, Nov. 18 - Its leaders are courteous. Democracy is their choice; membership in NATO and the European Union their goal. The late President Franjo Tudjman's party, once synonymous with fiery Balkans nationalism and autocratic rule, claims it has reformed and is ready to return to power in Sunday's parliamentary elections. It might well succeed. The Croatian Democratic Union, better known by its Croatian acronym, HDZ, leads recent surveys with 20 percent to 28 percent support - 2 to 9 points more than Prime Minister Ivica Racan's Social Democrats. Tudjman's hard-line policies isolated Croatia. Racan's reforms opened it to the West. Although the election results will depend on the coalitions formed after the voting, the HDZ, which ruled this former Yugoslav republic of 4.5 million from its 1991 independence until its ouster in 2000 by Racan's pro-Western coalition, already sounds victorious. Its speeches start with: ''When we return ...'' Its members refer to their leader, Ivo Sanader, as the ''new prime minister.'' Sanader himself ignored a speech by Racan at a recent forum, saying: ''It's irrelevant - he's the prime minister for just a few more days.'' A comeback for a party partly to blame for the 1990s bloodletting in the Balkans could deal a setback to Western efforts to stabilize the region. Still, foreign diplomats don't seem to be alarmed. Sanader recently had friendly meetings with some European conservative leaders, including Austria's Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel and Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Bavarian leader Edmund Stoiber appears in a party election advertisement. The HDZ has undergone a change in image and rhetoric. Die-hard nationalists were ousted or pushed aside. Sanader and his top aides now portray themselves as Western-style urban conservatives. Sanader's mantra is Croatia's entry - whatever it takes - into the EU in 2007.In an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Sanader pledged ''full cooperation'' with the U.N. war crimes tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. Cooperation is a key condition for Croatia's EU membership, but the HDZ for years has protested any prosecutions of Croats. Sanader even indicated a readiness to arrest and extradite Gen. Ante Gotovina, in hiding since being indicted by the tribunal in 2001. HDZ supporters consider Gotovina a war hero and threatened to use force to shield him from arrest. ''There is no alternative to full cooperation,'' Sanader said. In 1995, when the country's Serbs fled a Croatian offensive to recapture lands seized by Serbs during the 1991 war, Tudjman wished them ''bon voyage.'' Sanader, by contrast, has called on Serbs to return - another crucial EU demand. He also pledged to fully normalize relations with Croatia's wartime enemies, Serbia and Bosnia, and support their entry into the EU. Opponents dismiss the HDZ moves as electioneering ploys. Some, recalling the party's past record, warn that nationalistic voters remain its base. ''It has made up its face, but it didn't change its nature,'' said Sanja Kapetanovic, a political analyst. Guenter Verheugen, the EU commissioner for expansion, last week issued a veiled warning of what an HDZ victory could mean, saying it was ''important not to forget why Croatia missed the first train to Europe.'' Sanader rejected such criticism Tuesday, telling the AP: ''I'm not interested in the debate about the past ... I'm interested in the future.'' Many observers say the quest for EU membership will keep the HDZ in tune with the mainstream. Croats, whose country the size of Ireland or West Virginia has a gross domestic product of just $22.4 billion and up to 18 percent joblessness, know they cannot prosper alone and must make it into the EU. ''Sanader is aware that he would have to continue Racan's foreign policies, because that's the only way Croatia could join the EU,'' said political analyst Davor Butkovic. ''He knows that he would have to be a loyal ally of the West.''Because of its nationalist background, the HDZ would have to be even more compliant to Western demands, contends another analyst, Davor Gjenero. It could end up working harder to arrest and extradite Gotovina - a move that Racan, faced with mass protests by nationalists and veterans, was reluctant to take. ''Europe won't give him any maneuvering space,'' he said. © 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. http://famulus.msnbc.com/FamulusIntl/ap11-18-230758.asp?reg=EUROPE#body letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 22 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4780/1/E-The-Croatian-Diaspora-ahead-of-time---votes-in-50-countries.html ÂCroatians around the world symbolically ahead of time (Voting day earlier)The Croatian Diaspora votes in 50 countries at 155 polling stationsCroatians abroad vote in elections to decide country's path to EU22 November 2003 Croatians living abroad on Saturday cast ballots one day ahead of their fellow citizens in a crucial parliamentary election that will decide who will lead the former Yugoslav republic into the European Union. Croatia applied for EU membership in February and is hoping to join along with Bulgaria and Romania in 2007. Public opinion polls suggest a nail-biting race between the incumbent coalition made up of pro-western moderates and the nationalist opposition in the parliamentary election. A total of 399,849 Croatians, most of them living in neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina and who have been traditionally allied with nationalists, are to elect up to 12 deputies, depending on turnout, during voting held on Saturday and Sunday. In the incumbent 151-seat parliament, Croats with no permanent residence in Croatia had six deputies, all nationalists. The Croatian Diaspora votes in 50 countries at 155 polling stations in the third such ballot since Croatia proclaimed independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991. Croats living abroad voted for the first time in 1995 polls. The largest number of polling stations -- 30 -- opened at 7:00 amin neighbouring Bosnia, home to some 300,000 Croats with dual citizenship who are entitled to vote in the Croatian polls. Most of the people standing in a queue in front of the Croatian embassy in Sarajevo, who arrived from all across Bosnia, said they wanted to vote out the current moderate leaders in Croatia. "We expect something better. We must replace those who lead us to ruin," said Ivanka Juric from the central town of Zenica. "I expect new authorities to support Bosnian Croats much more than those who are in power now," Josip, a 50-year-old from Sarajevo, told AFP. Croatia's former ruling nationalists backed Croat separatists during Bosnia's 1992-95 war, including the formation of their self-styled statelet known as "Herceg-Bosna."Relations between Zagreb and Sarajevo have significantly improved since 2000, when a center-left alliance formed a government in Croatia and stopped meddling in Bosnia's internal affairs. Croatian financing for ethnic Croat forces in Bosnia was diverted to cultural and other peaceful activities, and in 2001 Zagreb clearly condemned fresh Bosnian Croat attempts to set up an autonomous zone in the mountainous Balkan republic. The next government is likely to be a coalition as no party is expected to win a majority in parliament. In the previous election in January 2000, the center-left coalition, led by Prime Minister Ivica Racan's Social Democrats (SDP), inflicted a crushing defeat to the nationalist Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), on a platform that called for anchoring Croatia to Europe. The moderates' 2000 election triumph was a milestone for Croatia after a decade of authoritarian policies under former president Franjo Tudjman, who died in December 1999. Copyright  2003 AFP. All other copyright  2003 EUbusiness Ltd.http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/031122110342.ujp5hbqz letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 22 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4784/1/H-wwwlijepanasadomovinahrvatskacom-16-Studeni.html Âwww.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/novosti.htmPostovani,Pogledajte www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/novosti.htm . Srdacan pozdravIvica GrgicÂ12. studeni 03. Marko Puljic- Midwest Croatians,zastupljenost Hrvata na internetu, povezivanje hrvatskih zajednica preko interneta,Â10. studeni 03 Josip Jovic-kolumna-Volim svoju foteljuÂ10. studeni 03. John Kraljic-aktivnosti NFCA-a,odnosi SAD-a i Hvratske, stav NFCA-a prema Kaznenom sudu u Haagu,suradnja hrvatskih organizacija u iseljenistvu,parlamentarni izbori 08. studeni 03. Josip Mayer-Drustvena zajednicka suradnja 2004 god. 08. studeni 03. Bozena Marcelic-Ludo more ,Morning on the PacificÂÂ07. studeni 03. Nenad Bach-komentar na svjedocenje Lorda Owena u Haagu,izostanak reakcije od strane hrvatskih vlasti na izjave Lorda Owena, nacionalna strategija,nametanje osjecaja krivice i stalnog straha od Haaga,novi glazbeni albumi i reakcije glazbenih kriticara 07. studeni 03. George Rudman-Croatian American Association -ÂPress releaseÂ31. listopad 03. Radio dvoboj dr. Sanadera i Racana-snimak emisije " Poligraf" Hrvatskog radija- prvog programa. Autorsko vlasnistvo jeHrvatske Radiotelevizije letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 16 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4785/1/EHS-Studia-Croatica---5-November-2003.html ÂStudiaCroatica - New material on our Web siteBRATOVŠTINA SVETOG JERONIMA ZA POMOC HRVATSKIM IZBJEGLICAMA, by Andrija Lukinovic, Zagreb, in Papinski Hrvatski Zavod Svetog Jeronima (ed.) Jure Bogdan, Rome, 2001. (in Croatian). Is the first part of the chapter The Fraternity Saint Jerome for the Help of Croatian Refugees. This is an important documental source on Croatian emigration after WW II, many of which went later to Argentina. It is a subject which surfaces every so often in the media, usually with negative overtones. (We are working on a Spanish translation).http://www.studiacroatica.com/jero/luki1.htm Croatian surnames in Argentina, starting with letters A and B (700 last names) http://www.studiacroatica.com/ape/ape.htm Ivo Gulis - Hommag - by José Spoja Cortijo, Perú (in Spanish)http://www.studiacroatica.com/letras/ivoguris.htmÂVirtual MuseumStudia Croatica wishes to receive photographic material (e.g. photos of the immigrant grandparents) and text (in any language) related to the history of Croatian emigration, to be published on our Web site. Whenever possible please send the material in digital form.Recent material on our Web site The Croatian Fraternal Union within the Fraternal System of the United States of America and Canada, by Ivan Cizmichttp://www.studiacroatica.com/jcs/34/cfu.htm Amanecer en Vis, poema de Elsa María Salas Burichhttp://www.studiacroatica.com/letras/amanecer.htm ÂHombre al Agua!, a short story, in Spanish, by Lorenzo Caglevic Bakovic about Croatian emigration to southern Chile, in the last years of the 19th century, based on a real history.http://www.studiacroatica.com/letras/hombrealagua.htm Dalmacija - a poem by Gabriela Vucetic (Rosario, Argentina)(in Spanish) http://www.studiacroatica.com/letras/Dalmacija.htm CrownRead one of the best Croatian journals on the net: Croatian World Networkhttp://croatianworld.net/ - - - - - - - -If links do not work, please copy each link and paste it in address box of your web browser.- - - - - - - -This Bulletin is published by the journal Studia Croatica - Institute for Croatian Culture. The journal is published in Buenos Aires since 1960 - The Bulletin is distributed in two versions, Spanish and English, to some 2100 email adresses in 30 countries. Please tell us if you do not want to receive more this kind of material. Studia Croatica is on the Web since 1996, -where it has some 15000 pages in Spanish, French, English and Croatian. It receives some 140000 hits per month. www.studiacroatica.com - joza@velocom.com.ar . letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 11 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4783/1/E-Golden-days-in-Flat---Croatians-in-Alaska.html Distributed by CroatianWorld ÂCroatians in AlaskaGolden days in FlatMARY MISCOVICHInterview by SHARON BUSHELL(Published: November 9, 2003)ÂI was born in Yugoslavia, now known as Croatia, in a small town about four miles from the Adriatic Sea. It had a population of about 200 and was truly a one-horse village. If you wanted to call your neighbor, you yelled from your house, "Hey!" My childhood was good but also sad, as I was a young child when war began in the late '30s. My mother died during childbirth, and there were six of us left. It was particularly difficult for several years when the war was going on. Though the war ended in 1945, it was pretty tough times in Yugoslavia until 1950; that's when things started to get better. Before the war, people had everything. If you had money, you could go to town and buy whatever you needed. In '39, when the Germans took over Poland, then it became more and more difficult to find things in the stores. If you didn't have a farm or a garden, you went hungry. Lots of people starved, especially children. My father was a very good provider. He was a farmer, and he also raised bees. The honey was sold to get rice and flour. We always had a cow for milk, and we also had some sheep, so it was fairly easy for us to survive. The people in the city who lost their jobs and had no connections for a place to live were the ones who suffered. There was nothing to buy even if you had lots of money. By then there was war all over Europe, including Yugoslavia. For those of us who were young, living in villages, I think I would have to say, however, that people kept their spirits up. They found ways to be happy. We didn't have much of anything. I had one pair of shoes for school and one outfit to wear to church on Sunday. I never had a bike or any toys. But we made our own toys and we had fun. We would get together at friends' homes in the evenings and sing. There was no radio or record player. If you wanted to dance, someone would pull out an accordion. You can't stop young people from having fun. Many times the dinner was not good, but when the music starts, who thinks about eating dinner? You dance and have fun even if you don't have a good pair of shoes. When the Germans came to our village, they took over our school to use for a first-aid station. For two years we studied in private homes. It was very scary when the German soldiers would come around to your home to check on you. We didn't speak any German, and they didn't speak any Yugoslav. They were suspicious that we were hiding partisans. Our dad would always tell us that we didn't have to worry because we weren't hiding anyone. They would check our home upstairs and downstairs, talking all the time, and we didn't know what they were saying. We were lucky. They never bothered us like lots of other places, where they were killing people. I think one reason was because for maybe 175 or 200 miles, our area was all Catholic. One Sunday we went to church to discover that the German soldiers had taken over part of it for their barracks. It was so shocking how they could just take anything they wanted. They rode huge horses -- I had never seen such big horses -- and they were all black. We didn't have any roads, so they used the horses to go from village to village. There are many images from my childhood there are still scary to think of. Big German shepherd dogs -- that's a hard one for me. All the young people from ages 16 to 20 did volunteer work on the roads and bridges for three months without pay. My sisters and brothers and I all worked on the rebuilding for three months each, although at separate times. I was a teenager when my Uncle Pete visited us from Los Angeles. By then the war was over, and I began thinking of going to the United States to live with him. And that's what I did. In 1954 I came to America, where I had an aunt and two uncles living in Los Angeles. In some ways it was difficult to adapt to living in such a huge city. But in the area where we all lived, most of the people were from Croatia. Everybody spoke Croatian, and they had their own church and market. Sometimes you could almost think you were back in the old country. At first, when I wrote letters home to my family, it was very hard to tell them what it was like over here; I remember being astonished that there were so many cars. At that time in Yugoslavia, you would see maybe a truck here and a car there. Through Uncle Pete, I met a very interesting and charming Alaskan man, John Miscovich. We dated for a couple of years and married in 1957. My uncle and aunt had known John's father and mother many years earlier. I knew about John's family because his cousin back in the old country married my cousin. In the meantime my older sister married John's first cousin over there, so already we had family connections. His father had even come from the same little town that I came from. My uncle and aunt were concerned about me going to Alaska, but I told them, "Even if John takes me up to the mountains where there is nothing, with him I can survive." We flew up to Fairbanks and then on to Poorman. Maurey Smith, who worked for the Fairbanks newspaper, met us at the airport to take a picture. I think there was a lot of speculation about the four Miscovich brothers, when they were going to get married. They were all getting pretty old. John was the first to marry, then Andy, then George and Art. My husband was and still is a miner. After we were married, we went to live in Poorman, which is 60 miles south of Ruby. For some reason I thought it was going to be a pretty good-sized little village. But there was no one there except a very nice lady who cooked, myself and eight men working for the Miscovich brothers -- John and George. But I was young and adventurous, and the five months I spent there was a very happy time in my life. My first year there I raised flowers and picked berries with the cook and saw the biggest moose I've ever seen. I also saw my first black bear. For the Fourth of July, we went to Flat, which really was a town -- compared to Poorman -- to visit John's sister Ann and her family. I spent two summers in Poorman. Then we moved to Flat in '59 and have been there every summer since. It's our home; all four of our children think of it as their first and most special home. Our children were born in fairly quick succession. Three of them were born in Seattle at the Swedish Hospital, and the youngest was born in Orange, California. When we came up each spring, people would wonder how in the world we could take those babies up to a place like Flat, Alaska, where there was no doctor. But we had very healthy children, and they thrived in Alaska. Every year we came up as a family to work in the mine and grow a big garden and enjoy the beauty and serenity of Alaska. Until recently, all our children came up each summer. Now everyone's lives are so busy. John and I spend our time back and forth between California and Alaska. Each May, we're chomping at the bit to come back up to Alaska. I love late spring and summer up north, the beauty and seclusion. For the last 46 years, Flat has been a ghost town; only John and I live there. Actually, we live two miles from Flat in our mining camp near the Discovery claim, where John was born in 1918 and raised. We're busy every day. We take care of the garden and cut quite a bit of wood. I help John; we've been doing it all these years. We do lots of repair work around the camp and painting, and before you know it, autumn has come. We hope we can make Flat our home for many more years because John loves Alaska, especially this area. It's his home. And I feel that now it is my home too. Sharon Bushell lives and writes in Homer. Her books, "We Alaskans" and "We Alaskans II," feature her stories about Alaska pioneers that have appeared in the Daily News. For more information, visit her Web site atwww.wealaskans.com. http://www.adn.com/life/story/4359500p-4367571c.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4786/1/H-Omis-Croatia.html ÂOmis, Croatiawww.almissa.com Dragi Nenade: Jedan moj prijatelj iz Omisa ima web page Omisa. Vrlo je zanimljiva i ima krasnih slika grada, a i mnogo slika starih Omisana. Mozes misliti kako sam bila iznenadjena kad sam vidjela slike mojih roditelja, oceve brace i mnogih starih i novih prijatelja. Mislila sam da to dolazi iz Omisa, i uputila sam im e-mail, medjutim Ugo to radi iz Chicaga. Ako stignes pogledaj: info@almissa.com.Jos jednom od srca cestitam i zelim Ti jos mnogo uspjeha u buducnosti, uz najbolje zeljeÂIna letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 03 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4788/1/E-FIRST-MEETINGS-MOTHER-COUNTRY.html ÂPro PatriaFIRST MEETINGS MOTHER-COUNTRY AND EMIGRATE CROATIAN (MMCEC)MAKARSKA RIVIERA 12.08. - 21.08.2004. CROATIAInformation for all interested that the society «Pro Patria» (PP) in the abovementioned term begins with the manifestation «Meetings mother-country and emigrate Croatia» (MMCEC). Aim of this manifestation first of all connects mother-country and are moved out Croatian, summer keeping company on which except purchases on the beautiful blue Adriatic citizens and families from Croatia and diaspora will be the enabled quality creative rest filled cultural and other contents. In the course of is the making of integral program of ten-day keeping company. Society «Pro Patria» for now can will offer his services with this contents: - In evening hours of interesting lecture from the Croatian history, literatures, political science and economy.- Departure on the island Korculu (the sightseeing of Old town and tour fertile houses Marko Polo you looking at one another the autochthonous chivalrous game of Dalmatian sword dance).- Attendance cultural manifestation «Days of Dalmatian songs and words» in the place Brist on Makarska riviera which holds out in the memory on the Croatian linguist of father Kacica Miosica.- Departure in the village Zagvozd (Imotska borderland) below the mountain Biokovo on the other hand (the north) the town Makarska where in evening hours hold out traditional theater meetings «Actors in Zagvozd». Participants is left the choice according to the wish theatrical performances. After the performance participants will be offered the supper with specialties thereout villages.- One from the evening on the schedule monodrama «How will be talked Croatian» known Zagreb professor with the academy and actor of Josko Sevo. - In Small Drveniku 16.08.2004. are given St. Roko traditional popular manifestations on which except the music offer the home wine and sea specialties for all free of charge.- Participants children will have his leader as well as the program the child playrooms and workshop. - The last day is left for the concert Thompson - Skoro In the course of are negotiations with a few tourist agencies from America, Canada and West Europe about the price of total arrangement. The final arrangement will be announced the start of December.We ask all are interested from emigrants and homeland if have constructive suggestions that us contact on the mentioned before address. president of society «Pro Patria»Â prof. Damir Milictel/fax: 00385/31/500-553e-mail: damir.milic@os.htnet.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 31 Oct 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4787/1/H-Mundimitar-stari-hrvatski-grad---Old-Croatian-Town-in-Italy.html ÂMontemitro antico paese croato.Mundimitar stari hrvatski grad.Mundimitar Old Croatian Town in ItalyÂwww.mundimitar.itÂGabriele Romagnolig.romagnoli@mundimitar.it letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 31 Oct 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4789/1/H-wwwlijepanasadomovinahrvatskacom-20-Listopad.html Âwww.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/novosti.htmPostovani,Pogledajte www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/novosti.htm . Srdacan pozdravIvica Grgic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Oct 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4790/1/H-Susrete-domovinske-i-iseljene-Hrvatske-2004.html ÂSusrete domovinske i iseljene Hrvatske 2004 Postovani gospodine BachJavljam Vam se nakon poduzeg vremena sa dobrim vijestima. Slijedece godine u ljeto od 12.08. - 21.08.2004. nasa udruga «Za Domovinu» organizira prve Susrete domovinske i iseljene Hrvatske (SDIH) na Makarskoj rivijeri. Dakle ljetovanje sa cjelokupnim programom druzenje gradana, obitelji kako iz Hrvatske tako i iz dijaspore. Predvidamo oko 300 sudionika koji ce biti smjesteni u Drveniku na juznom dijelu Makarske rivijere sat vremena voznje do Medugorja, tako da ce sudionici ljetnih druzenje biti u mogucnosti 15.08. posjetiti Medugorje. U tijeku je izrada cjelokupnog programa za desetodnevno ljetovanje, osim odlaska u Meðugorje sudionici ce obici otok Korculu te u vecernjim satima mjesto Zagvozd podno Biokova gdje se odrzavaju vec tradicionalni kazalisni susreti «Glumci u Zagvozdu» koje predvodi glumac Vedran Mlikota, 16.08. u Drveniku je pucka festa povodom Sv. Roka a dan poslije 5 km dalje u mjestu Brist u kojem je roden Bartol Kasic odrzava se kulturna manifestacija «Dani Dalmatinske pisme i rici». Uz obilje kulturnih dogadanja u vecernjim satima biti ce izvedena monodrama (poznatog zagrebackog profesora sa akademije za glumu Joska Seve) Kako govoriti Hrvatski?! te nekoliko predavanja u vecernjim satima poznatih hrvatskih znanstvenika iz podrucja povijesti, politologije, ekonomije kao i nastup predsjednika Matice Hrvatske gosp. Igora Zidica. Djeca ce imati svoga voditelja kao i programe djecije igraonice i radionice. Posljednji dan navecer predvidamo odrzavanje koncerta Thompson - Skoro. Cijena cijelokupnog aranzmana bit ce oko 400 $ po osobi za djecu manji iznos. Molimo Vas da nam se pridruzite ukoliko ste zainteresirani s ovim nadasve vrlo zanimljivim hrvatskim projektom druzenja. Ukoliko imate ideja u svezi toga spremni smo ih uvrstiti u program. Trazimo jednu turisticku agenciju iz Amerike da nam preporucite kako bi se dogovorili o mogucoj suradnji vezano uz dolazak Hrvata iz Amerike. Toliko za sada Puno pozdrava iz Hrvatske Predsjednik udruge Za DomovinuProf. Damir Milice-mail: damir.milic@os.htnet.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 01 Oct 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4793/1/E-San-Pedro-Street-Renamed-in-Honor-of-Areas-Croatians.html ÂSan Pedro Street Renamed in Honor of Area'sCroatiansSeptember 24, 2003 E-mail story Print San Pedro Street Renamed in Honor of Area's CroatsBy Jessica Garrison, Times Staff WriterThe days when Balkan upheavals echoed in San Pedro's neighborhoods seem to be comfortably in the past, prompting Croats to turn their attention to getting civic recognition for their heritage. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to name a portion of 9th Street in San Pedro "Croatian Place," and dozens of aging Croatian immigrants, along with Croatian Consul General Sanja Bujas Juraga, crowded into City Hall to celebrate the honor."So happy today for our street," said Antonija Rancic, 63, one of about 35,000 Croats who make the harbor area one of the largest Croatian communities in the United States. "Everybody be so proud." Croats began immigrating to Los Angeles in great numbers at the end of the 19th century, fleeing the harsh regime of the Austro-Hungarian empire. On San Pedro's bluffs, they found a landscape that resembled the sun-kissed islands and inlets of the Dalmatian Coast. And in the waters off the harbor, they fished as they had for generations in the crystal blue waves of the Adriatic Sea. In many respects they were model immigrants - successful business people who sent their children to college, supported St. Anthony's Croatian Church and fell in love with America - while holding on to their taste for plum brandy, strong coffee and cigarettes. But they could not escape the ethnic tensions that roiled their homeland.Until the 1990s, Croatia was part of Yugoslavia, a Communist country that also included Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Macedonia and Kosovo. The government, headquartered in the Serbian city of Belgrade, made it a crime to sing Croatian songs or fly the Croatian flag, and many Croats believe Serbs were treated to nicer apartments and better jobs.Halfway around the world in San Pedro, the community was split between those who called themselves Croats and those who referred to themselves as Yugoslavs, even if they were of Croatian descent, according to Josip Mardesic, a controller who also serves as president of the Croatian American Club.Mardesic said that in the 1970s several Croat-owned stores in San Pedro were bombed, and he himself received a threatening letter. Some community members blame the Yugoslavian government, while others say the culprits' identities remain a mystery.But tensions in San Pedro ran high, and played out at community events as well. A riot erupted at San Pedro's Daniel Field in the 1980s when the local Croatian team played the local Yugoslav team."There were Croatians who wanted a free Croatia, and others who saw unity within the Yugoslav nation," said Anthony Misetich, a former president of the Dalmatian-American Club, which used to be called the Yugoslav-American Club.Yugoslavia's civil war brought the two Croatian factions together. In the 1990s, as Yugoslavia disintegrated and Serbia and Croatia fell into a bloody conflict, the Croats of San Pedro directed their anger toward Serbs. San Pedro's Yugoslav club dropped its rivalry with Mardesic's Croatian American club and changed its name to the Dalmatian Club. "No more Yugoslav," one Croatian man declared at the time. Today, tempers have mellowed and civic boosterism is the focus.But until this year, no street in San Pedro bore witness to the area's Croatian heritage. In July, Councilwoman Janice Hahn pushed a successful plan to change the name of a section of Palos Verdes Street to Ante Perkov Way after the recently deceased founder of San Pedro's best-known Croatian restaurant, Ante's.This summer, Mardesic and other members of the Croatian American Club asked Hahn to rename a portion of the street in front of their club. When the change was announced Sunday at St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church, the staid congregation broke into applause. "It feels great," Mardesic said. "This colony that has been here since 1800s, they have always been very humble, work hard, be productive and go home to their families, and that's all they ever ask for. To have a street named after them, it is great." If you want other stories on this topic, search the Archives at latimes.com/archives.Click here for article licensing and reprint optionsCopyright 2003 Los Angeles TimesSource:http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-croatsep24,1,2045392.story?coll=laheadlines-californiaÂÂLOS ANGELES (AP) - A block-long stretch of Ninth Street in San Pedro wasrenamed Croatian Place in honor of the community's century-oldCroatian/American community.The City Council voted Tuesday to change the name of the street betweenGrand Avenue and Gaffey Street. The ceremonial "Croatian Place" signs willgo up soon, but the street section officially will remain Ninth Street."Croatians were pioneers in San Pedro, going back to the late 1800s," saidJoe Mardesic, president of the Croatian American Club. "This gives somerecognition to this history."Efforts for the street name change began about two years ago when clubmembers approached Councilwoman Janice Hahn with the request, said VladimirLonza, past president of the San Pedro Croatian-American Club.The street designation is a way to honor the historic Croatian-Americaninfluence in San Pedro, said Lonza, who came to the United States in 1959."It's symbolic and special for us old-timers," Lonza said. "We're gettingolder and some of us are passing away. This says, 'We were there.' Even ifthe club disappears, it will be Croatian Place."Source: http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/6851287.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4792/1/H-ELITNO-UDOMLJENJE-STARIJIH-OSOBA.html ÂElitno udomiteljstvo starijih osoba ÂFrom: kovacic@udomiteljstvo.comÂOVIM PUTEM VAS MOLIM DA OBAVIJESTITE NASE SUNARODNJAKE, HRVATE ZAINTERESIRANE ZA OVU VRSTU UDOMITELJSTVA - STARATELJSTVA U HRVATSKOJ. Postovani sunarodnjaci,slobodna sam obavijestiti Vas, da u nasoj voljenoj Hrvatskoj, u srcu Zagreba, u Maksimiru, u zelenilu i miru, u kuci od 550 m2 otvaramo u nasoj obitelji ELITNO UDOMLJENJE STARIJIH OSOBA.Ako imate roditelje, baku i djeda, ili ste sami bez djece, te prijetelje ili poznanike koji bi zeljeli ostatak svoga zivota biti smjesteni u nasu obitelj, u hotelskom smjestaju uz 24-satnu brigu i njegu, pod lijecnickim nadzorom, posjetite nas na nasoj WEB STRANICI: www.udomiteljstvo.com i upoznate se sa ovim sto nudimo, pa ako je to bas ono sto si zelite u domovini mozete nas kontaktirati i na telefon +385 52 441 284, GSM: +385 91 52 33 565, e-mail:kovacic@udomiteljstvo.com .Sa stovanjem,ELITNO UDOMLJENJE STARIJIH OSOBALjiljana pl. KovacicCROATIA letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4791/1/H-Novi-intervjui---Internet-Radio-Lijepa-Nasa.html ÂInternet RadioStovaniPoslusajte nove intervjue nahttp://www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/novosti.htm .takodje mozete besplatno instalirati programe Windows Media Player i RealOne radi brzeg preslusavanja-na naslovnici je link.Srdacan pozdravUrednik Ivica Grgic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4795/1/E-Our-new-sister-city-is-Vela-Luka.html ÂOur new sister-city is Vela LukaSonja Rupp (photo)Anacortes Croatian Club representative Sonja Rupp seals the deal with Vela Luka's Mayor Tonko Gugich Our new sister-city is Vela LukaBefore Anacortes had an official sister city organization, it had several sister cities along the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. Families from Vis, Brac and, more than any other town, Vela Luka settled in Anacortes beginning over a century ago. Cultural exchanges between the old country and the new have been almost routine, which might explain the delay in formalizing the relationship. Not to say that Anacortes' Croatian heritage has been taken for granted; the always active community formed the American Croatian Club of Anacortes (ACCA) and the Vela Luka dance troupe in the early 1970's.Meanwhile, the Anacortes Sister City Organization has established official ties with Sidney, B.C.; Lomonosov, Russia and Kisakata, Japan. Two years ago ACCA Boardmember Vlatko Kolega pointed out that it was past time for Anacortes to have an official Croatian sister-city. Since then, a committee has been researching likely towns. Naturally, attention focused on the island of Korcula, both its namesake city and Vela Luka. Croatian Club Treasurer, Sonja Rupp, made two trips to Korcula and found officials in Vela Luka much more responsive to the sister city idea; it was only last month that her meetings with Vela Luka's Mayor Tonko Gugic led to the formalization of this long-standing connection.Back in Anacortes, Nikki Lau Lovric and her husband John Lovric, were busy getting papers signed and gifts collected, including an Anacortes flag and centennial coin and a photo of several of the descendents of Vela Luka's emigrants. Plans are already being made for a Sister City trip to Vela Luka next summer. For more information contact the Lovric's at 293-8530.Photo Vela LukaDescendents of Vela Luka's emigrants gather at the Seafarer's Memorial in Anacortes. http://www.anacortesonline.com/Article.tpl?id=769 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 21 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4794/1/H-Internet-Interview-Budimir-Kontic-Bach-Zovko.html Internet Interview Budimir, Kontic, Bach, Zovko  ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDatum Intervju gost  21. rujan 03. gen. Zivko Budimir-komentar na ispriku Predsjednika Mesica,komentar na zahtjev duznosnika muslimanske stranke SDA o potrebi isprike od strane Predsjednika Mesica u ime RH prema "gradjanima Bosne i Hercegovine",potreba isprike od strane muslimanskog vodstva prema Hrvatima,potreba zahvale od strane muslimanskog vodstva i muslimana prema RH i Hrvatima za nesebicnu pomoc koju su Hrvati pruzili muslimanima za vrijeme rata u BiH,odgovornost muslimanskog vodstva za vrijeme rata u BiH za zrtve u Srebrenici,osuda tog zlocina,kamenovanje Hrvatsko-katolickog skolskog centra u Sarajevu(prije dva dana) i drugi pritisci na Hrvate u BiH,odnos hrvatskih stranaka prema tim problemima, Hrvatski narodni sabor,......  20. rujan 03. Josko Kontic-odluka Velikog vijeca HSLS-a u s vezi koalicije sa Demokratskim centrom,datum parlamentarnih izbora,reagiranje javnosti,veliki vanjski dug,Zakon o pomorskom dobru,odnosi sa Slovenijom, odnos sadasnje vlasti prema bitnim pitanjima za RH,komentar na ispriku Predsjednika Mesica  20. rujan 03. Nenad Bach-nastanak albuma "A Thousand Years of Peace",ljubav prema Domovini izrazena u pjesmama i uporaba tamburice,gosti albuma Michael York i Martin Sheen, inace prijatelji Hrvata i Hrvatske,pjesme koje govore o stradanjima za vrijeme Domovinskog rata umjetnicki izrazene,CROWN,reagiranje na izvjesce "Human Rights Watch", dijelovi pjesama sa albuma:" I love losers","The roads come back to you","I just can't take it any more","Can we go higher?", "www//www","Truth is so simple","Between two flights",........  17. rujan 03. dr. Jure Zovko-dosadasnja ulaganja Vlade u znanost , prisutnost hrvatskih znanstvenih i znanstveno-istrazivackih timova u medjunarodnim znanstvenim projektima,usavrsavanje znanstvenika u inozemstvu, programi za unapredjenje znanosti i gospodarstva,suradnja domovine i iseljenistva,osvrt na "obrazovnu reformu" u BiH,parlamentarni izbori  15. rujan 03. Svecenik Miljenko Dzalto-kratki osvrt na hrvatske zrtve zlocina koji je pocinila Armija BiH tj. muslimanska vojska u Uzdolu, obiljezavanje desete obljetnice od tog maskara i misno slavlje,trenutno stanje u Uzdolu u s vezi skolstva, gospodarstva, medjunacionalni odnosi, odnos hrvatskih stranaka prema Hrvatima u Uzdolu,procesuiranje zlocinaca,molba za pomoc  13. rujan 03. dr. Ivo Sanader- snimak razgovora koji je vodio Nikola Rasic za hrvatski radio SBS u Australiji 09. rujna 03.-zahladjenje odnosa Hrvatske i Slovenije,vanjski dug i odnos medija prema tom problemu, spremost za parlamentarne izbore,komentar na izjave Stipe Gabrica Jamba,komentar na izjave dopredsjednika Hrvatskog bloka Joze Metera i predsjednika HB Ivica Pasalica,o HIP-u i Miroslavu Tudjmanu, (ne)mogucnost koalicije sa Hrvatskim blokom  12. rujan 03. Josip Merdzo-komentar na priopcenje Biskupske konferencije BiH,odluka sredisnjeg odbora HDZ-a BiH u s vezi trenutnog stanja u obrazovnoj politici BiH,poziv Hrvatima i hrvatskim prijateljima da lobiraju za prava Hrvata u BiH,smisao i uloga Daytonskog sporazuma,odnosi u Vladi Federacije BiH.  11. rujan 03. Anto Djapic-komentar na posjet Predsjednika Mesica Srbiji i isprike koje su upucene,rijesenje problema sa Slovenijom,parlamentarni izbori,stav HSP-a prema Hrvatima BiH i stav prema "reformi obrazovanja" koja se namece Hrvatima u BiH  08. rujan 03. Svecenik Martin Sentic-hrvatske zrtve tokom i poslije Drugog svjetskog rata,zrtve Jasenovca,naredba Josipa Broza Tita za likvidaciju 50 000 Hrvata,"Crna knjiga komunizma",velicanje komunistickih zlocinaca  07.rujan 03. Ivo Sanader-razgovor vodjen 22. lipnja 03. za Dnevnik HTV-a  07. rujan 03. Rade Buljubasic-Snimak razgovora predsjednika koordinacije HDZ-a Australije i Novog Zelanda za "Hrvatski narodni radio" u Sydneyu 16.kolovoza 03.  05. rujan 03. Don Martin Sentic-"Jura Homunizam"-prava covjeka,pogledi na pobacaj i homoseksualnost,kratki osvrt na zlocine komunizma u svijetu i Hrvatskoj........  05. rujan 03. prof. dr.Andrija Hembrang-rjesenja nastale situacije sa Slovenijom,ratna odsteta,incidenti srpske manjine u Hrvatskoj i odnos medija i Vlade prema tim problemima,odgovor na optuzbe Stipe Gabrica Jamba,parlamentarni izbori i programi za oporavak gospodarstva,nacionalni ponos,suradnja sa iseljenistvom,problemi Hrvata u Vojvodini i BiH.  04. rujan 03. Josko Kontic-problemi sa Slovenijom,americki zahtjev o neizrucivanju americkih drzavljana Medjunarodnom kaznenom sudu,gen. Gotovina,gen.Norac,osvrt na tragediju hrvatske obitelji Andjelic kod Konjica i polozaj hrvatskog naroda u BiH,pokusaji dokidanja hrvatskog jezika putem obrazovne reforme  03. rujan 03. Stipe Mesic -Najnovija dogadjanja u s vezi proglasenja gospodarskog pojasa,odnosi sa Slovenijom,borba protiv globalnog terorizma,razlozi skorog odlaska u Beograd,polozaj Hrvata u Bosni i Hercegovini i Vojvodini,procjena uspjesnosti posjeta Libiji.  01. rujan 03. Michaela-je bila pjevacica hrvatske grupe MATRIX koja je za proslu godinu proglasena medju tri najpopularnije dance grupe u Hrvatskoj.Prvi singl koji je objavljen prije ljeta pod naslovom "Na zadnjem sjedistu tvoga auta" jedan je od najslusanijih ovoljetnih hitova.Poslusajte sami sto nam ima reci Michaela.  ÂÂSnimka razgovora koji je vodjen 28. kolovoza 03. sa fra Sitom Coricem na hrvatskoj radio postaji "Mostar" u sklopu emisije " S radiom u podne".Tema razgovora je reforma obrazovanja i ostala pitanja od nacionalnog interesa za Hrvate u BiH.Emisiju vodila novinarka Zeljka Sesar.  27. kolovoz 03. Josip MerdzoÂÂÂ-komentar na odluku Visokog predstavnika MZ o kaznjavanju HDZ-a BiH sa novcanom kaznom,reforma obrazovanja i uticaj te reforme na hrvatski jezik u skolstvu,  26. kolovoz 03. gen. Zivko BudimirÂÂÂÂ-napadi na Hrvate i crkvene sluzbenike u BiH,planovi Bosnjaka o ukidanju hrvatske nacije i jezika na podrucju BiH,reforma skolstva,djelatnosti HKDU-a BiH  25. kolovoz 03. Julija BusicÂÂ-Ânovosti u s vezi sudskog postupka za pustanje na slobodu Zvonka Busica,podrska od strane institucija i pojedinaca,nesto vise o knjizi-cetvrto izdanje   25. kolovoz 03. Nenad BachÂ-umjetnik i glazbenik(NY),filmska glazba,nastupi sa poznatim osobama iz svijeta glazbe i umjetnosti,uloga glazbe,kulture,znanosti,sporta i sl. u promociji Hrvatske u svijetu,"kako postati sami sebi prijatelj",rad na novom albumu  23. kolovoz 03. Miro KaracicÂ- realisticko poimanje pluralizmai definicija pluralizma,pluralizam etnickih sustava,kulturni i moralni relativizam,"Dekaloska demokracija,"Jura Homunizam","Klub demografske obnove"   21. kolovoz 03. dr. Mate GranicÂ-proglasenje gospodarskog pojasa i ponasanje Vlade u tom slucaju,vanjski dug,incidenti srpske manjine u Hrvatskoj i ponasanje Vlade i medija,poruke predsjednika europske komisije g. Romana Prodija hrvatskim politicarima,spremnost Demokratskog centra za izbore  19. kolovoz 03. Luka PodrugÂ-koalicija HKDU-a i HCSP-a,gospodarski pojas,nerijesena granicna pitanja,komentar na izjave Zmage Jelinicica o podjeli hrvatskog Jadranskog mora,incidenti srpske manjine u Hrvatskoj,polozaj Hrvata u BiH i Vojvodini,hrvatske zrtve komunistickog rezima,velicanje komunistickih zlocina,omalovazavanje Domovinskog rata Â  17. kolovoz 03 dr. Anto kovacevicÂ-Dan pobijede i domovinske zahvalnosti,granica na Dunavu,polozaj iseljenih Hrvata iz BiH u Hrvatskoj i odnos Vlade prema tom problemu,komentar na izjave udbinog egzekutora Vinka Sindicica,pozari   16. kolovoz 03. Vesna Skare-OzboltÂ-stete i uzroci pozara,polozaj umirovljenika,zagadjivanje prirode raznim vrstama otpada i odnos Vlade prema tom pitanju,trgovina zenama i djecom  07. kolovoz 03. Josko KonticÂ-uzroci pozara i djelotvornost sluzbi za gasenje pozara,odnosi Slovenije i Hrvatske,Dan pobijede i domovinske zahvalnosti,"Viktor Lenac",slucaj "Sindicic" Â  07. kolovoz 03. George Rudman-povod posjeta BiH,posjet Svetog Oca Banja LuciÂi susreti sa najvisim crkvenim duznosnicima u BiH,polozaj Hrvata u BiH,aktivnosti CAA u Kaknju,planovi CAA,dolazak predsjednika predsjednistva BiH g. Dragana Covica u SAD Â   Â  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 21 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4796/1/H-Internet-Radio-Interview-Zovko-Merdzo-Dzalto.html   www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com  Â ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDatum Intervju gost  17. rujan 03. dr. Jure Zovko-dosadasnja ulaganja Vlade u znanost , prisutnost hrvatskih znanstvenih i znanstveno-istrazivackih timova u medjunarodnim znanstvenim projektima,usavrsavanje znanstvenika u inozemstvu, programi za unapredjenje znanosti i gospodarstva,suradnja domovine i iseljenistva,osvrt na "obrazovnu reformu" u BiH,parlamentarni izbori  15. rujan 03. Svecenik Miljenko Dzalto-kratki osvrt na hrvatske zrtve zlocina koji je pocinila Armija BiH tj. muslimanska vojska u Uzdolu, obiljezavanje desete obljetnice od tog maskara i misno slavlje,trenutno stanje u Uzdolu u s vezi skolstva, gospodarstva, medjunacionalni odnosi, odnos hrvatskih stranaka prema Hrvatima u Uzdolu,procesuiranje zlocinaca,molba za pomoc  13. rujan 03. dr. Ivo Sanader- snimak razgovora koji je vodio Nikola Rasic za hrvatski radio SBS u Australiji 09. rujna 03.-zahladjenje odnosa Hrvatske i Slovenije,vanjski dug i odnos medija prema tom problemu, spremost za parlamentarne izbore,komentar na izjave Stipe Gabrica Jamba,komentar na izjave dopredsjednika Hrvatskog bloka Joze Metera i predsjednika HB Ivica Pasalica,o HIP-u i Miroslavu Tudjmanu, (ne)mogucnost koalicije sa Hrvatskim blokom  12. rujan 03. Josip Merdzo-komentar na priopcenje Biskupske konferencije BiH,odluka sredisnjeg odbora HDZ-a BiH u s vezi trenutnog stanja u obrazovnoj politici BiH,poziv Hrvatima i hrvatskim prijateljima da lobiraju za prava Hrvata u BiH,smisao i uloga Daytonskog sporazuma,odnosi u Vladi Federacije BiH.  11. rujan 03. Anto Djapic-komentar na posjet Predsjednika Mesica Srbiji i isprike koje su upucene,rijesenje problema sa Slovenijom,parlamentarni izbori,stav HSP-a prema Hrvatima BiH i stav prema "reformi obrazovanja" koja se namece Hrvatima u BiH  08. rujan 03. Svecenik Martin Sentic-hrvatske zrtve tokom i poslije Drugog svjetskog rata,zrtve Jasenovca,naredjenje Josipa Broza Tita za likvidaciju 50 000 Hrvata,"Crna knjiga komunizma",velicanje komunistickih zlocinaca  07.rujan 03. Ivo Sanader-razgovor vodjen 22. lipnja 03. za Dnevnik HTV-a  07. rujan 03. Rade Buljubasic-Snimak razgovora predsjednika koordinacije HDZ-a Australije i Novog Zelanda za "Hrvatski narodni radio" u Sydneyu 16.kolovoza 03.  05. rujan 03. Don Martin Sentic-"Jura Homunizam"-prava covjeka,pogledi na pobacaj i homoseksualnost,kratki osvrt na zlocine komunizma u svijetu i Hrvatskoj........  05. rujan 03. prof. dr.Andrija Hembrang-rjesenja nastale situacije sa Slovenijom,ratna odsteta,incidenti srpske manjine u Hrvatskoj i odnos medija i Vlade prema tim problemima,odgovor na optuzbe Stipe Gabrica Jamba,parlamentarni izbori i programi za oporavak gospodarstva,nacionalni ponos,suradnja sa iseljenistvom,problemi Hrvata u Vojvodini i BiH.  04. rujan 03. Josko Kontic-problemi sa Slovenijom,americki zahtjev o neizrucivanju americkih drzavljana Medjunarodnom kaznenom sudu,gen. Gotovina,gen.Norac,osvrt na tragediju hrvatske obitelji Andjelic kod Konjica i polozaj hrvatskog naroda u BiH,pokusaji dokidanja hrvatskog jezika putem obrazovne reforme  03. rujan 03. Stipe Mesic -Najnovija dogadjanja u s vezi proglasenja gospodarskog pojasa,odnosi sa Slovenijom,borba protiv globalnog terorizma,razlozi skorog odlaska u Beograd,polozaj Hrvata u Bosni i Hercegovini i Vojvodini,procjena uspjesnosti posjeta Libiji.  01. rujan 03. Michaela-je bila pjevacica hrvatske grupe MATRIX koja je za proslu godinu proglasena medju tri najpopularnije dance grupe u Hrvatskoj.Prvi singl koji je objavljen prije ljeta pod naslovom "Na zadnjem sjedistu tvoga auta" jedan je od najslusanijih ovoljetnih hitova.Poslusajte sami sto nam ima reci Michaela.    ÂÂSnimka razgovora koji je vodjen 28. kolovoza 03. sa fra Sitom Coricem na hrvatskoj radio postaji "Mostar" u sklopu emisije " S radiom u podne".Tema razgovora je reforma obrazovanja i ostala pitanja od nacionalnog interesa za Hrvate u BiH.Emisiju vodila novinarka Zeljka Sesar.  27. kolovoz 03. Josip MerdzoÂÂÂ-komentar na odluku Visokog predstavnika MZ o kaznjavanju HDZ-a BiH sa novcanom kaznom,reforma obrazovanja i uticaj te reforme na hrvatski jezik u skolstvu,  26. kolovoz 03. gen. Zivko BudimirÂÂÂÂ-napadi na Hrvate i crkvene sluzbenike u BiH,planovi Bosnjaka o ukidanju hrvatske nacije i jezika na podrucju BiH,reforma skolstva,djelatnosti HKDU-a BiH  25. kolovoz 03. Julija BusicÂÂ-Ânovosti u s vezi sudskog postupka za pustanje na slobodu Zvonka Busica,podrska od strane institucija i pojedinaca,nesto vise o knjizi-cetvrto izdanje   25. kolovoz 03. Nenad BachÂ-umjetnik i glazbenik(NY),filmska glazba,nastupi sa poznatim osobama iz svijeta glazbe i umjetnosti,uloga glazbe,kulture,znanosti,sporta i sl. u promociji Hrvatske u svijetu,"kako postati sami sebi prijatelj",rad na novom albumu  23. kolovoz 03. Miro KaracicÂ- realisticko poimanje pluralizmai definicija pluralizma,pluralizam etnickih sustava,kulturni i moralni relativizam,"Dekaloska demokracija,"Jura Homunizam","Klub demografske obnove"   21. kolovoz 03. dr. Mate GranicÂ-proglasenje gospodarskog pojasa i ponasanje Vlade u tom slucaju,vanjski dug,incidenti srpske manjine u Hrvatskoj i ponasanje Vlade i medija,poruke predsjednika europske komisije g. Romana Prodija hrvatskim politicarima,spremnost Demokratskog centra za izbore  19. kolovoz 03. Luka PodrugÂ-koalicija HKDU-a i HCSP-a,gospodarski pojas,nerijesena granicna pitanja,komentar na izjave Zmage Jelinicica o podjeli hrvatskog Jadranskog mora,incidenti srpske manjine u Hrvatskoj,polozaj Hrvata u Bih i Vojvodini,hrvatske zrtve komunistickog rezima,velicanje komunistickih zlocina,omalovazavanje Domovinskog rata Â  17. kolovoz 03 dr. Anto kovacevicÂ-Dan pobijede i domovinske zahvalnosti,granica na Dunavu,polozaj iseljenih Hrvata iz BiH u Hrvatskoj i odnos Vlade prema tom problemu,komentar na izjave udbinog egzekutora Vinka Sindicica,pozari   16. kolovoz 03. Vesna Skare-OzboltÂ-stete i uzroci pozara,polozaj umirovljenika,zagadjivanje prirode raznim vrstama otpadai odnos Vladeprema tom pitanju,trgovina zenama i djecom  07. kolovoz 03. Josko KonticÂ-uzroci pozara i djelotvornost sluzbi za gasenje pozara,odnosi Slovenije i Hrvatske,Dan pobijede i domovinske zahvalnosti,"Viktor Lenac",slucaj "Sindicic" Â  07. kolovoz 03. George Rudman-povod posjeta BiH,posjet Svetog Oca Banja LuciÂi sus5eti sa najvisim crkvenim duznosnicima u BiH,polozaj Hrvata u BiH,aktivnosti CAA u Kaknju,planovi CAA,dolazak predsjednika predsjednistva BiH g. Dragana Covica u SAD Â letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4797/1/E-CSYPN-London-Social-Event.html ÂAnother top notch London Croatian event! Don't miss it!BrianDear all,This is a reminder about the dinner at 'El BarcoLatino' on Saturday, 20 Sep 2003. The list isgetting longer and if you want to ensure yourplace and avoid disappointment, email us asap.We have only a few days to complete and send thelist to the restaurant.Regards!----------Dear all,The CSYPN Committee has arranged another Saturdayevening event - but this won't be on solid ground.(But you won't be going to Colombia, just kidding!)We're taking over the River Thames floatingbar/restaurant boat, EL BARCO LATINO, from7pm to 2am (or longer). The boat has a dancefloor, which needs to be used.This is going to be a great opportunity for us toopen a new season, to catch up after summerholidays, and also welcome all new studentsfrom Croatia.Our dinners have always been great successes - thelast one at Patio had almost 90 attendees. We areconfident it will be the same this time around. Anexclusive use of the boat for the night (providedwe have 70 guests), a selection from tapas menu,a dance floor, great music and a great company willensure great time. Furthermore, quite reasonableprice will help.Can you please RSVP by Saturday, 13 September 2003on elbarco@csypn.org.uk , so your name can be addedto the guest list. Please note that seats need tobe secured by booking in advance and no walk/ins onthe night will be accommodated. The fee for thedinner will be taken at the doors in advance.Please try to have the correct monies. Prices are£10 for CSYPN members and £15 for non-members.El Barco Latino is moored quite close to TempleTube station, not far from part of King's College.So it's on the District and Circle Line and ifyou've got the local geography sorted out in yourmind, that's north of the river.-----When: Saturday, 20 September 2003, 7.00pmWhere: El Barco LatinoTemple PierVictoria EmbankmentLondon WC2R 2PPhttp://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=531065&Y=180778&A=Y&Z=1 Tubes: TempleRSVP: by Saturday, 13 September onelbarco@csypn.org.uk Tickets: £10 - CSYPN members, £15 - non-members-----Kind regards,CSYPN Committee letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 13 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4799/1/E-Croatian-Picnic-in-Siera-Madre.html ÂCroatian Picnic at the Retreat in Siera Madre!C.A.M.E.O. MEMBERS!For those of you that are in town for the Labor Day HolidayCome for a fabulous Croatian Picnic that will be takingplace on SUNDAY, AUGUST 31st at the Retreat in Siera Madre!Location:Sierra Madre Retreat700 North Sunny Side AveSiera Madre, CA 91204626.355.7188Directions:134 to 210 fwyExit MichillindaTurn LeftTurn Right on Siera Madre BlvdLeft on Sunny SideSee you there!CAMEO letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 30 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4798/1/E-Moj-put-u-Hrvatsku-by-Diane-Mahoney.html Â"Moj put u Hrvatsku" by Diane Mahoney Hello Nenad!Thought I would write you about my recent trip to Croatia. I just got back from Zagreb and Vukovar on Tuesday. I want to thank you again for the recommendation of Adriatic Tours as a travel agent. They were great--arranged air transportation and hotels for me.The trip was wonderful. We went to Croatia to attend a close friend's wedding, spending a couple of days in Zagreb before going on to the wedding inVukovar. My father, daughter and I enjoyed everything. My daughter and I had been to Zagreb before with my husband, so it wasn't hard to navigate around. We had some city maps and an idea in our heads of what we wanted to show my dad ofthe city. We saw all the historic sights in Gornji Grad, shopped at the Dolac Market, and went to two museums. We found our way around to do some souvenir shopping (walked directly to two gift shops that looked interesting from the guidebooks) and a place to eat dinner ("The Writer's Club," on Ban Jelacic Trg, a nice restaurant that had been in business for 50 years). We even foundan internet cafe in an old house (off a side street and a courtyard, with thefirst floor rooms converted to be used for sending and receiving e-mails) so wecould contact my husband more cheaply than by phone!I drove through Eastern Slavonija to Vukovar and it wasn't hard at all! The roads were smooth and straight and the signage out there was very clear to lead us to our destinations. We found Vukovar with no problems, and took a daytrip to Osijek on the day of the wedding without getting lost at all. Our onlydifficulty was in coming back to get to the airport. We did get lost in the outskirts of Zagreb, because there were no signs to guide us there! Very strange! We eventually saw 2 or 3 signs, very near to the airport itself, butthat was after stopping to ask directions twice. Our friend's wedding was just wonderful. His new bride seems to be perfect for him. They certainly seemed very happy together at the wedding. The wedding was very elaborate. I am told the reception went on until nearly 6:00 a.m., though we gave up and went to bed (upstairs in the Dunav hotel) at about 1:00a.m.! The wedding had some of the same elements as American weddings do, and some that were different.The beginning was very different. All of the groom's friends and family gathered at his house about 2 hours before the ceremony, to socialize for a little while. After an hour, we all piled into cars, led by one waving a large Croatian flag out the window, and drove by caravan to the bride's house nearby,with horns blaring. We left the cars on her street and all went into her backyard, greeted by her parents and brother. Our friend had a bouquet for her and went up to the porch, where she came out to meet him. Then they both greeted all the guests for about another hour.There was a lot of food and drink spread on a couple of big tables in the back. Many of the men were drinking wine and slivovica freely before the weddingceremony got started. I wondered what the reception would be like if they were drinking before the wedding started, but actually, there was less alcoholserved at the reception itself--just table wine left in bottles on the tables,along with bottles of water and soft drinks. There was no champagne as we have at American weddings. I liked that, actually. People ate and danced and sang more than they drank.About 20 minutes before the ceremony, we all piled back into the cars, in a caravan that was twice as long because it included the bride's family and friends, and went off to the church. Horns were blaring again and the flag waswaving from the first car. People came out of their houses to see what was goingon, and it was good to see smiles in this town that had seen so much devastation 10 years ago. At the church, we had to wait for another wedding to finish, but then were allowed inside. The church looks good from the outside, but was devastated inthe fighting and still shows major damage inside. It appears structurally safe, but has no paint or decorations on the walls--just exposed brick. The windows are all plain, no stained glass at all. The pews are rows of chairs. They have decorated the church with flowers, though, and some religious statues, and the altar looked nice at the front. It is a very long and narrow church, so the procession came inside in two parts. The groom and his best man waitedwith the priest half-way into the church for the bride to walk in with her father. When she met him, they walked together up to the altar.We were able to follow the exchange of vows (no Mass) even though it was in Croatian, because all wedding ceremonies are similar in that regard! At the end, there was a receiving line right at the front of the church. Our friend looked so happy, and I felt really happy for him. He had waited a long time forthat day. He and his bride posed for some pictures in front of a side altar in the church while all the guests headed to the reception in the hotel wherewe were staying. The caravan got going again and drove through town, celebrating with the horns and the flag.At the reception at the Dunav Hotel, we sat at long tables and were served the food "family style." We sat with some of our friend's colleagues from thelocal high school where he and his bride work, which was great because they spoke some English. We had roasted lamb, chicken, and pork with potatoes to eat,plus cabbage and tomato salad. It was very much "Hungarian" and "Slavonian" food. There was dancing, but it was nice in that it was folk dance with large groups in a circle. We joined in at one point and it was really fun. Theband our friend had hired came to his house at the beginning and was playing all night long, including at the wedding ceremony. They stayed with the groupthrough all the moves from house to house to church to hotel hall and didn't pack up their instruments until about 5:00 a.m. They had stringed instrumentsand played traditional Slavonian and Dalmatian songs. Everyone seemed to knowall the songs and sang along to many of them.They cut the wedding cake (3-tiered, chocolate) at midnight and then had a money dance where anyone could put some money in a basket and dance with the bride. Both men and women danced with her. I put some money in the basket, butdidn't dance with her because I couldn't really talk to her. The last one to dance with her was the groom. They looked really happy to be together, which was nice to see. The plane rides to get there and back were long, but the trip was worth it. I was glad we went, and it was quite a cultural experience for my daughter, asI'd hoped. It was an honor to share in a special occasion like this with our friend and his community. Everyone made us feel welcome, and people were very impressed with my limited abilities to speak with them in a little Hrvatski.Vukovar looked somewhat better than it did two years ago when I visited with my daughter and husband for the first time. The downtown has some new construction going on, and my friend's residential street is nearly totally re-built. There is still obviously massive work to be done to bring the town back to the way it looked before it was razed by the Serbs, but I was struck by the number of young families and people with babies that we saw on the streets. That's a good sign for the future that people are coming back and that they wantto re-build the town. There's a Velepromet market open downtown now, and several restaurants, including an outdoor fish place that faces on the Danube and a pizza place near the Dunav hotel. Anyway, that's "what I did on my summer vacation." Croatia is an amazing place, and every time I go there I am most impressed with the friendliness andwelcoming nature of the people. Sorry this is so long, but I am excited aboutthe trip and all that we saw and did. Thank you for all your good work with CROWN. I read every new posting and always find something of interest.Take care,Diane Mahoney Dianemmahoney@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 30 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4800/1/H-Internet-Radio-Interview---Busic-Budimir-Bach.html  INTERNET RADIO  NOVOSTI www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com Â Datum Intervju gost  Â26. kolovoz 03. gen. Zivko Budimir Â25. kolovoz 03. Julija Busic 25. kolovoz 03. Nenad Bach 23. kolovoz 03. Miro Karacic 21. kolovoz 03. dr. Mate Granic 19. kolovoz 03. Luka Podrug Â  17. kolovoz 03 dr. Anto kovacevic Â 16. kolovoz 03. Vesna Skare-Ozbolt  07. kolovoz 03. Josko Kontic 07. kolovoz 03. George Rudman Â Âgen. Zivko Budimir,Julia Busic, pisac,Nenad Bach -glazbenik,umjetnik, urednik CROWNa, Croatia.orgMiro Karacic-pisac,mislilac,politicardr.Mate Granic-predsjednik Demokratskog centra i saborski zastupnikLuka Podrug-predsjednik Hrvatske ciste stranke pravadr.Anto Kovacevic-Predsjednik Hrvatske krscanske demokratske unijeVesna Skare-Ozbolt-Dopredsjednica Demokratskog centra i saborska zastupnicaJosko Kontic-dopredsjednik Hrvatske socialno liberalne stranke i saborski zastupnikGeorge Rudman-Predsjednik Hrvatsko-Americke udruge ili Croatian American Association letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 27 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4801/1/E-Blaze-in-Croatia.html ÂBlaze in Croatia : A wildfire makes its way through the village of Velo Grablje on the southern Croatian island of Hvar. Wildfires fanned by hot winds devastated thousands of acres of territory of Croatian Adriatic coast this summer. (AFP) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 16 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4804/1/E-Vela-Luka-Croatia-proposed-as-fourth-Sister-City.html  Vela Luka, Croatia, proposed as fourth Sister City ÂBy NANCY WALBECKCouncil also sees revised plan for off-leash dog parkThe city of Anacortes soon should have a fourth Sister City - Vela Luka, Croatia - one that has long-established ties to the community."We have 300 Croatians in Anacortes, a majority of them from Vela Luka," Duane Clark, president of the Anacortes Sister Cities Association, told the Anacortes City Council on Monday.The council is expected to approve Vela Luka as a new Sister City at its Aug. 18 meeting.Clark said the Croatian community has much in common with Anacortes, such as tourism, a fishing history and an island culture.Vela Luka is off the Dalmatian Coast in southern Europe and has the same sort of natural beauty seen in the Pacific Northwest.Several Anacortes residents of Croatian descent attended the City Council study session Aug. 11, including Martin Kolega and Jon Lovric.Clark said the drive to include Vela Luka actually started in Friday Harbor, a community that helped with humanitarian aid during the recent wars in the former Yugoslavia. That effort expanded to Anacortes, with several wanting to formalize a tourism and trade relationship, he said.Lovric, who is a member of the Vela Luka Dance troupe based in Anacortes, said the group plans regular visits overseas and including tourists on their trips would be a boon all-roundLovric also belongs to the Anacortes Sister Cities "working group," which will help organize events and programs."Two or three generations (in Anacortes) are very close to that town," Lovric added.Clark and Don Lapworth, founding member of Anacortes Sister Cities, said they will travel to Vela Luka in the next few weeks to lay plans for mutual visits in the next two years. The Vela Luka town council has approved the Sister Cities arrangement, Clark added."We also are organizing a Sister Cities and Depot Gallery exhibit in 2005, which will have art from all the Sister Cities," Clark said.Anacortes' other three Sister Cities are Sidney, B.C., Lomonosov, Russia, and Kisakata, Japan.In other business Monday, council members saw a final off-leash dog park plan, which included changes suggested by the public in a recent hearing.The park, which will be temporary until a permanent site is determined, is at the old city reservoir off H Avenue, near Ace of Heart CreekTwo fenced areas will be set aside for small and large dogs and double- and triple-gate systems will be in place to ensure the animals stay in their enclosures.The gates also will allow local residents to use the area without disrupting dog activity.City Parks Director Gary Robinson, who is overseeing the project, said members of Fidalgo Islanders for Dog Off-Leash, or FIDO, are largely funding the new park. Robinson said the group will collect and dispose off dog droppings, while city parks will empty the trash. Little general maintenance, such as lawn mowing, is needed, he added.Although a wetland is nearby, part of the Ace of Heart watershed, the fencing will keep the dogs restricted, Robinson said.Sally Turner, who started FIDO, told City Council that more than 2,000 dog parks are in place throughout the country, which allowed the group to research the best way to develop a park.City Council is expected to approve the dog park at its Monday, Aug. 18 council meeting.Source: http://www.goanacortes.com/articles/2003/08/13/news/news10.txt letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 13 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4803/1/E-BUILDING-GLOBAL-BRIDGES-OF-FRIENDSHIPS-WITH-MUSIC.html ÂBUILDING GLOBAL BRIDGES OF FRIENDSHIPS WITH ITALIAN MUSICThe Honorable Helen M. MarshallQueens Borough President&the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens, Inc.cordially invites you to enjoy an evening of music " al fresco" by" I Music Piemonteis"Banda Orchestra Giovanile e Coro di Cirie', Torino, ItalyFriday, Augustu 15, 2003Reception: 6:00pm / Concert 7:30pmQueens Museum of ArtUnisphere Gallery - 2nd FloorFlushing Meadows Corona ParkFlushing, New YorkAn Italian musical gift presented by the region of Piemonte, the Minister Antonio Bandini, Consul General of Italy to the United States and theFederation of Italian American Organizations of Queens, Inc.RSVP by August 11, 2003: (718) 286-2857ÂFederation of Italian American Organizations of Queens, Inc.29-21 21st Avenue, Astoria, New York, 11105Tel. 718 204-2444, Fax 718 204-9145Federation of Italian American Organizations, inc. - ITALIAN NIGHTS: BUILDING GLOBAL BRIDGES OF FRIENDSHIPS WITH ITALIAN MUSICQUEENS COUNTY IN CONCERT WITH THE MUSIC PIEMONTEIS ORCHESTRA FROM TORINO, ITALY.An Italian musical gift presented by the region of Piemonte, Italy, the Minister Antonio Bandini, Consul General of Italy to the United States and the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens, Inc.Friday, August 15, 20036:00pm - reception Queens Museum, Unisphere Gallery, 2nd FloorFlushing Meadows Corona Park7:30PM - Music Piemonteis ConcertBy the Unisphere Fountain, Flushing Meadows Corona ParkRSVP before August 11, 2003: (718) 286-2857Contact: Wanda S. Radetti, Public Relations DirectorVoice/Fax 718 932-6893, Mobile 917 257-5777E-mail: WandaSRadetti@aol.com In Astoria, Queens, for the last seven years, on the Wednesday evenings of summer from 7:30pm to 10:30pm, The Federation of the Italian American Organizations of Queens, Inc., presents the program Italian Nights. It takes place at the Athens Square Park, 30th Street and 30th Avenue, Astoria. (Attached I am sending you a copy of the detailed program for the 2003 Season and a bit of information regarding history of the event)In 1999, The Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens was honored to host the Music Piemonteis to perform for the Italian Nights. The performance of that very special evening was dedicated to the honor of the Policemen and Firemen of New York City. On that occasion, the Orchestra was officially greeted and welcomed to the Borough of Queens, by Honorable Claire Shulman, at the time, the President of the Borough of Queens.The ensemble "I Music Piemônteis" was founded as a Youth Band Orchestra of Ciriè, in 1976, by Maestro Ugo Bairo. The aim was to favour the socialization among young people of different realities through music and rediscovery of the cultural heritage. In the first years the group had great success in Piedmont. The activity of the ensamble is now mainly concerning international exchanges. The vast repertory of " I Music Piemônteis " ranges from classical, opera, jazz, pop, light music. A few years ago, a choir has been added to the Orchestra. The new pupils are prepared by a school with classes of wind, drum, keyboard instruments and singing. The Music Piemonteis, had its headquarters in Cirie, a town in the province of Torino, in the region of Piemonte, Italy. (The capital of the region, Torino, has been chosen as the location for the 2006 Winter Olympics) The Orchestra and Choir is comprised of more than 70 performers, musicians and singers and will be accompanied by approximately 20 to 30 family members and chaperons. ( http://english.musicpiemonteis.it/foto_gruppo.htm )The Executive Board of the Music Piemonteis, with as its head Maestro Ugo Bairo, were introduced by Wanda S. Radetti, the Founder and Coordinator of the Italian Nights, to the Honorable Helen Marshal on the occasion of the Columbus Day Parade, organized for the country of Queens, by the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens. It must have been love at first sight, because Ms. Marshall on the spot invited Maestro Bairo to bring his orchestra to play for the citizens of Queens County. The invitation was accepted and we now are ready to celebrate the new friendships that will be created when the Music Piemonteis perform at the Flushing Meadows Park in honor of Ms. Helen Marshal, the President of the Borough of Queens. It is a time to come together and although the language might be different, it is for sure that the language of music and song will communicate and convey, love and friendship.FEDERATION OF ITALIAN AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS OF QUEENS, INC.29-21 21ST Avenue, Astoria, New York 11105Tel. 718 204-2444 - Fax 718 204-9145PresentsITALIAN NIGHTS 2003Wednesday evenings of summerStarting June 18th to August 27thAt Athens Square Park, 30th Street and 30th Avenue, Astoria, New YorkConceived and Coordinated byWanda S. RadettiThe ITALIAN NIGHTS, presented and offered gratis to the community by the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens, Inc., is a series of delightful evenings of entertainment with an Italian flavor. It takes place, weather permitting, on Wednesday evening during the late spring and summer.In the cool breeze of the summer nights, The Italian Nights makes it possible for so many to enjoy the fresh air, to meet their friends and neighbors and share a magic moment of pleasure. The elderly citizens of our community with limited incomes and isolated lives come to enjoy the music and friendly atmosphere - they sing and dance, for a moment, the pain of loneliness is assuaged. Little children, teenagers, the parents, and grandparents, entire families, friend and neighbors, they come to enjoy the company and pleasure.Seven years ago, Wanda, Public Relations Director of the Federation of Queens, Inc. was invited by Mr. Denis Scyntillas, the Chairman of the Athens Square Committee to explore ways of using Athens Square Park in ways that would be fun and would benefit the communities of Astoria and Long Island City. In "small town Astoria", lovely Athens Square Park brought to Wanda's mind visions of the small towns of Italy, the Italian Piazzas, the center, the community's social and cultural hearts. A piazza to stroll to after dinner... a place to meet friends without having to make appointmentsÂ…A wonderful opportunity for the Italian Federation to bestow an Italian cultural gift on the communityÂ…A way to present the explosion of Italian culture expressed through music, song, dance, and poetryÂ… A showcase for talent with an Italian taste, The Italian Night event attracts a large multi ethnic audience and many wonderful performers/acts of great generosity and fantastic talent. This year we celebrate the seventh anniversary of our Italian Nights. On Wednesday evenings, during the summer, in Queens, everyone is Italian. *The Athens Square Park was the dream that became the mission of Mr. Denis Scyntillas, a leader of the Greek community in Astoria. He worked long and hard and made the Square a reality. Mr. Scyntillas, his committee, and the entire Greek community created a haven for all to enjoy. The Federation is proud and honored to have provided the support and cooperation that helped to make Mr. Scyntillas dream come true and is happy to continue such support through the presentation of the ITALIAN NIGHTS at the Athens Square Park in Astoria.The Queens Museum of Art was established in 1972 to provide a vital cultural center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park for the borough's unique, international population. The Queens Museum of Art is home to the Panorama of the City of New York, a 9,335 square foot scale model of the five boroughs, and a collection of Tiffany glass from the Neustadt Museum of Tiffany Art. The museum presents changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art that reflect the area's cultural diversity. Visit http://www.queensmuseum.org for more information about upcoming exhibitions and events. The Queens Museum of Art is housed in the New York City Building which is owned by the City of New York. With the assistance of Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and the New York City Council, the Museum is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Additional funding is provided by the New York State Legislature and the New York State Council on the Arts. Press Contact: Carolyn Bane, (718) 592-9700 ext 147 orcbane@queensmuseum.org .Directions BY SUBWAY Via #7 Flushing IRT. Exit Willets Point/Shea Stadium. Descend the platform on the park side, not the stadium side. Follow the yellow signs on a ten-minute walk through the park to the museum, which is located next to the Unisphere. BY CAR From West and midtown Manhattan: via Long Island Expressway (LIE) to exit 22B (Grand Central Parkway/Triborough Bridge), then exit GCP at Tennis Center (9P) and follow signs to Museum. From Brooklyn: via Brooklyn Queens Express way (BQE) to LIE Eastbound, to exit 22B exit 22B (Grand Central Parkway/Triboro Br), then exit GCP at Tennis Center (9P) and turn right to the Museum From North and Triborough Bridge: via Grand Central Parkway, exit at 9E or 9W and follow signs to Museum. From East and Long Island: via LIE to GCP West, exit GCP at Tennis Center (9P) and follow signs to Museum. Free parking. BY BUS Q48 to Roosevelt Ave and 111th Street. Walk south through park (toward Unisphere)Q23, Q58 to Corona Ave and 51st Ave, walk east through park. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 13 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4802/1/E-Croatian-lodge-to-host-concert-in-St-David.html ÂCroatian lodge to host concert in St. DavidST. DAVID -- The Patria tamburitza ensemble from the Slavonia region ofCroatia will present a concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at the St. David Optimist Club Pavilion.For the seventh year, Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 367 of Canton has been chosen as a host for a Croatian group's musical tour of the U.S. and Canada. The tour is sponsored by the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, which is based in Pittsburgh.There is an admission charge for adults, but children will be admitted free of charge. Seating is available, but personal lawn chairs may be more comfortable.Lodge members at 5 p.m. will start serving a light meal of bratwurst or hamburger, chips and dessert for a price. Coffee, tea and water are available for free to all in attendance. Other beverages may be brought individually (BYOB), a press release said.St. David is located three miles south of Canton, along Illinois Route 100. For more information, call Andy Sepich at 309/263-1193.http://www.cantondailyledger.com/articles/2003/08/14/news/news4.txt letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 13 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4806/1/E-Husband-To-Wife-Liver-Donation-Successful.html ÂHusband to Wife, Croatian life storyPosted on Sun, Aug. 10, 2003 Husband-To-Wife Liver Donation SuccessfulJIM FITZGERALDAssociated PressVALHALLA, N.Y. - Teddy Mocibob gave up smoking and drinking, then he did a little gambling.He surrendered 60 percent of his liver to his wife, Elena, despite doctors' warnings of the possible risks to his health and even his life - and having to cast aside his longtime vices."They said we were a 100 percent match and I said `Set up the date and let's go," Mocibob recalled Friday. "I love her. If I had to do it again next week, I would do it."There won't be any need for that, since doctors have declared the July 29 procedure a success."The surgery went extremely well and they're doing extremely well," said Dr. Patricia Sheiner, Westchester Medical Center's director of liver transplants. "There's no evidence of any rejection."In three months, she said, the transplanted piece of liver that Elena Mocibob received will regenerate to 90 percent of normal size. Elena, 43, who suffered from a liver disease, would have lived only a few years without a transplant, doctors said.Before her husband could be a donor, he had to be in good enough health to withstand the surgery and recovery. That meant a cold turkey approach to alcohol and tobacco, habits he picked up in his native Croatia.Teddy Mocibob, 50, who speaks with a heavy accent, said he knew he could give it all up for her.Sheiner said it was clear that Teddy Mocibob was willing to do anything for his wife, but that wasn't enough. "We have to make sure they know the risks," she said.Potential donors undergo significant screening for more than just physical readiness. Criteria such as how they will handle the emotional and psychological impact of the procedure, and basics like whether they can afford to be out of work for months and if children depend on them also are evaluated.The intensive screening process was put in place statewide after the death last year of a donor who gave part of his liver to his brother at a New York City hospital.The Mocibobs have been married less than four years and their four children, all teenage or older, are from previous marriages.Mocibob, who now has a large Y-shaped scar on his chest, walked slowly into a news conference and sat gingerly. He was released from the hospital August 4."I don't think I'll go back to smoking," Mocibob said. "Drinking, I might have a beer or two."His wife, her skin still slightly yellow, was in a wheelchair and hooked up to an intravenous tube. She will leave the hospital on Monday.She said she was most looking forward to holding her granddaughter."Before, I wasn't able to do anything with them," she said of her grandkids, ages 5 and 2.Her daughter, Helen Curtin, said she was deeply grateful to her stepfather. Her children "have never seen my mother healthy," she said.More than 90 percent of all liver transplants are done from cadavers. Of live donations, there's only about one case a year nationwide involving husband and wife.Elena said she worried about accepting her husband's gift, but said she joked that a main concern was waking up with an accent like his.In the end, though, Teddy's decision didn't surprise her."We're husband and wife," she said. "We're one."photo credit and caption: Teddy and Elena Mocibob, of Pleasant Valley, N.Y., speak to the media Friday, Aug. 8, 2003, before being released from the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, N.Y., following a successful rare spouse-to-spouse liver transplant. Dr. Leona Kim-Schluger, director of transplant hepatology at the Westchester Medical Center is seen at left. (AP Photo/Westchester Medical Center, John Hogle)http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/6503014.htm http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20030810_284.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 10 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4805/1/E-The-best-Croatian-love-story-Ive-read-in-a-long-time.html ÂCroatian Love StoryThis is the best love story I've read in a long time.Husband-To-Wife Liver Donation Successful Sun Aug 10,11:22 AM ET Add U.S. National - AP to My Yahoo! By JIM FITZGERALD, Associated Press Writer VALHALLA, N.Y. - Teddy Mocibob gave up smoking and drinking, then he did a little gambling. He surrendered 60 percent of his liver to his wife, Elena, despite doctors' warnings of the possible risks to his health and even his life - and having to cast aside his longtime vices. "They said we were a 100 percent match and I said `Set up the date and let's go," Mocibob recalled Friday. "I love her. If I had to do it again next week, I would do it." There won't be any need for that, since doctors have declared the July 29 procedure a success. "The surgery went extremely well and they're doing extremely well," said Dr. Patricia Sheiner, Westchester Medical Center's director of liver transplants. "There's no evidence of any rejection." In three months, she said, the transplanted piece of liver that Elena Mocibob received will regenerate to 90 percent of normal size. Elena, 43, who suffered from a liver disease, would have lived only a few years without a transplant, doctors said. Before her husband could be a donor, he had to be in good enough health to withstand the surgery and recovery. That meant a cold turkey approach to alcohol and tobacco, habits he picked up in his native Croatia. Teddy Mocibob, 50, who speaks with a heavy accent, said he knew he could give it all up for her. Sheiner said it was clear that Teddy Mocibob was willing to do anything for his wife, but that wasn't enough. "We have to make sure they know the risks," she said. Potential donors undergo significant screening for more than just physical readiness. Criteria such as how they will handle the emotional and psychological impact of the procedure, and basics like whether they can afford to be out of work for months and if children depend on them also are evaluated. The intensive screening process was put in place statewide after the death last year of a donor who gave part of his liver to his brother at a New York City hospital. The Mocibobs have been married less than four years and their four children, all teenage or older, are from previous marriages. Mocibob, who now has a large Y-shaped scar on his chest, walked slowly into a news conference and sat gingerly. He was released from the hospital August 4."I don't think I'll go back to smoking," Mocibob said. "Drinking, I might have a beer or two." His wife, her skin still slightly yellow, was in a wheelchair and hooked up to an intravenous tube. She will leave the hospital on Monday. She said she was most looking forward to holding her granddaughter. "Before, I wasn't able to do anything with them," she said of her grandkids, ages 5 and 2. Her daughter, Helen Curtin, said she was deeply grateful to her stepfather. Her children "have never seen my mother healthy," she said. More than 90 percent of all liver transplants are done from cadavers. Of live donations, there's only about one case a year nationwide involving husband and wife. Elena said she worried about accepting her husband's gift, but said she joked that a main concern was waking up with an accent like his. In the end, though, Teddy's decision didn't surprise her. "We're husband and wife," she said. "We're one." http://www.sunspot.net/cgi-bin/ultbb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=32;t=021759 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 10 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4807/1/E-Foreign-born-sailors-become-Americans.html ÂForeign-born sailors become AmericansBy Sonja BarisicASSOCIATED PRESSNORFOLK  They're from China, Haiti, Mexico, Ukraine  all over the world  but they wear the uniform of the U.S. Navy. And now they can call themselves Americans. More than 220 sailors, including many who recently came home from the Iraq war, were sworn in yesterday as citizens of the country they defend. They had applied for U.S. citizenship under an executive order President Bush issued last year, making immigrants serving in the military since the September 11 attacks immediately eligible for naturalization. "I'm very happy to be an American," said Agbasi Ebuka, 29, a petty officer third class from Nnewi, Nigeria, who is stationed aboard the destroyer USS Bulkeley."America is the most free country in the whole world. You have the freedom to live your life the way you want to." Eduardo Aguirre, director of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, administered an oath of allegiance to the 222 sailors as they stood and raised their right hands during the ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, at Norfolk Naval Station. The sailors, in their dress-white uniforms, then waved American flags as family members and friends gathered in the carrier's hangar bay cheered wildly and snapped photos. "When I look at you, I see myself. I understand your sense of excitement and joy," Mr. Aguirre told the sailors, recalling how he came to the United States as a 15-year-old Cuban refugee in search of a better life. He became a naturalized citizen 33 years ago. Mr. Bush congratulated the sailors through a videotaped greeting, saying, "You're now an important part of American democracy." The new citizens hail from 51 countries. About 80 percent of the sailors, all based in the Norfolk area, were deployed during the Iraq war, officials said.Normally during peacetime, noncitizens in the military can apply for naturalization after three years of service. Immigrants not in the military must be legal residents for five years before they become eligible for naturalization. Mr. Bush's order has led many more immigrants in the military to apply for citizenship, officials said. Nearly 9,000 military members have applied for citizenship since Oct. 1, the start of the 2003 federal fiscal year, said Russ Knocke, Mr. Aguirre's press secretary. By comparison, 749 military members were naturalized in fiscal 2001, and 1,055 were naturalized in 2002, he said. Many of the new Americans, like 23-year-old Seaman John Lopez, who was born in Cali, Colombia, said they wanted to become citizens so they can advance in their military careers. Only citizens can be promoted to be commissioned officers. But Seaman Lopez, who served in the Iraq war aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook, said his desire for citizenship was also based on something simple but important: "I wanted to be part of the United States." Airman Oliver Cukor, 29, a structural mechanic from Zagreb,Croatia, was motivated by love. He met his wife, Barbara, of Charleston, S.C., on the Internet seven years ago, and they married last October, a few months after he moved to the United States.Airman Cukor said he almost cried as he recited the naturalization oath, in which citizen candidates renounce allegiance to their home country. "It was hard to do," Airman Cukor said. "But I believe being a citizen of America is being a citizen of the world." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 09 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4809/1/E-Annual-Croatian-Day-in-St-Louis.html ÂAnnual Croatian Day and Homecoming Picnic on Sunday, August 24, 2003ST. JOSEPH CROATIAN CATHOLIC CHURCHFor immediate releaseContact: Fr. Joseph Abramovic314-771-0958The St. Joseph Croatian Catholic Church will hold its annual CroatianDay and Homecoming Picnic on Sunday, August 24, 2003,from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., inside the two air-conditioned halls ofSt. Joseph Croatian Church, 2112 South 12th Street. Dancemusic (free admission) will begin at 12:00 p.m. and will be provided bythe St. Louis Croatian Junior Tamburitzans, the CroatianSons, the St. Louis Button Box Accordion Club, and the Larry HallerBand. American and traditional Croatian food (roasted lamb,goulash, chicken, cakes and pastries) will be served.St. Joseph Croatian Church is the second oldest Croatian Church west ofthe Mississippi (Kansas City, the oldest). St. Joseph'sChurch has existed since 1904 but Croatians first came to the St. Louisarea in the 1860s. Just a few of the many prominentcontributions Croatians have made to St. Louis include stonemasonry,construction and other artistic work done on the old andpresent St. Louis court buildings, the old and new St. Louis Cathedrals,the St. Louis Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, the St. LouisGateway Arch grounds, the Adams Mark Hotel, and the statue of thefireman holding the child near City Hall. There areapproximately 50,000 Croatians and Americans of Croatian descent livingin the bi-state area.Judy Feldworth feldwoj2@SLU.EDU Department of SurgerySaint Louis University letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4808/1/E-CROATIAN-COMMUNITY-OF-ASTORIA-REMEMBERED-HISTORIC-DAY.html ÂCROATIAN COMMUNITY OF ASTORIA REMEMBERED HISTORIC DAYHRVATSKA SVETA MISA U ASTORIJI U ZNAK ZAHVALNOSTI HRVATSKIM BRANITELJIMA U DOMOVINSKOM RATUU crkvi Most Precious Blood u newyorskoj cetvrti Astoriji u vecernjim satima slavljena je Sveta Misa zahvalnica koju je predvodio dragi gost iz domovine, profesor na Teologiji u Rijeci - Anton Peranic. Uz njega je na oltaru misio velecasni Robert Zubovic koji vodi Hrvatsku Katolicku Misiju u Astoriji.Misa zahvalnica uoci dana koji se dogodio prije osam godina kada je u vojno-redarstvenoj akciji oslobodjen Knin i ostali okupirani dijelovi Hrvatske. Peti kolovoza 1995. godine ostati ce zapisan zlatnim slovima u hrvatskoj povijesti. Kako je u svojoj propovijedi Anton Peranic naglasio, nadnevak je to i drzavni praznik kojim se svi Hrvati trebaju ponositi i biti zahvalni hrvatskim braniteljima koje se momentalno razapinje na kriz, ali no mi koji znademo pravu istinu, nasom molitvom za sve koji su polozili zivote na olatar domovine i za sve koji jos uvijek trpe posljedice okrutne okupacije i rata, makar daleko u velikom gradu New Yorku zahvalni smo i mislimo na njih..Dan pobjede i domovinske zahvalnosti u hrvatskom kraljevskom gradu Kninu Povodom praznika, na kninskoj je tvrdavi podignuta velika hrvatska zastava, orkestar Ratne mornarice odrzao je na splitskoj rivi promenadni koncert, a osnovna skola u Lickom Osiku dobila je ime Franje Tudmana. Diljem svijeta sluzene su Svete Mise.August 5, 1995 Historic Croatian Day to Remember and Cherish - Croatian Community of Astoria just did that.Josip Remenar - SutrA magazine - New York letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4810/1/H-NOVI-Radio-Program-wwwlijepanasadomovinahrvatskacom.html ÂNovi Radio Programwww.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.comÂKao urednik jednog od hrvatskih radija u Cikagu imao sam priliku ugostitimnoge ugledne osobe iz politickog i kulturnog zivota nase domovine idijaspore.Mozda su prva tri do cetiri intervjua koje sam napravio bili zbogzvucnih imena koji su sudjelovali u razgovorima,ali preslusavajuci ponekoliko puta te snimke shvatio sam kako su mnogo bitnije teme o kojima smorazgovarali i sami stavovi sugovornika o tim temama.Uputio sam osobno pozivsvim hrvatskim politickim strankama i pojedincima,studentima i sindikatimada sudjeluju u nasem radio programu sto je velika vecina prihvatila kao stomozete vidjeti na nasoj stranici.Neki se nisu nikada odazvali nasem pozivua neki su bili na raspolaganju u bilo koje doba dana i noci,u pravom smislutog znacenja.Kada je nasa suradnja dosegla taj nivo,gdje su mogli slobodnoiznositi svoje stavove bez straha da ce neko praviti senzacije iliiskrivljavati receno,bilo nam je svima uzitak slusati ono sto su imalireci.Taj radio program slusa jednom tjedno nekoliko americkihdrzava-Ilinois,Winskonsin,Michigan,Indijana.Dosta veliko podrucje.Ali je lito dovoljno?Zato sam uredio ovu internet stranicu,jer ono sto nam imaju reci je za svenas bilo gdje u svijetu.Ovo je stranica za sve ljude dobre volje za sveHrvate i Hrvatice i hrvatske prijatelje.Jos je veliki broj tema o kojimatreba raspravljati i ponovo otvarati.Jos je veliki broj nepravdi koje secine hrvatskom narodu i pojedincima o kojima trebamo biti upuceni kako bismo ucinili sve da se te nepravde isprave.Jos je veliki broj neprijateljaHrvata za koje se treba moliti. Trebamo stvarati zajednistvo medju Hrvatimabilo gdje da jesu, promovirati uspjehe i ukazivati na greske i probleme.Ovastranica ce posluziti i radio postajama koje zele objaviti razgovore kojesame odaberu jer je sve u audio formatu.Pozivam sve zainteresirane da seukljuce u rad radi bolje promocije nase Domovine a i Hrvata bilo gdje usvijetu.Provedite ugodno vrijeme sa nama.glavni urednikIvica Grgici.grgic@comcast.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 04 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4811/1/E-Croatians-on-Folklorama-Winnipeg-Canada.html  Croatians on Folklorama, Winnipeg Canada ÂAll the world's on stage at FolkloramaBy PAUL TURENNE, STAFF REPORTERIt's Folklorama time again, and it's a darn good thing, because where else can you get your picture taken with a giant talking llama, while men in kilts toss basketball-sized rocks behind you and dragons dance in the background? Assiniboine Park transformed into a global village yesterday as thousands of people gathered in front of the Lyric Theatre to watch Folklorama kick off its 34th season of music, art, food, and fun. "The festival is just so much a reflection of the Winnipeg community that people really take ownership of the event," said Judy Murphy, executive director of the Folk Arts Council of Winnipeg. ETHNIC MARKET Yesterday's launch featured singing and dancing from Ireland, China, Latin America and other areas, as well as activities for kids. There was also an ethnic market featuring everything from Ukrainian wooden flutes to mini-moccasins. The festival will feature 47 pavilions this year, with 22 opening tonight and 25 opening next Sunday. There are no new pavilions, but Croatia and Indo-China return after being absent last year, said Murphy. Last summer's festival set a 10-year high for attendance, with 476,000 individual pavilion visits. Murphy said she's optimistic that number will be beaten this year. Gabriella Maria Onutu, a University of Manitoba student from Romania, is excited to experience her first Folklorama. "I'm looking forward to seeing my Romanian community here," she said. "I'm looking forward to speaking my language and eating Romanian food, because we have some really good food." Individual pavilion tickets are $3.75, with 12-visit family packs going for $33.75. Pavilion guides are available at liquor stores and at www.folklorama.ca. Source: http://www.canoe.ca/WinnipegNews/ws.ws-08-03-0002.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 03 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4812/1/E-Croatian-family-in-midst-of-own-tour-to-discover-America.html  Croatianfamily in midst of own tour to discover AmericaÂRick Mihalevich drives his Croation visitors, Ervin Grubisic, front seat, his wife Jasna, left, and daughter Hana, as they leave for a tour of the Missouri Capitol. By CHRISTINA STUEVE News Tribune A Croatian man fascinated with Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery is calling his own tour of the United States a Croatian Corps of Discovery.By the time they are done, Ervin Grubisic and his wife, Jasna, daughter, Hana, and mother, Bosiljka, will have seen Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville, Tenn.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Kitty Hawk and Wilmington, N.C.Their visit in Missouri took them to Jefferson City, Kirksville, Lake of the Ozarks, St. Louis, Branson and Springfield.Their Croatian Corps of Discovery began July 10 and ends Aug. 9.The Thomas Hart Benton mural was their main interest at the Capitol.They saw the House of Representatives floor and a few pristine marble hallways. Jasna videotaped the Capitol, including the office of state Rep. Merrill Townley, R-Chamois."We are delighted we visited so many museums and presentations in museums. The presentation animates the visitor," Jasna said.In Jefferson City, they had a progressive dinner, with appetizers at Rick and Connie Mihalavech's home and Alaskan Salmon at Alan Doerhoff's home.At their family reunion in Kirksville, they made Klobasa, a Croatian sausage recipe of tongues, hearts and liver.Hana Grubisic, 15, likes American food. "We didn't expect such a rich menu, so many recipes. You can see so many influences and such phenomenal dressings," Hana said.The Grubisics live in a high-rise building in Rijeka, Croatia, a seaport city of 150,000 on the Adriatic Sea.Bolsiljka described America as "great and powerful."With Hana's translation, she added: "It is different for us from such a small country, comparing ourselves to America."Croatia's political situation is stable, with a growing democracy.The war of independence from Yugoslavia, in 1991-1995, left Croatians with a new identity, Ervin said.They say American peace-keepers are not there."We (Croatians) finally found out who we are," Ervin said. "We are proud to be Croatian, and we are very tolerant of Serbs and Bosnians," he added. "What we see now is a mixture of cultures and a tolerance of cultures."Ervin is a merchant marine instructor at a navigation school.The Grubisics noted two differences between America and their home.They miss strong Croatian coffee. "American coffee is a little soft," Jasna Grubisic said.She also noticed many overweight people on her visit to America. "Croatians are skinny," Alan Doerhoff explained.Only 15, Hana speaks very good English. Ervin, 44, speaks English with an accent, but is understandable. Jasna, 39, understands but doesn't speak English, and Bosiljka, 77, speaks no English.Hana, who wants to be a lawyer, is in her third year studying Italian and in her second year studying Latin. Next year, she will study German.Her friends have prejudices about America, and she doesn't expect them to believe that she had a pleasant visit."They think America is violent, because of action movies and the media," she said.Croatian teens don't watch (more accurate) documentaries, she said.She described Croatia as a a classical Mediterranean country, based on history and culture.Source: http://newstribune.com/stories/073103/loc_0731030058.asp letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 31 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4813/1/H-Novi-Web-site-Mundimitarit.html ÂNova Web Stranica Mundimitar.itÂstari hrvatski grad New Web Page! Mundimitar.it ÂOld Croatian TownStovani!pisem da Vam obavjestim da web stranica Mundimitra je promjenjena;nova web adresa je: www.mundimitar.itSrdacno uz pozdrava,Gabriele Romagnoliwww.mundimitar.it Montemitro antico paese croato.Mundimitar stari hrvatski grad.- info@mundimitar.it&nbsp - letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 28 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4815/1/E-Tri-Kantuna-Band.html ÂTRI KANTUNA is a New York based Croatian BandFrom: adriatic@optonline.netÂTo: Letters@CroatianWorld.net Dear Mr. Bach,My name is Ned Benvin. I live on Long Island, New York. 30 years ago I came here from Croatia. I have been a musician since I remember and always loved and performed Croatian music. I visited your CROWN Website and I would like to congratulate you on the great job. Very informative and entertaining.Recently my band published a Website www.trikantuna.com With your permission I would like to put your banner on our Website. If you agree please let me know.Best regardsNed Benvin TRI KANTUNA is a New York based Croatian Rock Band. We primarily play Croatian "All Time Favorites" but also performe many traditional songs and dances like polka, waltz and "kolo" especially from the Adriatic region. We also play many of our original music. Most of the songs are arranged with a more contemporary lively dance styles mixed with the sounds of traditional musical instruments like accordion, mandolin, sopile, gajde and others. Such arrangements are just perfect to bring out a good time atmosphere at any dance, party or wedding. Also vocal harmonizing is something we do best. All band members have a long lasting musical experience. Keyboardist Nedi Benvin played for many years as a lead guitarist with well known bands THE ADRIATICS and KRISTALI together with our lead guitarist Boris Kovacevic. Our newcomer lead singer Braco Cargonja has a pleasant bariton voice that gives every song a distinctive sound, color and character. We performed at numerous festa parties, dances and picnics organized by various Croation organizations and social clubs. We are proud to announce that soon we will be releasing our first CD containing 12 of our original tracks.Thank you for visiting our WebSite and If you need an excellent band for your upcoming festa party, wedding, dance or for any other happy occasion just give us a call or send us an Email. Our Repertoire includes:All time favourites by Oliver Dragojevic, melancholic songs by Matko Jelavic, unforgettable songs by Tereza Kesovija, the authentic ethnic songs by the band Gustafi, fabulous ballads by Goran Karan, super medleys by Trio Gusti, fiery dance music by Colonia and music by many more Croatian and International artists. In addition, we play many traditional folk songs and dances from all over Croatia. If you are a Polka and Waltze fan you`ll like our songs. adriatic@optonline.net Band membersNedi Benvin - Keyboards & vocal (originally from Mali Losinj)Braco Cargonja - Lead vocal & guitar (originally from Rijeka)Boris Kovacevic - Lead guitar & vocal (originally from Rijeka)  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 22 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4814/1/E-Saving-the-first-Croatian-Church-in-the-USA.html ÂSaving the first Croatian Roman Catholic parish in the United StatesNew plans put forward for Route 28 Latest changes would save St. Nicholas [Croatian Church], Millvale Industrial Park Tuesday, July 15, 2003By Joe Grata, Post-Gazette Staff Writer A new Route 28 in Pittsburgh could be an elevated, six-lane expressway sittingabout 30 feet above the present highway.A modified version could rebuild the old road at the present location and elevation, limit traffic to 40 mph and leaves the church with a 5-foot-wide sidewalk in front.In either case, signals would still be eliminated and diamond-shaped interchanges would be built at the 31st Street and 40th Street bridges, trafficchoke points for more than 60,000 drivers a day.The two alternatives to reconstruct a dangerous, two-mile stretch of Route 28between the North Side and Millvale were disclosed yesterday.Cost estimates range from $160 million to $200 million, saving not only St. Nicholas Church -- the first Croatian Roman Catholic parish in the United States -- but also Millvale Industrial Park, both of which abut the present four-lane road that serves as an extension of East Ohio Street.Motorists aren't likely to see improvement soon to rush-hour traffic that flowsslower than the ketchup made by Heinz Corp., whose Pittsburgh facilities alsoborder the stretch.A timetable released by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation shows three years of construction would not start before 2008.And building a new intersection to eliminate traffic lights between Chestnut and East Streets to create nonstop traffic between Route 28 and I-279 or I-579is a separate project.PennDOT held the private meeting for public officials at the Department of Environmental Protection building on Washington Landing. A public open house will be held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Boathouse on the one-timeHerrs Island."There's a lot of work to do yet," said Tom Fox, PennDOT assistant executive for design. "A lot of decisions have to be made."PennDOT is offering the new alternatives along with two old proposals that would eliminate St. Nicholas and the industrial park.They came in response to controversy over the fate of St. Nicholas, scarring the hillside next to Route 28, taking houses on Troy Hill and building miles ofmonolithic concrete retaining walls to "shoehorn" the city end of what is alsoknown as the Allegheny Valley Expressway into the tight corridor, with the steep hill on one side and Norfolk Southern Railway tracks on the other side."If the 31st Street and 40th Street bridges weren't there, this would be a piece of cake," PennDOT planning engineer Todd Kravits said.No matter which alternative is advanced to final design and 80 percent federalfunding, some things are the same or similar in all four of them:About 80 houses would be acquired and razed, including those on the southern side of Eggers Street atop Troy Hill, since they would be left sitting too close to the edge of new hillside excavation.Rialto Street and the intersection across from the 31st Street Bridge would besaved at the insistence of city officials and Troy Hill residents.As many as two dozen business buildings would be razed, although federal law requires PennDOT take steps to re-establish them the same as relocating residents.About 235 privately owned properties would be affected, wholly or in part, although most of them are vacant."Even if we didn't touch the hillside, people couldn't get to their homes [along the northern curb of Route 28]," said Justin Smith, project manager forMichael Baker Inc., PennDOT project consultant, because of federal requirementsthat when Route 28 is rebuilt, it must be rebuilt as a limited-access highway.Under the two new alternatives, St. Nicholas Church and Millvale Industrial Park would get service roads leading from existing, local streets. A new parking lot would be built for St. Nicholas."The new alternatives are affordable, move traffic and save the church and industrial park," Fox noted, although the modified alternative "won't providethe high-speed access we envisioned" when Route 28 planning got under way yearsago.The alternative that proposes the elevated roadway in front of St. Nicholas wasdescribed as a modification of an idea suggested by Dr. George White, a retiredcivil engineering professor who chairs the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation's transportation committee.He recommended building the northbound lanes entirely over the railroad tracks,and the southbound lanes on the existing Route 28, saving a strip of it as a local access road."PennDOT's bulldozer solution doesn't make sense," he said. "The air rights over the tracks present a handsome opportunity for an elevated highway that solves all of the problems of Route 28 without an ugly, two-mile retaining wall, undercutting foundations and taking the church."PennDOT engineers said they proposed to incorporate White's idea by "bubblingout" the northbound lanes over the railroad in two areas near St. Nicholas andMillvale Industrial Park to save them. That alone, they said, will cost about$40 million extra.From: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette http://www.post-gazette.com Link:http://www.post-gazette.com/transportation/20030715eight0715p3.asp letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 22 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4817/1/H-Adrese-nasih-crkava-i-klubova-u-Detroitu.html Adrese nasih crkava i klubova u Detroitu? ÂÂZovem se Dubravko Vukmirovic, imam 24 godine i trenutno sam u Detroitu. Dali Âmi mozete napisati adrese nasih crkava i klubova u Detroitu? ÂAko biste bili toliko ljubazni da mi napisete ako znate mailove od ljudi koji Âse bave kompjuterima ili imaju kontakt sa kompjuterima. Trenutno radim u Hrvatskoj Âkao sistem administrator.ÂÂS postovanjemÂDubravko Vukmirovic ÂDobar danHvala na brzom odgovoru.Bio bi Vam zahvalan kada biste stavili pismo na CROWN listu.Saljem Vam poslovnu biografiju.Puno hvala na pomoci i svaka cast na CROWN projektu, samo napred.Pozdrav Dubravkodubravko.vukmirovic@zg.tel.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 16 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4816/1/H-Novi-veleposlanici-i-konzuli.html  Novi veleposlanici i konzuliÂOdbor za vanjsku politiku dao suglasnost na kandidature veleposlanikaODBOR za vanjsku politiku Hrvatskog sabora dao je danas suglasnost na kandidature devet veleposlanika i pet generalnih konzula. Sjednica Odbora bila je zatvorena za javnost, a novi bi veleposlanici, kako se nesluzbeno doznaje, trebali biti Zeljko Cimbur (Malezija), Frane Krnic (Nizozemska), Viktor Broz (Ceska), Aleksandar Broz (Indonezija), Bozo Kovacevic (Rusija), Zeljko Bosnjak (Kanada), Boris Velic (Kina), Tatjana Kralj Draganic (Grcka) i Andrea Feldman (Bugarska). Za generalne konzule trebali bi biti imenovani Vesna Terzic (Milano), Ana Modun (Melbourne), Ivan Bandic (Pecuh), Marica Matkovic (Chicago) i Slobodan Beros (New York). Predsjednik Odbora Zdravko Tomac rekao je nakon sjednice da je Odbor zadovoljan vladinom kadrovskom politikom i prijedlogom da se na diplomatske duznosti imenuju strucnjaci, pogotovu u podrucju gospodarske diplomacije, sto je, kaze, Hrvatskoj u ovom trenutku najpotrebnije. HinaSource: http://www.vijesti.net/ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 15 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4818/1/E-Senior-sleepover---Ivan-Dedric-a-new-counselor-at-the-camp.html ÂSenior sleepoverTo Ivan Dedric, a new counselor at the camp and a business management student fromCroatia, working at the camp was an opportunity to gain experience with a new country and polish his English language skills as well as help seniors.ÂSenior sleepoverÂAlgonquin camp's activities keep bringing seniors backBY UMA SHYAMALA DIXITÂSTAFF WRITERÂAn evening of music and dancing culminated in crowning Sarah and William Brown Senior Prom King and Queen at this year's Senior Camp.ÂSarah Brown, 82, and William Brown, 81, have been married 55 years and said they attend the camp regularly because they "enjoyed the people."ÂParticipants describe the camp experience as a safe place where seniors can meet new people and make friends while enjoying a variety of activities ranging from fishing and swimming to singing, creative writing and crafts. This year's camp was held June 23-27.ÂAll the activities take place at Camp Algonquin, a 116-acre wooded site along the Fox River on Cary Road.ÂSenior Camp is a program organized by the Metropolitan Family Services of Chicago for low-income seniors ranging in ages from 60-84. The camp has been attracting seniors from around the Chicago area since it opened in 1961.Â"We have 65 seniors here supervised by staff members and counselors who are mostly college students specializing in fields like recreation, education and social work," explained Penelope Friedberg, director of community relations and marketing for Camp Algonquin.Â"Admission is free to all seniors who have a public aid medical card, and those who don't are charged a flat fee of $50 for the five days," she added.ÂMark and Anna Levine, who are originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, attended the camp for the third time. To the Levines, Senior Camp is one of the charms of living in America, a country they appreciate for its atmosphere.Â"God Bless America," said Mrs. Levine, seconded by her husband, as they relaxed on the shady back porch of one of the buildings housing the dormitories used by campers.Â"We enjoy this camp very much, and were disappointed when we called and were told that the place was full (this summer)," she said. "Finally, we were able to come because two of our friends dropped out. We have many friends here. The food is great, and we love spending time in the pool."ÂPeople come to the camp mostly by word of mouth, Friedberg said. "We admit people on a first-come, first-serve basis."ÂFor Jean Rose, the best thing about camp is the opportunity to be outdoors, the food, the staff, prom night, and time away from her husband.Â"A little time off is nice every once in a while," she said with a smile.ÂNolia Powell said about her first time at the camp: "I live alone and have a homemaker come in because I am not able to do much myself. This is a really nice change."ÂBarbara Braun, a counselor at the camp, said, "I love the fact that I am able to make a lot of friends, and also am be to learn a lot from the seniors." She has a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies, and come fall, will start working on a master's degree in social work at the University of Chicago. "This is my third time here," she said about working as a camp counselor.ÂTo Ivan Dedric, a new counselor at the camp and a business management student from Croatia, working at the camp was an opportunity to gain experience with a new country and polish his English language skills as well as help seniors.ÂThe camp tries to attract a cosmopolitan population, making the experience as rewarding and as eclectic as possible for everybody. Richard A. Morris, camp coordinator, said Camp Algonquin benefits from the services of Camp America and Camp Counselors, agencies which recruit individuals from over the world interested in working in American camps.Â"Senior Camp is a particularly special experience for the staff, and a very powerful experience for campers," Friedberg said. "Special for us because we benefit from the wisdom of campers, and empowering for them because, among other things, they feel like they are part of a community."ÂCamp Algonquin organizes various camps all summer long. For more information on Senior Camp and on other programs offered by Camp Algonquin, call (847) 658-8212 or visit Camp Algonquin's Web site at www.campalgonquin.org.Copyright© 2003, Digital Chicago Inc.http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/localnews/current/al/07-03-03-52729.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 03 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4820/1/E-Nenad-Bach-u-posijetu-Rijeci.html  Nenad Bach posjetio Rijeku 30 Lipnja 2003 Poznati skladatelj, producent i glazbenik Nenad Bach koji ~
ivi i radi u Sjedinjenim američkim dr~
avama posjetio je Rijeku. U kraćem neformalnom razgovoru s pročelnicom Ureda Grada, gđom. Ksenijom Linić, Nenad Bach je izrazioÂ~
elju daÂSvetom Ocu Ivanu Pavlu II. pokloni nekoliko CD-a s glazbom koju je snimio i producirao. Radi se prije svega o CD-u "Za kri~
em" na kojem su zabilje~
eni glagoljaa
ki korizmeni napjevi otoka Hvara. Nekoliko je njegovih albuma bilo među prvim na europskim glazbenim ljestvicama i prodano do sada u milijunskoj nakladi. Surađivao je s brojnim svjetskim glazbenicima; Lucianom Pavarottijem, Bonom & The Edge (U2), Brianom Enom, Indigo Girls, Richie Havensom, Garthom Hudsonom & Rickom Dankom (The Band), Vincom Welnickom (Grateful Dead), Martinom Sheenom, Michaelom Yorkom, Johnom Malkovichem, Ellen Burstyn i mnogim drugima. Tri albuma klapskih pjesama koje je Nenad Bach producirao: "Fire on the Sea," Klape Fortunal; "Za kri~
em," kolekcijom crkvenih korizmenih napjeva s otoka Hvara i "Novaljo, Novaljo," Klape Novalja, prezentirao je hrvatsku glazbenu baa
tinu u svijetu. (I.N.) http://www.grad-rijeka.hr/default.asp?mode=1&gl=200306060000001&jezik=1&sid= letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 30 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4821/1/E-NFCA-PRESS-RELEASE-June-23-2003.html NFCANATIONAL FEDERATION OF CROATIAN AMERICANSFor Immediate Release Contact: Erik Milman, 202-331-2830NFCA Hosts Successful Croatian Wine Tasting on Capitol HillÂ(Washington, D.C. - June 23, 2003) The National Federation of CroatianÂAmericans (NFCA) held a successful Croatian wine tasting event on Capitol Hill onÂMonday, June 16 at the home of NFCA member Lucie Gikovich! Tony Butala, founderÂof " The Lettermen" and a Napa Valley vintner served as the master ofÂceremonies. NFCA friend and Congressman George Radanovich, a vintner fromÂCalifornia, was the special guest of honor at this event which was also attended byÂCongressmen Walter Jones, Dana Rohrabacher, and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey. ThereÂwere over 40 Croatian Americans and congressional guests that came out toÂtaste fine wines from Croatia, hear more about Croatian issues of interest and toÂinteract with Members of Congress.This Capitol Hill event allowed NFCA members the opportunity to promoteÂCroatia and Croatian issues like membership in NATO to the many congressionalÂstaffers in attendance. Deputy Ambassador Kresimir Pirsl, represented the CroatianÂEmbassy and thanked all the dignitaries and congressional guests for showingÂtheir interest and support for Croatia. Congressman George RadanovichÂwelcomed everyone, shared his love for his ancestors's homeland and highlighted hisÂleadership and efforts on behalf of Croatia in the U.S. Congress. SteveÂRukavina, the past NFCA President said " I want to thank Congressmen Radanovich,ÂJones, Rohrabacher, and Congresswoman Woolsey on behalf of the NFCA for theirÂstrong support of Croatia and for attending this special wine tasting event. I amÂvery pleased that our dignitaries and guests were able to experience the fineÂwines of Croatia and learn more about the many tourist attractions of CroatiaÂand it's long beautiful Adriatic coast line with over one thousand islands."Tony Butala, was the featured speaker of the evening and entertained theÂcrowd with a few stories about his Croatian heritage, life as an entertainer andÂvintner. The Croatian American originally from Sharon, PA, led the selectÂgroup through a wine tasting lecture and process that was enjoyable andÂeducational. "It is great to be in Washington, D.C. with old friends and meeting newÂfriends of Croatia in the process. It is always a pleasure to introduce moreÂAmericans to the culture and history of Croatian winemaking that dates back toÂthe Roman times," said the Croatian American singer.The Dingac wine from the Ivo Skaramuca Vineyards on Peljasac made from theÂPlavac Mali grape was a real crowd pleaser as was the Nikola Bura Plavac broughtÂby Mike Babic of Vinum USA (Madison, NJ). Also, the fine Dingac and PostupÂred wine sent down by Twice, Inc and also from Peljasac, was appreciated by allÂin attendance. The Zlahtina wine from the Katunar winery on Krk and theÂGrasevina wine from the Dakovacko winery were the favorite white wines on display.ÂThis will be the first in a series of wine tastings that the NFCA will beÂhold throughout the country to showcase Croatian wine and tourism. These eventsÂwill allow the NFCA to interact with local Croatian American communitiesÂthroughout the nation and increase awareness about the attractions of CroatianÂtourism and the fine wines from Croatia.If you have any questions about the NFCA or activities, please call ourÂnational NFCA office at 202-331-2830 or e-mail us at nfcahdq@aol.comÂ----------------- letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4819/1/E-NFCA-PRESS-RELEASE-June-30-2003.html ÂNFCANATIONAL FEDERATION OF CROATIAN AMERICANSFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Erik Milman, 202-331-2830ÂNFCAhdq@aol.comÂ"Resolution Marking the Significance of the United States - Adriatic CharterÂSigning Passes U.S. House of Representatives with NFCA Support"(Washington, D.C. June 30) The National Federation of Croatian AmericansÂ(NFCA) heralds the passage of Engel Resolution (H. Con. Res. 209) commending theÂsigning of the United States-Adriatic Charter, a charter of partnership amongÂthe United States, Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia, on June 23rd in the U.S.ÂHouse of Representatives. This legislation expresses the support of the U.S.ÂCongress for this Sense of Congress Resolution which was reported out the HouseÂInternational Relations Committee on June 12 with the support of nearlyÂthirty co-sponsors.ÂU.S. Secretary of State Powell and the foreign ministers of Croatia,ÂMacedonia, and Albania signed the Charter on May 2, 2003, in the Albanian capitol ofÂTirana. The Adriatic Charter and Engel Resolution were strongly supported byÂthe diplomatic community in Washington, including Dr. Ivan Grdesic the currentÂAmbassador to the U.S. and Mexico from the Republic of Croatia. NFCA PresidentÂJohn Kraljic's letter in full support of passage of the Resolution wasÂincluded in the debate in the Congressional Record by Rep. Elliot Engel (D-NY) as anÂexpression of Croatian-American support for the legislation. The ResolutionÂpassed 381 - 1.ÂUnder the Charter the nation-state signatories pledge to support the effortsÂby Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia to join Euro-Atlantic institutions likeÂNATO and the European Union. The debate on the Floor of the U.S. House ofÂRepresentatives noted that the three aspiring nations commit themselves to accelerateÂtheir democratic and defense reforms, protect human rights, implementÂmarket-oriented economic policies, upgrade their border security so they can furtherÂcontribute to regional stability, and generally enhance their mutualÂcooperation by signing this agreement. A copy of the Engel Resolution follows thisÂpress release or can be obtained by contacting the NFCA Office in Washington,ÂD.C. The entire June 23, 2003, debate in the Congressional Record can be viewedÂat www.gpo.gov/gpoaccess .ÂIn the debate record, NFCA's John Kraljic noted that the "NFCA has longÂsupported the Republic of Croatia's request for membership in the North AtlanticÂTreaty Organization (NATO). We believe it is a natural and important extensionÂof Croatia's integration into important western security and related alliancesÂsince the Republic's reestablishment as a viable nation-state over ten yearsÂago. Croatia is the most stable and economically developed country in theÂsoutheastern Europe. Its democratic structure has been strongly established asÂevidenced by three national elections since 1990. Croatia has a wide range ofÂpolitical parties and a free and independent press. Economically, Croatia's GrossÂDomestic Product is greater than that of most of its neighbors, some of whomÂhave already joined NATO. Furthermore, since the time Croatia claimed itsÂindependence in the early 1990s, it has adopted American and NATO militaryÂtechniques. Croatia currently participates as full partner in the U.S. and NATO war onÂinternational terrorism." Mr. Kraljic has vowed that the NFCA will continueÂto strongly support Croatia's inclusion in NATO at the very first opportunityÂthat presents itself.ÂThe NFCA is a Washington, D.C.-based national umbrella organization thatÂrepresents over 20 Croatian American groups and 130,000 members.NFCAhdq@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4822/1/E-Repopulate-Rural-Croatia.html  Repopulate Rural Croatia? ÂHey Everyone!I found this interesting article on the Internet, and I remember reading some articles about renewing the economies of the Islands in the Jadran. I'm wondering if there is any formal organization in Croatia trying to bring people back to the islands (or any other rural areas) to restart the their local economies. Does anyone know?-MarkoRural Spain welcomes immigrantsBy Michael VossBBC correspondent in Aguaviva, SpainMuch of the current debate in Europe over immigration focuses on how to limit numbers.But in parts of rural Spain, where many villages are in decline because of depopulation, attracting immigrants is seen as a life-saving solution.Until recently, the village of Aguaviva was a community in decline. It lies in the desolate hills of Teruel, one of Spain's poorest provinces.For years, the young had fled to find work in the cities. Only the old remained.Yet today the village school is alive to the sound of children. Pupil numbers have doubled, an extra teacher has been taken on.The reason why the school is thriving is that the village decided to boost its population by attracting immigrants from abroad.Initially they turned to South America, advertising in newspapers in Argentina, offering free flights and a job for families with children willing to live and work here.IntegratedNow, less than half the pupils in one pre-school class are Spanish - the rest are immigrants from South America and Eastern Europe.According to their teacher, they all get on well together."I'm really surprised at how well the children from Aguaviva have taken to the immigrants," she said."I think each local child has a close personal friend who has come from another country. There aren't separate groups, they all mix together very well."The Martinez family were the first immigrants in Aguaviva, arriving from the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, three years ago.Marcelo Martinez said violent crime and a collapsing economy persuaded him to give up a struggling small business to become a school bus driver.His wife, Gilda Mazzeo, still speaks with emotion about how well they were received."There were families who took us in and treated us as one of their own, as family," she said. "For us at least it's been a positive experience. We feel wanted and loved."Difficult transitionBut not everyone has adapted so well.Most of the work on offer is on construction sites.Initially, the village recruited from Argentina in the hope that speaking Spanish would help make integration easier. Many though came from big cities and have since left, unable to handle village life.Luis Bricio is the mayor of Aguaviva. It was his idea to save the community through immigration."We made a big mistake because successful integration doesn't depend on the language, nor is it guaranteed by a shared Hispanic heritage," he said."What really matters is the work ethic and that the skills they come with match the sort of jobs we can offer here."In many ways, the East Europeans have adapted better than the South Americans."Many of the more recent arrivals are from small Romanian communities and appear to be settling well.Now word has spread and the village of Aguaviva has become headquarters for a national association to repopulate rural Spain.Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3002928.stm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 20 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4823/1/SE-Studia-Croatica---17-June-2003.html ÂSTUDIA CROATICA- BOLETIN - NEWSLETTEREste Boletín es publicado por larevista Studia Croatica  Instituto de Cultura Croata, editada enBuenos Aires desde 1960  This Newsletter is produced by Studia Croatica Institute for Croatian Culture, a journal published in Buenos Airessince 1960. www.studiacroatica.com joza@velocom.com.arAGENDALa Agenda de Argentina seencuentra en www.studiacroatica.com/agendas/agenda.htmThe (mainly Argentine) Agendacan be found at www.studiacroatica.com/agendas/agenda.htm=================================================================DIALOGO EN LA BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL - BUENOS AIRESEl miércoles18 de junio, a las 19 hs. los críticos Victoria Vrljicak y Jorge López Anayamantendrán un diálogo sobre "Marta Traba. Una intelectual de dos mundos"en la Biblioteca Nacional - sala "Augusto Cortazar" Agüero 2502 -Buenos Aires - ArgentinaMarta Traba es un paradigma delargentino que triunfa en el exterior; su vida tuvo ribetes novelescos yactitudes pioneras. Según su biografía  compitió con los hombres y fuegenerosa con las mujeres . La crítica, poeta y novelista argentina muriójunto con su marido Angel Rama en un accidente de aviación en 1983. Habíanacido en el 23. Provocadora y rebelde, logró quela sociedad despertara acerca de algunas cuestiones. Además de sus casi treintalibros, fundó una revista y un museo. La escritora mexicana Elena Poniatowskidijo de ella...  era una mujer necesaria, esencial. Hacía falta, hace falta .Hoy Marta Traba es objeto de estudio y debates en las universidadesnorteamericanas. =================================================================MUESTRA PLASTICA - GALERIA FORMA - BUENOS AIRESEl Jueves 26 de junio, la artistaBISERKA-PERLA MAVREK inaugura una nueva MUESTRA PLASTICA, junto con otros 7artistas en la GALERIA FORMA, calle Aráoz 2540, Buenos Aires, a las 19 hs. Lapresentación de los artístas y los comentarios estarán a cargo de SARAHGUERRA.Las 6 pinturas a exponer porBISERKA-PERLA MAVREK muestran un enfoque nuevo, sus nuevas técnicas a espátulay pincel, sobre tela de 70 x 50 cm y llevan los siguientes títulos:A TRAVES DEL UNIVERSO  óleo; LADECISION DE VOLAR  óleo; FUGA  óleo; BUSQUEDA  acrílico; JUGUETEANDO acrílico; EL VISITANTE NOCTURNO - óleoClausura de la muestra: 8 de Julio.Puede ser visitada de lunes a viernes de 16 a 20 hs y sábados de 12 a l4 hs.================================================================= VJEKOSLAV PAVER - MILAN RAKOVACEl pasado 12 de junio a medianochefalleció en Buenos Aires el señor Vjekoslav Paver  quien era conocido tambiéncomo Milan Rakovac. Había nacido en Irenovac, Eslavonia, Croacia el 25 de juniode 1914. El señor Paver fue co-fundador y directivo del Instituto CroataLatinoamericano de Cultura y miembro de la redacción de Studia Croatica.Que en paz descanse.Atmidnight, June 12th, passed away Mr. Vjekoslav Paver (Milan Rakovac).He was born in Irenovac, Slavonia, Croatia on June 25th, 1914. Mr.Paver was co-founder and directive of the Croatian Latin American Institutefor Culture and member of the editorial board of Studia Croatica. Mayhe rest in peace.=================================================================Â=================================================================STUDIA CROATICA - Nuevo material en la Web New MaterialZAPISI RU}
E MARASOVELAS NOTAS DE RU}
A(ROSA) MARASMaticahrvatskaImotski1994.Presentamos enedicion bilingüe croata-castellano el primer capítulo del libro de Ru~
a Maras.El libro tiene 150 páginas y lo editó su hijo, Mate Maras. La forma idiomáticausada por la autora es la de su pueblo natal y de su región (Krivodol, Imotski).Es ikavica con muchas palabras que no se encuentran en cualquierdiccionario. Tradujo Joza Vrljičak.We presentin bilingual Croatian-Spanish edition the first chapter the book written by Ru~
aMaras (The Notes of Ru~
a Maras). The book has 150 pages and was editedby her son Mate Maras. The language used by the author is the one of her townand region (Krivodol, Imotski). It is ikavica with many words not foundin most dictionaries. Translation by Joza Vrljičak.www.studiacroatica.com/ruzamaras/ruzamaras.htm=================================================================ÂMATERIAL PARA EL ESTUDIO DEL IDIOMA CROATAPresentamos un material para elestudio del idioma croata. Se trata de tablas conteniendo las palabras yconjuntos de dos y tres palabras consecutivas más frecuentes encontrados endiarios croatas recientes. Son pues, tres tablas conteniendo 300 renglones cadauna con la frecuencia con que aparecen, la expresión en croata y su traducciónal español que en lo sucesivo iremos ampliando. Se amplía ahora con tablas defrases centradas (Key Words in Context) para las letras "a" y"b" (1400 ejemplos en total). Parte de este material puede ayudar paraaprender castellano.MATERIAL FOR THE STUDY OF THE CROATIAN LANGUAGEWepresent material for the study of the Croatian language. They are tablescontaining words, groups of two- and three words most frequently found in recentCroatian newspapers. There are three tables with 300 rows each with the Croatianexpresions and their Spanish equivalents (we will provide English synonyms inthe future). We introduce now examples in Croatian, presented as Key Words inContext for the letters "a" and "b" (1400 examples intotal). Some of this material may be useful to learn Spanish.Tablade 300 palabras - 300 most frequent wordsTablade 300 grupos dos palabras  300 most frequent two-word groupsTablade 300 grupos de tres palabras - 300 most frequent three-word groupsKey Words in contextKeywords in context: aKeywords in context: abolira - AlbanijeKeywords in context: aliKeywords in context: Alkar - aziluKeywords in context: bacaju - bezKeywords in context: biKeywords in context: bicikle - bioKeywords in context: Biograd - biznisaKeywords in context: Bjelorusiju - burziÂLINKSNenad Bach produce el excelentesite http://www.croatianworld.net/con material en inglés y croata  ÂTitle: ÂDate: ÂCategory: (H) Rijecki Most hrvatskih branitelja u New Yorku Jun 16,2003 Culture And Arts (H) POZIVNICA, 3LHD u New Yorku Jun 16,2003 Culture And Arts (E) On 50th Venice Biennale 2003 - Two Croatian Artists Jun 16,2003 Culture And Arts (E) NYC Exhibition Includes Bridge in Rijeka Jun 16,2003 Culture And Arts (E) Superman Comics drawn by a Croatian Jun 16,2003 Culture And Arts (E,H) Croatian Independence Day Celebration in New York Jun 16,2003 Events (E) Summer job in BiH Jun 16,2003 Jobs (E) NFCA's Successful 10th Annual Convention Jun 16,2003 Events (E) Looking for Croatian Models Jun 16,2003 Jobs (E) Croatian Professional Services in Washington DC, USA Area Jun 16,2003 Data (E) Croatia to establish a Trade Center in Dubai Jun 14,2003 Business (E) Croatia demands compensation for embassy attack Jun 16,2003 Politics (E) Belgrade youths set fire to a Croatian flag June 2003 Jun 16,2003 Politics (E) Pope in Croatia 2003 Jun 12,2003 Religion (E) Pope ends 100th foreign trip with prayer in coastal Croatia Jun 12,2003 Religion (E) Pope Speaks of Own Death as Croatia Trip Nears End Jun 12,2003 Religion (E) Croatian House project has launched its web site Jun 12,2003 Culture And Arts (H,E) Koncert - Klapa Astoria - June 22, 2003 Jun 12,2003 Culture And Arts (E) TONY BUTALA HOSTS NFCA WINE TASTING Jun 12,2003 Events (E) Seeking a DP in Croatia for a Documentary Project Jun 12,2003 Jobs (E) Cuddling Croatia Jun 12,2003 Tourism (E) Psihomodo Pop - Live Jun 12,2003 Culture And Arts (E) Learn Croatian Jun 12,2003 Education (E) Soccer-Kovac gives Croatia 1-0 win over Estonia Jun 12,2003 Sports (H) Papa visit Hrvatska Radiotelevizija Jun 8,2003 Religion (E) Seven Croatian Seamen Safe Jun 8,2003 News (E) Looking for Croatians in the States Jun 8,2003 Classifieds (E) Book Promotion of Stillness and Other Stories in NY Jun 8,2003 Culture And Arts (E) Pope's Croatia trip Televized Jun 4,2003 Religion letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 17 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4825/1/E-Looking-for-Croatians-in-Florida.html  Looking for Croatians in Florida ÂMy father was Croatian and I would like to get to know and become more involved with my Croatian heritage and culture. Are there any Croatian festivals held in the State of Florida? If so, when and where.Thanks! AnaImThePav@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 28 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4824/1/E-NATIONAL-FEDERATION-OF-CROATIAN-AMERICANS-PRESS-RELEASE.html ÂNATIONAL FEDERATION OF CROATIAN AMERICANSNFCANATIONAL FEDERATION OF CROATIAN AMERICANSNFCA CULTURAL FOUNDATIONFor Immediate Release Contact: Erik Milman, 202-331-2830ÂNFCA HOSTS CROATIAN AMERICAN BUSINESS LEADERS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS AT ITS 10TH ANNUAL CONVENTIONWashington, DC (May 24, 2003). The National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA) will hold its Tenth Annual Assembly of Delegates next week in Washington, DC on May 30-June 1. The convention will be held at the Marriott Hotel at the Metro Center, Washington, DC. Delegates from throughout the country, some journeying from as far away as California and Nebraska, are expected to attend the Assembly.The theme of this year Assembly will be "Croatia and the United States: The Basis for Partnership." Among other things that will be focused on is the NFCA's continued promotion ofCroatia's economic development. In that connection, members of the NFCA's Commercial Advisory Committee and selected NFCA delegates and invitees will participate in a private meeting with members of the United States Chamber of Commerce on Friday afternoon, May 30. Mark Van Fleet, the Managing Director of International Programs will address the delegates on this subject in the private portion of the Assembly on Saturday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m.ÂOn Saturday, May 31, the luncheon speaker will be Zoran Perkovic, Minister Consular and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He will speak on the political and economic situation in BiH particularly as it affectsCroatians there.ÂDuring the public portion of the Assembly beginning Saturday, May 31, at 1:00 p.m., Mr. Stjepan Safran, President of Hrvatska Obrtnicka Komora (theCroatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts) based in Zagreb,Croatia, will be a featured speaker. Delegates will further hear about the NFCA's continuing work on its plans to help implement theUS-Croatia Business Partnering Initiative with the US Chamber of Commerce. Jonathan Benton, the Deputy Director of South Central European Affairs at the U.S. State Department will address the delegates and guests on the prospects ofCroatia joining NATO and its role with respect to other Euro-Atlantic alliances.Croatia's Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Ivan Grdesic, another featured speaker will address the Assembly and the public at 2:00 p.m. regarding foreign policy issues andCroatia's relationship with the United States.The Assembly's welcoming reception on Friday night, May 30 will be held at the Washington Court Hotel (525 New Jersey Ave. NW). This reception will featureCroatian wine and salute Mr. Bernard Luketich for his Silver Anniversary as National President of theCroatian Fraternal Union (CFU). The local CFU Lodge 1976 and the NFCA will co- host Friday nights affair. A more formal reception will be held for delegates and guests on Saturday night, May 31 at theCroatian Embassy on Embassy Row which will feature the superb cuisine of Chef Ivo Svircic.For more convention information, please call Erik Milman at the NFCA office at 202-331-2830.1329 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036PHONE: (202) 331-2830 FAX: (202) 331-0050 NFCAHDQ@AOL.COM letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 28 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4826/1/SE-Studia-Croatica---26-May-2003.html ÂSTUDIACROATICA - BOLETIN - NEWSLETTER Dear All  This Newsletter is aimed at the Croatian community that reads Spanish and English and their friends and is produced by the journalÂStudia Croatica. It is distributed to more than 1400 email addresses inÂArgentina (835), Bolivia (31), Brazil (36), Canada (19), Chile (192), Croatia (109), Spain (27), the US (23), Mexico (6), Perú (59), Uruguay (25), Venezuela (55)Âand other countries.  We apprecitate information sent to us and request being told if this kind of information is not wanted. = == = = = = = = Estimados  Este Boletín se destina a la colectividad croata que lee español e inglés y a sus amigos y es producida por la revista Studia Croatica. SeÂdistribuye aÂmás de 1400 direcciones electrónicas de Argentina (835), Bolivia (31), Brasil (36), Canadá (19), Chile (192), Croacia (109), España (27), Estados Unidos (23), México (6), Perú (59), Uruguay (25), Venezuela (55)Ây otros países.  Apreciamos las informaciones que nos envían yÂsolicitamosÂnos informen siÂno desean recibir este tipo de información.  Joza Vrljicak Studia Croatica ======================================================================= Este Boletínes publicado por la revista Studia Croatica, editada en BuenosAires desde 1960  This Newsletter is produced by Studia Croatica, a journalpublished in Buenos Aires since 1960. www.studiacroatica.com  joza@velocom.com.ar AGENDADesdeahora la Agenda de Argentina se encuentra en www.studiacroatica.com/agendas/agenda.htmFrom now on, the Agenda will be found at www.studiacroatica.com/agendas/agenda.htm(activities in Argentina)=================================================================MADRID  ESPAÑAEl decano de la Facultad deHumanidades y Ciencias de la Comunicación de la Universidad San Pablo  CEUen colaboración con la Emabajada de Croacia invitan a la conferencia sobre Avisosde Ragusa a la Corte del Rey de España sobre los turcos en el Siglo XVI, queserá impartida por la Dra. Mirijana Polic Bobic el martes 27 de mayo de 2003 alas 11:30 horas en el salón de actos de la Facultad de Humanidades y Cienciasde la Comunicación  Papa Juan XXIII, 10  Madrid.=================================================================ÂPEDIDO DE NENAD GOLL  A REQUEST BY NENAD GOLLÂBoletín de la Sociedad Botánica de México(Boletín No. 14). El artículo es de Ida K.Langman: "Apuntes Biográficosdel Sr. Mateo Botteri". Matija Botteri (Hvar, 7. 12. 1808. - Orizaba,Mexico, 3. 6. 1877.)Rogamos a quienes tengan acceso aesa revista en alguna biblioteca, que nos hagan llegar copia del artículo, aesta redacción, o a Nenad Goll nenad.goll@zg.hinet.hrIf somebody can find andsend the article mentioned, we will be appreciate it very much=================================================================MENSAJES DE LA EMBAJADA DE LA REPUBLICA DE CROACIA  BUENOS AIRESÂMEDICAL STUDIES IN ENGLISH AT THEUNIVERSITY OF ZAGREB MEDICAL SCHOOL Postovani,Ovim putem zelimo vas obavijestiti o pokretanju studijamedicine na engleskom jeziku u Republici Hrvatskoj, pri Sveucilistu u Zagrebuodnosno Medicinskom fakultetu u Zagrebu.Takav program koristio bi strancima i posebno djeci iz redovahrvatske dijaspore koji u svojoj trecoj-cetvrtoj generaciji iseljenistva cestoni ne govore materinji jezik, a medju kojima ipak postoji znacajan interes zaupoznavanje zemlje porijekla kroz suvremeno koncipiran i kompetitivan programstudija. Pored mogucnosti studiranja u zemlji svojih predaka, zainteresirani bistekli obrazovanje na svjetskom jeziku, cime bi stekli vece sanse za zaposlenjeu inozemstvu, tj. pri povratku.Studij ce trajati sest godina (jednako kao na hrvatskomjeziku) a o detaljima mozete se upoznati putem brosure koju vam u privitkudostavljamo ili na internet adresi www.mef.hr/Medical Studies in English. http://www.mef.hr/mse/index.htmlMolimo vas da s ovom informacijom upoznate zainteresirane zastudij medicine u Zagrebu.S postovanjem,Renee IvinsavjetnikMessage from the Dean --------------------------------------------------------------------------------The concept of global medicine and internationalizationof higher education has been deeply rooted in the Zagreb Medical School sinceits foundation in 1917. The founders of our School came from different Europeancenters of academic excellence and transferred their expertise to the newlyfledged institution. From that time the Zagreb Medical School has tried topreserve and maintain this continuity in transferring the latest trends inmedical education and teaching by adding to it the specific creative componentof its faculty, thus achieving the present integration into the internationalcommunity of medical schools.The English program of medicalstudies is primarily aimed at foreign citizens and candidates from the Croatiandiaspora who are willing to pursue their academic career in medicine abroad orin the country of their ancestors. In the summer 2002, after extensivepreparations and marketing analysis, the project for the establishment ofmedical studies in English was proposed to the Senate of the University ofZagreb. September 20, 2002 marked the formal initiation of the English languageprogram in medicine when the University Senate officially approved the proposedprogram. The program, scheduled to attract the first generation of students inthe academic year 2003-04, welcomes all applicants who are willing to studymedicine in a stimulating environment that strives to incorporate the bestfeatures of Western medical education. =================================================================BECAS PARA ESTUDIAR IDIOMA CROATA EN CROACIAOBAVIJEST: UCENJE HRVATSKOG JEZIKA U RH Postovani,ÂOvim putem veleposlanstvo RHobavijestava zajednicu Hrvatskih iseljenika u Argentini i Urugvaju daMinistarstvo vanjskih poslova RH sukladno vazecim propisima, ima odredjenumogucnost davanja stipendije i placanja skolarine hrvatskim iseljenicima. Radise o stipendiranju studenata, ucenika te polaznika Pripremne godine studija. MVPplaca skolarinu u iznosu od 1100 USD za dva semestra i osigurava bonove ("ixice")za prehranu u studentskom restoranu. Dok smjestaj u studentskom domu osiguravaHMI.ÂU tom smislu zainteresirane osobemogu se putem ovog veleposlanstva ili direktno obratiti Ministarstvu vanjskihposlova RH, Odjel za hrvatske manjine, iseljenistvo i useljenistvo, Petricevabr.5, Zagreb, fax:00385 1 4896-337, te dostaviti:Â- ZAMOLBU- ZIVOTOPIS- KOPIJU PUTOVNICEÂStudenti se upisuju u I. i II.semestar nakon odgovarajuceg pisanog i usmenog testiranja koje ih kvalificira uodgovarajuci stupanj. Nakon zavrsenog I semestra studenti dobivaju potvrdu, anakon zavrsetka II. semesatra i polozenog zavrsnog ispita dobivaju Svjedodzbu opolozenom ispitu i stupnju (pocetni, napredni ili zavrsni).ÂUPISI: su moguci svaki semestarakademske godine.I. semestar traje od 15. listopada do 31. sijecnjaII. semestar traje od 1. ozujka do 15.lipnja.Skolarina po semestru iznosi 600 EUR-a ÂAdresa : FILOZOFSKI FAKULTET SVEUCILISTA U ZAGREBU, I. Lucica br.3, 10000Zagreb, tel. 00385 1 6120-067 e-mail.: croaticum@ffzg.hrU zelji da se ovdasnjoj zajednici uspjesno ostvari pravo na stipendiranjeputem MVP-a, ovo veleposlanstvo stoji na raspolaganju.S postovanjem,Renée Ivin,Savjetnik =================================================================SEMINARIO PARA DIRIGENTES DE GRUPOSTEATRALES AMATEURHrvatska Matica Iseljenikaorganizira SEMINAR ZA VODITELJE AMATERSKIH DRAMSKIH SKUPINA izvan Hrvatske.Seminar ce se odrzavati na otoku Galovcu (kraj Zadra) od 21. do 29.lipnja 2003. godine. Odnosi se na pocetnike i napredne "kazalistarce".Troskove boravka snosi HMI. Osoba za kontakt u HMI je voditeljica projekta:gospodja Nives Antoljak rok za prijavu je 30. svibnja 2003. godine. e-mail:nives@matis.hr fax.:00385 1 6111-522; tel. 00385 1 6115-116=================================================================LA VOZ DE CROACIAA partir del domingo 27 de abril, La Voz de Croacia,la emision de onda corta de la HRT, comenzó a transmitirse al mundo 24 horas aldía. Hay programas en croata, en inglés, y en español.Lasfrecuencias son:9.925 kHzpara Sudamérica, y América del Norte (costa este y oeste).9.470 kHzpara Nueva Zelandia.13.820 kHzpara Australia.=================================================================ÂSTUDIA CROATICA - Nuevomaterial en la Web  New Material Tomislav Dretar  Poesía bilingüe en francés y croata http://www.studiacroatica.com/dretar/poezije.htmConmemoración de la Tragedia deBleiburg, Buenos Aires, 18 de mayo de 2003. Fotos.http://www.studiacroatica.com/dia/ar/cap/bleiburg03/bleiburg03.htmFotosde la inauguración de la Plaza Croacia en Punta del Este  Uruguay 8de julio de 2001. http://www.studiacroatica.com/dia/uy/punta/punta.htmFotosde la asunción del Presidente Kirchner en el Congreso  25 de mayo de 2003http://www.studiacroatica.com/dia/ar/cap/kirchner/kirchner.htm================================================================IDIOMA CROATAÂCon frecuencia nos preguntan sidisponemos de material para el estudio del idioma croata, tales como libros degramática, métodos y diccionarios. Realmente no disponemos de este materialpara su distribución ni conocemos a nadie que los venda en Latinoamérica. Porello, hemos preparado un material que creemos será de utilidad para el estudiodel idioma. Se trata de tablas conteniendo las palabras y conjuntos de dos ytres palabras consecutivas más frecuentes encontrados en los diarios croatas delos últimos días. Son pues, tres tablas conteniendo 200 renglones cada una conla frecuencia con que aparecen, la expresión en croata y su traducción al españolque en lo sucesivo iremos ampliando.ÂØÂÂÂÂÂÂTablade una palabraØÂÂÂÂÂÂTablade dos palabras consecutivasØÂÂÂÂÂÂTablasde tres palabras consecutivas================================================================LINKSNenad Bach produce el excelentesite http://www.croatianworld.net/con material en inglés y croata   ÂTitle: ÂDate: ÂCategory: (E) Croatian Presidents in the Americas May 24,2003 People (S) Croatia Prepares for Papal Visit: J.P. II s 100th May 24,2003 Religion (E) Brilliant Croatian lifts Europe May 24,2003 Sports (E) Klapa Astoria on Times Square, New York May 24,2003 Culture And Arts (E) Apartments for sale in Dubrovnik, Croatia May 23,2003 Classifieds (E) Croatian qualifier makes Strasbourg final May 23,2003 Sports (E) NYC Benefit Party for American-Croatian exchange May 22,2003 Culture And Arts (E) Bach, Oppenheimer & Belic @ Dubrovnik Film Festival May 22,2003 Culture And Arts (S,E) Studia Croatica - 19 May 2003 May 22,2003 Community (E) Photographing your family history in Croatia May 22,2003 Culture And Arts (H) informaticka udruga u Kastelima May 22,2003 Culture And Arts (F) L'Europe et terrorisme intellectuel May 22,2003 Published Articles (E) Tanja Simic - Recital in New York City May 22,2003 Culture And Arts (E) Looking for afordable accomodations in the USA May 22,2003 Classifieds (E) Book Review Balkan Holocausts? May 20,2003 History (H,E) Meri Cetinic sings for Marija May 22,2003 Culture And Arts (H) MITTELEUROPA  ADRIATIC CUP 2003 May 22,2003 Sports (E) CROATIAmonthly May 22,2003 Companies (E) Bramson Ort College, New York May 21,2003 Education (E) "People will see Croatia as an important country" May 17,2003 Culture And Arts (E) Responses from Oxford University Press May 18,2003 Letters To Editors (E) Oxford University Press & Follow-up May 18,2003 Letters To Editors (E) Zlatko Kopljar exibits in New York May 18,2003 Culture And Arts (E) City maps of Vukovar, Djakovo, Osijek needed May 18,2003 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 26 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4827/1/SE-Studia-Croatica---19-May-2003.html ÂSTUDIA CROATICA- BOLETIN - NEWSLETTEREste Boletínes publicado por la revista Studia Croatica, editada en BuenosAires desde 1960 - This Newsletter is produced by Studia Croatica, a journalpublished in Buenos Aires since 1960. www.studiacroatica.comÂ- joza@velocom.com.ar AGENDADesdeahora la Agenda se encuentra en www.studiacroatica.com/agendas/agenda.htmFrom now on, the Agenda will be found at www.studiacroatica.com/agendas/agenda.htm(mostly activities in Argentina)=================================================================PEDIDO DE NENAD GOLL - A REQUEST BY NENAD GOLLStovani g.Vrljicak, dugujem Vamzahvalnost za obavijesti Studie Croaticekoje mi redovito saljete e-mailom, a koje uvijek sa zadovoljstvom pogledam. VasaStudia Croatica zaista je na diku iponos ne samo hrvatskoj dijaspori, nego i hrvatskoj kulturi u cjelini.Vidim da ove obavijesti saljete na 1300 adrese, a to mi je dalo ideju daVas nesto zamolim. Naime, prikupljam gradju za studiju o Matiji Botteriju (Hvar,7. 12. 1808. - Orizaba, Mexico, 3. 6. 1877.) koji je kao samouk postao svjetskipoznati botanicar. Botterija je Britansko kraljevsko hortikulturno drustvoposlalo u Mexico da za njih radi, pa je tako i ostao u Mexicu do kraja zivota. UHrvatskoj se malo zna o tom meksickom razdoblju njegova zivota i rada. Stoga sampreko interneta pokusao stupiti u kontakt sa SociedadBotanica de Mexico i sa Sveucilistem u Orizabi, ali nisam dobio odgovor. Uzostalo, zamolio sam ih da mi posalju kopiju clanka Ide K. Langman "ApuntesBiograficos del Sr. Mateo Botteri", objavljenog u Boletinu No. 14 (1952),koji izdaje Sociedad Botánica de México.Vidjevsi popis primatelja Vasih obavijesti, pomislio sam - mozda bi netko mogaopomoci. Unaprijed Vam zahvaljujem na susretljivosti, uz najbolje zelje Vama iVasoj reviji Studia Croatica.Sa stovanjem, Vas Nenad GollElSr. Nenad Goll fue durante varios años director de la revista Matica, de la FundaciónCroata para la Emigración - Hrvatska Matica Iseljenika. Con sus saludos yconsideración para la revista StudiaCroatica, nos pide si podemos conseguir un artículo aparecido en 1952 en elBoletín de la Sociedad Botánica de México(Boletín No. 14). El artículo es de Ida K.Langman: "Apuntes Biográficosdel Sr. Mateo Botteri". Matija Botteri (Hvar, 7. 12. 1808. - Orizaba,Mexico, 3. 6. 1877.). Botteri, siendo autodidacta, llegó a ser un botánicomundialmente conocido. Fue enviado a México por la Real SociedadBritánica de Horticultura para que trabajara para ellos, y se quedó allíhasta el fin de sus dias. En Croacia se sabe poco de su vida y de su trabajo enMéxico. Por eso mediante Internet trató de ponerse en contacto con la SociedadBotánica de México y con la Universidad de Orizabi, pero no obtuvorespuesta. Entre otras cosas, les pidió le envien copia del artículo referido.Rogamos a quienes tengan acceso a esa revista en alguna biblioteca, que noshagan llegar copia del artículo, a esta redacción, o a Nenad Goll nenad.goll@zg.hinet.hrIf somebody can find and send the articlementioned, we will be appreciate it very much=================================================================DOS MENSAJES DE LA EMBAJADA DE LA REPUBLICA DE CROACIA - BUENOS AIRESBECAS PARA ESTUDIAR IDIOMA CROATA EN CROACIAOBAVIJEST: UCENJE HRVATSKOG JEZIKA U RH Postovani,Ovim putem veleposlanstvo RHobavijestava zajednicu Hrvatskih iseljenika u Argentini i Urugvaju daMinistarstvo vanjskih poslova RH sukladno vazecim propisima, ima odredjenumogucnost davanja stipendije i placanja skolarine hrvatskim iseljenicima. Radise o stipendiranju studenata, ucenika te polaznika Pripremne godine studija. MVPplaca skolarinu u iznosu od 1100 USD za dva semestra i osigurava bonove ("ixice")za prehranu u studentskom restoranu. Dok smjestaj u studentskom domu osiguravaHMI.U tom smislu zainteresirane osobemogu se putem ovog veleposlanstva ili direktno obratiti Ministarstvu vanjskihposlova RH, Odjel za hrvatske manjine, iseljenistvo i useljenistvo, Petricevabr.5, Zagreb, fax:00385 1 4896-337, te dostaviti:- ZAMOLBU- ZIVOTOPIS- KOPIJU PUTOVNICEStudenti se upisuju u I. i II.semestar nakon odgovarajuceg pisanog i usmenog testiranja koje ih kvalificira uodgovarajuci stupanj. Nakon zavrsenog I semestra studenti dobivaju potvrdu, anakon zavrsetka II. semesatra i polozenog zavrsnog ispita dobivaju Svjedodzbu opolozenom ispitu i stupnju (pocetni, napredni ili zavrsni).UPISI: su moguci svaki semestarakademske godine.I. semestar traje od 15. listopada do 31. sijecnjaII. semestar traje od 1. ozujka do 15.lipnja.Skolarina po semestru iznosi 600 EUR-a Adresa : FILOZOFSKI FAKULTET SVEUCILISTA U ZAGREBU, I. Lucica br.3, 10000Zagreb, tel. 00385 1 6120-067 e-mail.: croaticum@ffzg.hrU zelji da se ovdasnjoj zajednici uspjesno ostvari pravo na stipendiranjeputem MVP-a, ovo veleposlanstvo stoji na raspolaganju.S postovanjem,Renée Ivin,Savjetnik =================================================================SEMINARIO PARA DIRIGENTES DE GRUPOSTEATRALES AMATEURHrvatska Matica Iseljenikaorganizira SEMINAR ZA VODITELJE AMATERSKIH DRAMSKIH SKUPINA izvan Hrvatske.Seminar ce se odrzavati na otoku Galovcu (kraj Zadra) od 21. do 29.lipnja 2003. godine. Odnosi se na pocetnike i napredne "kazalistarce".Troskove boravka snosi HMI. Osoba za kontakt u HMI je voditeljica projekta:gospodja Nives Antoljak rok za prijavu je 30. svibnja 2003. godine. e-mail:nives@matis.hr fax.:00385 1 6111-522; tel. 00385 1 6115-116=================================================================LA VOZ DE CROACIAA partir del domingo 27 de abril, La Voz de Croacia,la emision de onda corta de la HRT, comenzó a transmitirse al mundo 24 horas aldía. Hay programas en croata, en inglés, y en español.Lasfrecuencias son:9.925 kHzpara Sudamérica, y América del Norte (costa este y oeste).9.470 kHzpara Nueva Zelandia.13.820 kHzpara Australia.=================================================================STUDIA CROATICA- Nuevo material en la Web - New Material- Časopis Studia Croatica, br.2., 2002., posvećen Marku Maruliću, i knjiga Los Croatas y Croacia en el Tiempo y Espacio, prof. AnđelkaMijatovića predstavljeni u Madridu, Madrid,13. svibnja, 2003. www.studiacroatica.com/ecos/madrid.htmÂ- Presentación en Madrid de la revista StudiaCroatica, número 2, 2002, dedicada a Marko Marulić, y del libro LosCroatas y Croacia en el Tiempo y Espacio, del prof. Anđelko Mijatović,Madrid, 13 de mayo de 2003. www.studiacroatica.com/ecos/madrid.htmÂ- Nadie del Gobierno asistió alsepelio de Bobetko, temiendo enfrentar al pueblo y a su propia conciencia, artículode Josip Jovic aparecido en Slobodna Dalmacija. Versióncastellada del Centro Informativo Croata, de Zagreb. www.studiacroatica.com/bobetko/nadieasistio.htmÂ- Venezuela - Caracas - Enocasión del Día de la Madre, se llevó a cabo un Acto el sábado 11 de mayo enlas instalaciones del Hogar Croata en Caracas. El grupo de bailes folklóricos Juventud Croata de Venezuela bailó su repertorio de bailes típicos.Fotos en www.studiacroatica.com/dia/ve/dmadre/dmadre.htmCelebrating Mother's Day, the CroatianYouth of Venezuela folk group danced its repertoire.=================================================================LINKSÂNenad Bach produce el excelentesite http://www.croatianworld.net/con material en inglés y croataÂ=================================================================La Cámara Venezolano Croata de Industria y Comercio (CAVECRO)- The Venezuela-Croatia Chamber of Commerce tiene su site en - has its site at: http://www.oilcontractor.com/cavecro/=================================================================El escritor peruano-croata José SpojaCortijo (nacidoen 1968) es autor de Unión de Pueblos; Los Caminos de San Blas; LosCroatas en Huánuco; El Espíritu Croata y Recuerdos Inolvidables.Actualmente, está escribiendo acerca de la Ruta Real del Vidonol y un pequeñoensayo sobre Croacia y la Unión Europea. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/8887/About the Peruvian-Croatianwriter José Spoja Cortijo, his work and his web site=================================================================BRIAN GALLAGHERHis Web site is www.croatiafocus.comBelow are 2 links to his mostrecent articles:The Gotovina Indictment: Prosecuting the United States by Stealth?by Brian Gallagher http://213.191.154.38/default.aspx?clanak=776&LID=1Viewpoint from London: The Croats of Londonby Brian Gallagher, The Croatian Herald, Australia, 18 April 2003http://users.macunlimited.net/range/croatia/Brian.Gallagher.180403.htmlBrian Gallagher informs us of a newbook to appear soon:Dubrovnik: A HistoryDear All An important new book is coming outin a few weeks time. It is entitled Dubrovnik:A History, and is by Robin Harris, a top adviser to Margaret Thatcher.Prominent Croat linguist andhistorian Dr Branko Franolic who helped Mr Harris on the book, praises it mosthighly. It is important this book does well, and should be purchased foryourselves, friends, family, libraries, etc.Order now from your bookstores. Inote it is available for pre-order already at Amazon UK. They take overseasorders.Details: Saqi Books, London. ISBN:0863563325, 550 pagesAmazon UK link at: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0863563325/ref=sr_aps_books_1_1/026-1324658-4408426=================================================================SERVICIOS OFRECIDOSLa prof. Iva Belaj estuvo en laArgentina enseñando idioma croata en Santa Fe/Paraná. Nos escribe:"Como propietaria de laagencia de viajes "Via", situada en el centro de Zagreb estoy interesada enla promoción de Croacia a través de programas turísticos."Despues de enamorarme enArgentina y su gente al regresar a Croacia abrí mi propia agencia y les estoyescribiendo para ofrecer nuestros servicios."En Noviembre se da FiT (FeriaInternacional de Turismo) en Buenos Aires y nuestra agencia se va a presentarallí para hacer contactos."Como para los descendientescroatas que desean viajar en Croacia no es fácil organizar todo (buscar algunaacomodación en Croacia en hoteles o en casas particulares así como organizarel itinerario personal, buscar los parientes y organizar reuniones con losmismos) nuestra agencía les puede ayudar.Atentamente,Iva Belaj, directora deoficinaVia Travel Agency, Ineltimd.o.o.Tkalciceva 22, 10 000 Zagreb- Croatiacódigode identificación: HR-AB-01-080209941tel: +385 1 4813645. fax:+3851 4813646, via@hi.hinet.hr=================================================================LIBRO DE GASPAR GLAVICParaobtener información sobre el libro Croacia, 2000 años de Historia, deGaspar Glavic, seguir el link: http://www.glavichfamilyhistory.readywebsites.com/page/page/463257.htm Abook on the history of Croatia, by Gaspar Glavic=================================================================BUSCAN DATOS Y FAMILIARES - PERSONSAND FAMILIES SOUGHTLovre Chagalj ili CagaljSe buscan datos de Lovre Chagaljili Cagalj, quien vivió en Berisso, aparentemente hasta 1990, es oriundo deLovrec, Imotski y nació en 1909, llegó a la Argentina en 1925. No sabemosdonde ni cuando falleció. Si alguien conoció a esta persona puede brindar másdatos, en particular lugar y fecha de defuncion, estaremos muy agradecidos.Nikola - Nicolás TomasSe buscan datos de Nikola - NicolásTomas, nacido en 1906 en Trogir y que falleció aparentemente entre 1956 y 1958.El padre de Nikola Tomas se llamaba Mate y su madre Antica, tenían un hijollamado Radoslav. Tuvo una hermana llamada Maria Tomas de Lucic, quienaparentemente vivió en Lomas de Zamora. Necesitamos más datos de estaspersonas, en particular lugar y la fecha de defunción.Informaciónsobre otras personas y familiares buscadas está en www.studiacroatica.com/buscan/buscan.htm Dataon persons and their families being sought by relatives letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4828/1/SE-Studia-Croatica---12-May-2003.html ÂSTUDIACROATICA - AGENDA Y NOTICIAS - NEWSLETTEREste Boletínes publicado por la revista Studia Croatica, editada en BuenosAires desde 1960 - This Agenda and Newsletter is produced by StudiaCroatica, a journal published in Buenos Aires since 1960. www.studiacroatica.comÂ- joza@velocom.com.ar ÂEstimadosEsta Agenda y Noticias se destina a la colectividad croata que lee español e inglés y a sus amigos y es producida por la revista Studia Croatica. Se distribuye a más de 1300 direcciones electrónicas de Argentina (806), Bolivia (31), Brasil (36), Canada (16), Chile (173), Croacia (91), España (25), Estados Unidos (19), Mexico (4), Perú (49), Uruguay (24), Venezuela (53) y otros países.Apreciamos las informaciones que nos envían y solicitamos nos informen si no desean recibir este tipo de información.= = = = = = = = =Dear friends,This Newsletter is aimed at the Croatian community that reads Spanish and English and their friends and is produced by the journal Studia Croatica. It is distributed to more than 1300 email addresses in Argentina (806), Bolivia (31), Brazil (36), Canada (16), Chile (173), Croatia (91), Spain (25), the US (19), Mexico (4), Perú (49), Uruguay (24), Venezuela (53) and other countries.We apprecitate information sent to us and request being told if this kind of information is not wanted.Joza VrljicakStudia Croatica joza@velocom.com.ar ÂOp-edIwholeheartedly recommend this letter and an extraordinary effort and success ofStudia Croatica and Mr. Vrljicak. Join Croatian Digital Revolution (from now on,CDR) in progress.ÂSvakodobro,ÂNenadBach CROWN, Editor in Chief Letters@CroatianWorld.net AGENDAARGENTINA=================================================================BuenosAires, domingo 18 de mayoConmemoraciónde la Tragedia de Bleiburg. A las 11:00 hs. Santa Misa en la Basílica de SanFrancisco. Debidoal acto eleccionario, se suspende la colocación de la ofrenda floral en laPlaza de Mayo que habitualmente hacemos. A las 13:00 hs. Almuerzo en Bolívar1554 - Capital.Commemorationof the Bleiburg Tragedy in Buenos Aires=================================================================Buenos Aires, sábado 31 de mayo y domingo 1 de junio de 2003El CírculoCroata Cultural y de Socorros Mutuos de Dock Sud participará en la IIIFiesta de las Colectividades representando a la Colectividad Croata. La Fiestase realizará al aire libre en el parque del Hotel de Inmigrantes, sito en lascercanías de Retiro sobre la calle Alicia Moreau de Justo, Capital Federal.Horario: ambos días de 10 hrs. a 17 hrs. Participaremos con stand propio concomidas típicas, artesanías, trajes típicos, libros y folletos, bebidas yotros artículos croatas. Actuará el Conjunto folklórico Pobjedadel Círculo Croata en el escenario que se levantará en el predio, en principioel domingo 01.06.2003 cerca del mediodía (a confirmar). También es probable laactuación de la orquesta Dalmacija ydel Conjunto Folklórico Zrinski (peroes a confirmar). En caso de lluvia se pospone para el siguiente fin de semana.Immigrantcommunities hold their third Festival. The Croatian community will berepresented by the Dock Sud CroatianCultural Centre=================================================================Córdoba, Argentina, sábado 31 de mayo y domingo 1 de junio de 2003Organizadopor la Unión de Colectividades de Inmigrantes de Córdoba (U.C.I.C.) sedisputarán los próximos 31 de mayo y 1 de junio las "III OlimpíadasDeportivas y Recreativas de las Colectividades". Las actividades se llevarána cabo en el Estadio Olímpico Córdoba y en la sede del Club Banco. Lasdisciplinas serán: Fútbol 11 y 6, básquet, volley, ajedrez, backgamon, truco,canasta, bochas y atletismo. La colectividad croata competirá como enanteriores oportunidades con un nutrido grupo participantes. Es importantemencionar que nuestra colectividad ha cosechado numerosas medallas en lasdistintas especialidades, destacándose la obtenida en la primera edición (año1998), donde obtuvo la medalla de oro en fútbol 11, dando la consabida"vuelta olímpica" en el mismo Estadio Olímpico Córdoba.Sportsevents with the participation of the Croatian community.=================================================================Dock Sud, Avellaneda, provinciade Buenos Aires, domingo 8 de junio de 2003Continuandocon las actividades con motivo del 80 aniversario del Círculo Croata de DockSud (1923-2003), se realizará a las 16 hrs. un Té en el salón de nuestrainstitución, sita en Av. Debenedetti 1776, Dock Sud, con sandwiches y masas.Durante el mismo se proyectará en pantalla gigante una película croata encolor (subtitulada en castellano) y se proyectará un nuevo video color turísticocroata recientemente recibido (en castellano). Se invita a todos los miembrosdel Círculo, compatriotas y amigos a este evento. Se venderán asimismo tortastípicas y otros productos y habrá sorteos especiales. Precio de la entrada$5.-. Lo recaudado se destinará a los trabajos de terminación del frente y almejoramiento de la Sede del Círculo Croata Cultural.Partof the activities celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Dock Sud Croatian Cultural Centre=================================================================Buenos Aires, domingo 13 dejulioAlmuerzoabierto de Veselo Drustvo (sarma).Para mayor información sobre VeseloDrustvo y sus actividades contactarse con Zvjezdana Sinovcic, Secretaria VeseloDrustvo, veselod@hotmail.com o smsinovcic@uolsinectis.com.ar Lunch- open to the Croatian Community held by VeseloDrustvo - Merry Society=================================================================Dock Sud,Avellaneda, provincia de Buenos Aires, domingo 17 de agosto de 2003 ActosConmemorativos del 75° aniversario de la trágica muerte del lider y políticocroata dr. Stjepan Radic. En el año de su 80 aniversario el Circulo, serealizarán el día 17 de Agosto de 2003 con el siguiente programa: a)Solemne Santa Misa Croata: a las 10 y 30 hs. en la Iglesia del Colegio "CristoRey" de las Hermanas Católicas Croatas de Dock Sud. b) ActoConmemorativo : a las 12 y 30 hs. apertura de los actos conmemorativos en lasede del Circulo Croata Cultural y de Socorros Mutuos de Dock Sud, en Avda. A.Debenedetti 1776, Dock Sud, Avellaneda, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, con entonaciónde los himnos y palabras alusivas a la fecha, recordando al ilustre mártir dela Patria Croata. c)Almuerzo Comunitario: a continuación almuerzo comunitario para todos losmiembros del Círculo, sus amigos e invitados especiales. Se servirán comidas ypostres típicos (entrada, sarma con productos ahumados o pollo a la parrilla,ensaladas, vinos, postres, café). Habrá una programación especial con actuaciónde la Klapa BA y otras actuacionesespeciales. Rifas y sorteos especiales. Se informarán a posteriori mayoresdetalles sobre la programación de la Conmemoración de Stjepan Radic, el preciode las entradas y sobre la reserva de las mismas.Activitiesat the Dock Sud Croatian Cultural Centrein remembrance of Stjepan Radic, on the 80th anniversary of the Centre.=================================================================CROACIADubrovnik, viernes 6 de junioBeatifikacija prve zene Crkve uHrvata: Sluzbenica Bozja Marija od Propetog Isusa Petkovic, utemeljitelica DružbeSestara Kceri Milosrdja, (Blato na Korculi, Hrvatska 1892 - Rim, Italija,1966), predvidjena je u Dubrovniku, dana 6. lipnja ove godine, povodom trecePapine posjete Hrvatskoj.Labeatificación de la primera mujer de la Iglesia entre los Croatas: la Sierva deDios María de Jesús Crucificado Petković, fundadora de la CongregaciónHermanas Hijas de la Misericordia, (Blato en Korčula, Croacia, 1892 -Roma, Italia, 1966), está prevista en Dubrovnik el día 6 de junio delcorriente año, en ocasión de la tercera visita del Papa a Croacia.=================================================================MADRID - ESPAÑALosmiembros de la Asociación de Promoción Cultural España Croacia celebranreuniones el primer jueves de cada mes a partir de las 20:00 horas en el PubDEWANE, C/ Juan Duque, N˙11 (junto al Puente de Segovia). El contacto es laSeñora Tuga Tarle: TugaTarle@netscape.net TheSpain-Croatia Cultural Society holdstheir monthly meeting on the first Thursday=================================================================1953-2003Fiftieth Anniversary CelebrationSaturday, May 17, 2003 in New York CityTHE CROATIAN ACADEMY OF AMERICARequests the pleasure of your company at the Gala Dinner andRecital TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ACADEMY 1 9 5 3 - 2 0 0 3ÂSaturday, May 17, 2003 Cocktails at 6:00 pm Dinner at 7:00 pm THE NEW YORK HILTON HOTEL 1335 Avenue of the Americas New York, New YorkTrianon Rendezvous BallroomKEYNOTE ADDRESS: Dr. Jasna Helena Mencer, Rector, Universityof ZagrebRECITAL: Krunoslav Cigoj, tenorBlack tie optional.Please reply by May 14, 2003E mail: croatacad@aol.comFax: 516-935-0019 Telephone: 212-957-5808Tickets at $ 125 per person. Students at $ 75 per person.www.croatianacademy.orgTax deductible to the extent allowed by law.=================================================================STUDIA CROATICANuevo materialen la Web - New MaterialBibliacroata en Internet: www.studiacroatica.com/biblia/titulos.htm. Hemos ingresado el Libro de los Jueces, en http://www.studiacroatica.com/biblia/sudci.htm. Hasta ahora hay ingresados 13 libros del Antiguo Testamento. TheHoly Bible in the Croatian language (13 books) is in: www.studiacroatica.com/biblia/titulos.htmComunicado de Prensa de la UniónDemocrática Croata (HDZ) sobre la situación del General Ante Gotovina (eninglés) / Press Release by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) onGeneral Ante Gotovina's situation (in English) http://www.studiacroatica.com/hdz/hdzgotovina.htmFotos del Almuerzo que ofreció laCámara Argentino Croata de Industria y Comercio a la Unión de Cámaras deComercio Extranjeras y Binacionales, Buenos Aires 6 de mayo de 2003: http://www.studiacroatica.com/dia/ar/cap/cacic/cacic.htmÂPictures of the luncheon hosted by the Argentine-Croatian Chamber ofCommerce for the Union of Foreign and Bi-National Chambers of Commerce inArgentina, May 6th, 2003.=================================================================LINKSNenad Bach produce el excelentesite http://www.croatianworld.net/con material en inglés y croata=================================================================LIBRO DE GASPAR GLAVICParaobtener información sobre el libro Croacia, 2000 años de Historia, deGaspar Glavic, seguir el link: http://www.glavichfamilyhistory.readywebsites.com/page/page/463257.htm Abook on the history of Croatia, by Gaspar Glavic=================================================================BUSCAN DATOS Y FAMILIARES - PERSONSAND FAMILIES SOUGHTInformaciónsobre personas y familiares buscadas está en www.studiacroatica.com/buscan/buscan.htm Dataon persons and their families being sought by relatives letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 15 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4829/1/E-The-Croatians-of-London.html ÂTHE CROATIANS OF LONDONThe Croatian Herald, Australia No. 963 - 18 April 2003VIEWPOINT FROM LONDONÂby Brian GallagherTHE CROATIANS OF LONDONThere have been Croatians in the UK for many decades -the dissident newspaper Nova Hrvatska was publishedhere - but no substantial community. Over the last fewyears that has changed; there are now 2 - 3 thousandCroatians here. A new community is now forming, largelyin London, and its most important element is theCroatian Students and Young Professionals Network(CSYPN). The president is Marko Krznaric, whose hardwork has made him de facto leader of the Croatiancommunity; he is a real asset to Croatia in Britain.Your humble correspondent is the Vice President. Solet me tell you something about us.CSYPN members are in the UK either to work or study,and a number have permanently settled. Many areinvolved in finance, IT and the media. The membershiphave roots from all over Croatia, BiH and elsewhere soit is quite possible that we in London have the mostdiverse Croat community anywhere. There are even oneor two Anglo-Croats.There are also British members, friends of Croatia.There are a number of Australian Croats here. Indeed,one, Andrija Zuvela, is a CSYPN committee member.CSYPN organises many social events, dinners, dancesand simple nights out in the pub. The CroatianNational Day celebration last year was the mostimportant UK Croat social event of 2002. In the lastcouple of weeks we organised a major event, the'Croatian Big Night Out' which attracted a hundredpeople.We organised a highly successful lecture series on theCroatian language. Furthermore, we asked Marcus Tannerto give a talk to coincide with the second edition ofhis book on Croatia. The talk and subsequent questionswas hosted by Adrian Chiles, a BBC TV businesscorrespondent with Croat roots.CSYPN goes to Croatian events in London such as theCroatian National Ballet in the Royal Opera House andmore recently the New Life theatre of visuallyimpaired actors from Zagreb.A major plank of our activities are in sports; such asour basketball team. Marko recently organised asuccessful squash tournament. A CSYPN group went tosupport Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon, and CSYPNmembers appeared for both Hajduk and Dinamo's gamesagainst Fulham. The aforementioned Andrija Zuvela wasinterviewed for the Fulham/Hajduk programme and AdrianChiles stepped in for the Dinamo programme.As can be seen, we do a lot; without us the Croatcommunity in London would wither. And given we arebased in London, our potential importance and that ofthe whole Croat community here should not beunderestimated.As I say, we have Australian Croats here; so Croats inAustralia - or NZ, or indeed elsewhere! - coming overto work or study should join us. Full details on ourwebsite at www.csypn.org.uk© Brian GallagherÂMy 'Viewpoint from London' column appears fortnightlyin the Australian 'Croatian Herald' and thereafter at www.croatifocus.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 27 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4830/1/EH-Task-Force-2003-Ecological-Reconstruction-of-Croatia.html ÂCroatianTask ForceIn short, Hrvatska matica iseljenika is organizing a volunteer program where the young adults from Croatia and abroad will help with the ecological reconstruction in Croatia.ÂThis year the program includes reconstruction of ethnological museum, botanical garden and gallery of the monastery Sveta Marija in Zaostrog(http://www.gradac.hr) and participation in the eco programs of Hrvatske Šume (CroatianForrests). Lodgining will be in the monastery http://www.gradac.hr/zaostrog/zaostrog-povijest.htmÂlocated only 50 meters from the coast.The participants are expected to pay for their airfare to Zagreb, while accommodation, food and activities are free of charge. All applications and two recommendations need to be received by June 13, 2003 and should be sent to:Hrvatska matica iseljenikagdja. Nives Antoljak, leader of TF 2003Trg Stjepana Radica 310000 ZagrebHrvatskatel. 385 1 61 15 116fax. 385 1 61 11 522e-mail: nives@matis.hrÂÂThis project takes place from July 13th - August 2nd. Various activities, including entertainment and sports are planned. Weekend trips (Dubrovnik, Medjugorje, Brac, Hvar.....) will also be organized.http://www.matis.hr/hr/task_force/2003.htmÂHrvatska matica iseljenika tradicionalno organizira dragovoljni obnoviteljski program TASK FORCE u kojem mladi iz domovine i iseljeništva rade na ekološkoj obnovi Hrvatske. Mladi hrvatski iseljenici i njihovi prijatelji iz brojih zemalja svijeta veæ nekoliko godina sudjeluju u obnovi ekološki zapuštenih dijelova pojedinog hrvatskog kulturno-povijesnog prostora. Kao što je poznato, TASK FORCE je zapoèeo u jeku ratnih stradanja 1992. godine, a hrvatska ga iseljenièka mladež nastavlja održavati i u mirnodopsko vrijeme.ÂDo sada su TASK FORCE projekti uspjesno ostvareni u Vocinu, Gornjem Brgatu kraj Dubrovnika, Skradinu, Daruvaru, Istri, na Plitvickim jezerima, na otocicu Galovcu kraj Zadra i u Arboretumu u Trstenu i u Motovunu. Svake se godine našsem obnoviteljskom programu u Hrvatskoj pridruze i prijatelji hrvatske mladezi iz cijelog svijeta, od mladih Amerikanaca i Kanadjana do mladih Francuza i pripadnika mnogih drugih naroda.Ovogodišnjim projektom nasu pomoc cemo usmjeriti na uredjenje etnografskog muzeja, botanickog vrta i galerije u samostanu Sv. Marije u Zaostrogu (http://www.gradac.hr) i na ekoloskim programima HrvatskihSuma u okolici. Smjestaj je predvidjen u samom samostanu http://www.gradac.hr/zaostrog/zaostrog-povijest.htmÂudaljenom 50m od mora.Sudionici sami placaju troskove na relaciji inozemstvo-Zagreb-inozemstvo. Troskove sudjelovanja u samom programu snositce organizatori. Pristupnice se primaju najkasnije do 13. lipnja 2003. Uz pristupnicu je potrebno proslijediti (e-mailom, faksom ili postom) i dvije preporuke, tj. preporuku sveucilišnog profesora, ucitelja ili poslodavca i preporuku, ako je to moguce, jedne osobe ili društva ili crkve u okviru hrvatske zajednice.U okviru TF-a priredjuj se razlicita zabavna i sportska dogadjanja. Vikendom se organizira obilazak kulturnih, povijesnih i prirodnih znamenitosti kraja u kojem se boravi (Dubrovnik, Medjugorje, Brac, Hvar.....). Ukoliko se javi dovoljan broj zainteresiranih organiziratce se i tecaj hrvatskog jezika i/ili dramska radionica.ÂZaostrog - Task Force 2003.ÂPrijave: zainteresirani mladici i djevojke, od 18 godina i stariji, mogu se javiti do 13. lipnja 2003. na sljedecu adresu:Hrvatska matica iseljenikaMs. Nives Antoljak, voditeljica TF 2003Trg Stjepana Radiæa 310000 ZagrebHrvatskatel. 385 1 61 15 116fax. 385 1 61 11 522e-mail: nives@matis.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 08 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4831/1/E-Croatian-Chronicle-Call-For-Submissions.html  Croatian Chronicle: Call For SubmissionsÂFriends,The time has come to put together the Spring 2003 issue of the Croatian Chronicle. As you know, this is a paper that registers the activities of our Croatian community in the Chicagoland area. So, please e-mail us notes, articles, pictures.... about your club, parish, school, sport team, marriages, baptisms, deaths, anniversaries, individual achievements....anything that reflects our work and our successes. This issue will cover the events in our community from about December 15, 2002 to May 1, 2003.I would appreciate if you e-mail me your contributions ASAP so that I can start putting the materials together. If you are e-mailing me a text that contains Croatian diacritical marks, please send that as an MS Word attachment. If you are e-mailing me pictures send them as JPEG files.I would like to publish the names of all those who have returned from the Chicago area to Croatia or Bosnia-Herzegovina since 1990. If you know of any of those people, e-mail me the name(s), present address, tel. number, the year of return (if you know), and whom should I contact here in Chicago to get more information about that family (person).Do you know of any Croatian Americans in Iraq today?Send us the names, pictures, and other info of college/univ. students that are graduating or getting a higher professional degree this spring, or that has graduated recently.Don't wait, e-mail us your materials for the new issue of the Croatian Chronicle soon.We greatly appreciate the support of those who have advertised in the previous issues of the Chronicle. We do hope that you and other businesses and organizations will place an add in the Chronicle or support this publication in some other way.The ad prices are as follows:Full-page (8.5x11) - $150.00Half-page - $75.00Quarter-page - $40.00Eighth of a page - $20.00Please send the text of your ad (and a picture if you wish) to Ante Cuvalo, 19121 Wildwood, Lansing, IL 60438. Even better, e-mail it to cuv@netzero.com. Send payments to Milena Badrov, 2847 - 193rd Pl., Lansing, IL 60438. Unpaid ads will not be published! Write your checks to "Napredak."Pozdravlja,Ante Cuvalocuv@netzero.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 07 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4832/1/E-FREE-gas-masks-for-US-residents.html ÂÂFree Gas Masks to US residentswww.Freegasmasks.comÂÂÂÂNew Jersey company offered 100,000 surplus adult and children's gas masks for cost of shipping and handling. Masks are free to US residents - shipping and handling is $9.85 each mask.ÂI called them today, March 26, 2003 and they still have 20,000 available.Katarina Tepesh letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 03 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4834/1/E-NFCA---Press-Release-March-25-2003.html ÂNATIONAL FEDERATION OF CROATIAN AMERICANS1329 Connecticut Ave, NWWashington,DC 20036202-331-2836Dear NFCA Member:The NFCA had a successful year of accomplishments in 2002, and this yearpromises to be even better. However, our continued success is contingentupon the generous contributions and support of our individual members.Now more then ever, as we approach our National Convention, we need youto contribute your 2003 membership dues, if you have not done soalready. At this time we are asking for an additional contribution tothe NFCA in order to keep our lobbyist, Joe Foley, on retainer throughthe spring. He has been very instrumental in obtaining increasedeconomic aid to Croatia. A contribution of $200 or higher would make youa silver donor and a key reason why we will have a successful year onceagain.We have raised almost $17,000 through the fundraising efforts of ErikMilman, our Development Director, who has been working with us sinceNovember, 2002. Erik has brought new energy and enthusiasm to ourorganization through his focused efforts on fundraising and membershipdevelopment. He has created a database for the NFCA with the names andaddresses of over 2,000 Croatian Americans as part of his ongoinginitiatives for the NFCA. We would very much like to keep Erik on boardfull time with NFCA. However, this can only be accomplished with yourgenerous support.On another note of pride for our community, Erik was the CampaignManager for the Tell The Truth Committee that played a key role indefeating Helen Bentley's campaign for Congress.Our Tenth Annual Assembly of Delegates will be in Washington, D.C. onMay 30 - June 1. This promises to be an exciting Convention with adinner at the Embassy and special guests, including members of Congress.You can be part of all these events as a Delegate. The NFCA ExecutiveCommittee can appoint ten at large delegates who must be dues payingmembers of the NFCA.If you have any friend who would like to donate or become a member,please call Erik Milman at 202-331-2830.Thank You,John Kraljic Steve RukavinaÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAndrew JezicPresident Past PresidentÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTreasurer letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 30 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4833/1/H-URUCENE-NAGRADE-HRV-SVJETSKOG-KONGRESA.html  Urucene nagrade HSKNAKON TRODNEVNOG SKUPA HRVATSKOG SVJETSKOG KONGRESA Urucene nagrade HSK Slobodna Dalmacija, D. IVANKOVIC, 29. ozujka 2003. http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/ ZAGREB - Hrvatski svjetski kongres dodijelio je godisnje nagrade domacim i svjetskim uglednicima koji su, prema procjeni krovne hrvatske organizacije hrvatske dijaspore, najvise pridonijeli ostvarivanju hrvatskih nacionalnih interesa. Za nesebicno zauzimanje za Hrvate izvan domovine nagradjen je Nenad Gol, za istaknutog novinara u izgradnji mostova izmedju domovine i izvandomovinstva Vladimir Goss, svecanu povelju za promicanje hrvatskog imena u svijetu dobila je Rukometna reprezentacija Hrvatske. Svecana povelja za stranca koji se najvise zauzimao i podupirao interese Hrvatske dodijeljena je francuskom filozofu Alainu Finkelkrautu, u cije je ime povelju preuzela Zeljka Corak. Fra Simun Sito Coric, predsjednik HSK koji je u protekla tri dana u Zagrebu odrzao sastanak sredisnjeg odbora, iznio je, potom neke aktualne stavove HSK. Govoreci o stanju u BiH, Coric se zalozio za doradu Daytona koji je bio dobar za zaustavljanje rata, ali ga valja preraditi prema svicarskom ili belgijskom modelu uredjenja drzave. Zbog katastrofalnih demografskih perspektiva hrvatskog naroda, nuzno je da RH sto prije ponudi programe povratka Hrvatima izvan domovine, kaze Coric. Lider HSK obavijestio je novinare kako je ova udruga pokrenula tuzbu protiv Wolfganga Petritscha pred sudom u New Yorku koji je, kao mandatar UN-a u BiH, prema procjeni odvjetnika HSK ostetio BiH Hrvate za minimalno 300 milijuna US dolara. Na konferenciji za novinare receno je i kako slijedi 110 tisuca eura vrijedna obnova i dorada spomenika hrvatskim zrtvama u Bleiburgu, koja ce biti dovrsena do komemoracije iduce godine. Note: The Croatian World Congress CWC, functions on all continents and in all countries of the world where there exist Croatian communities. The Croatian World Congress (CWC) is a non-profit, non-governmental and non-party international organization that enjoys advisory status as a NGO member of the United Nations. The Croatian World Congress CWC, although a young institution, unites numerous Croatian associations world-wide as no other Croatian body has succeeded nor attempted to achieve to date (4.5 million Croats and people of Croatian heritage live outside of the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina). Croatian World Congress H.S.K. NGO Member of the United Nations Prof. dr. Simun Sito Coric, Presidenthttp://www.crowc.org/ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 30 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4836/1/H-Hrvatski-Festival-Mladih-New-York-22ozujka-2003.html ÂHrvatski Festival MladihKliknite za slikeÂÂÂÂ- New York, 22.ozujka 2003. Srca strucnog ocjenjivackog zirija i mnogobrojne publike u dvorani Queensborough Community Collega na prvom Festivalu Mladih osvojio je Josip Zanki sa pjesmom"Uz more vezan". Strucni ocjenjivacki ziri dodijelio mu je prvunagradu, a sedamnaestogodisnji Josip Zanki koji zivi u Astoriji, osvojio je pjesmom autora Roberta Grubisic i Vjeka Kevric i prvo mjesto po glasovimapublike. Josip Zanki o sebi kaze da ide u jedanaesti razred, voli pjevati i slusati hrvatske pjesme te plese u folklornoj skupini Hrvatskaruza. Pobjedu nije ocekivao, ali se veoma obradovao, posebice pobjednickoj nagradi"karti za Hrvatsku" buduci da svakog ljeta odlazi u Privlaku i Zablace odakle mu potjecuroditelji. Strucni ziri dodijelio je Gini Picinic (pjesma Ti zeljo luda, Andreja Basa i DragaBritvica) nagradu za najbolju vokalnu izvedbu. Nagradu za scenski nastup dobila je Katarina Kasap koja je u maniri pop zvijezda izvela pjesmu Oprosti miljubavi, Andreja Basa. Specijalnu nagradu za scenski nastup, ziri je dodijelio i Tatiani Suric (Nisi mi poklonio cvijet - IvanaHarej). Takodjer ziri je za orginalnost dodijelio i priznanje pjesmi Srecu cine malestvari, autorice Snjezane Kezic koju je otpjevala Marina Bosnjak. Publika je svojim glasovima drugo mjesto dodijelila izvrsnom Ivici Gasparic i grupi Novi Plamen za pjesmu Slavonac i Dalmatinka koju je napisao IvicaGasparic, senior. Trece mjeste pripalo je proslogodisnjem pobjedniku Hrvatskog Djecjeg Festivala Marinu Bosko sa pjesmom Mama, Mladena Grdovic i RobertaPilepic. Program su vodili Robert Ferlin i Barbara Kolar. U Show programu nastupili su Marin Bosko i Ana Nejasmic proslogodisnji pobjednici Djecjeg festivala te GinaPicunic. Nastupila je Klapa Astoria te Matko Jelavic. Publiku je posebno odusevio i nastup crnacke plesne skupine MCD izBronxa..ÂVeceras nas ocekuje Djecji Festival sa pocetkom u cetri sata poslijepodne. Dodatne informacije mozete pronaci na adresiwww.cro-zone.com, a podatke o ziriju, organizatorima i koreografima nawww.hrvatskikorijen.com.ÂHrvatski Korijen/Sanja Floricic Bogovic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 23 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4835/1/E-Love-knows-no-boundaries---Croatian-Youth-Festival.html  Croatian Youth Festival in New YorkClick to see festival pictues | The Croatian Youth Festival took place tonight (3/22/03) in Bayside Queens, in the auditorium of Queensborough Community College. The place was packed with happy, supportive fellow Croation's & guests. Tonight new stars were shining bright including Josip Zanki the overall winner, Gina Picinic winner for the best vocalist & Katherina Kasap won for best performer.The Croatian Youth Festival is possible because of the hard work of a few & the unconditional support of the many. The festival represents what is best in us as Croatians & human beings. The Festival is dedicated to the children in Zambia. Donations from the Festival & the Croatian Catholic Community in the New York area will be given so that a school can be built in Lucu Zambia. Father Robert Zubovic, one of the primary founders of the festival said, "love knows no boundaries". This is certainly true in the essence of what the festival embodies & aspires to bring forth.After experiencing the wonder & magnificence of all who participated, we can only encourage you to try this in your communities throughout America & the world. Music & dance connects us in a happy, constructive & deep way. These are the ingredients that make life joyous & worth living! Get a hold of a CD at the Croatian Catholic Mission in Astoria, Queens & listen to the gifts from God & the hard work of our youth! Josip Bogovic Hrvatski Korjen letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 23 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4837/1/E-Croatian-YouthChildrens-Festival-in-New-York-March-22-23.html ÂCroatianYouth/Children'sFestival in New YorkMarch 22-23, 2003This is the big weekend!!!! This Saturday and Sunday is the CroatianYouth/Children's Festival 2003. Get your tickets now. If you alreadyhave tickets tell your friends to come (just forward this email to them).ÂThis year's Festival will be greater than years past. Youth Festival isSaturday at 7pm. Children's Festival is Sunday at 4pm. The Festivalis being held at Queensborough Community College. For directions and moreinfo visit www.cro-zone.com .Thanks, Joe MaracicWe, the Croatian childrenÂand youth of New York,Âtogether with our parents and friends,Âdedicate this festivalÂto the African children of Zambia.By way of our song and dancewe wish to help build a schoolÂin the Catholic mission of Lusu,Âled by Father Boris Dabo,a Croatian Missionary.MI, HRVATSKA DJECA I MLADIÂNEW YORKA ZAJEDNO SAÂSVOJIM RODITELJIMA I PRIJATELJIMA POSVECUJEMO OVAJ FESTIVAL AFRICKOJ DJECI U ZAMBIJI. SVOJOM PJESMOM I PLESOM ZELIMO POMOCI IZGRADNJU SKOLE U KATOLICKOJ MISIJI LUSU KOJU VODI HRVATSKI SVECENIK DON BORIS DABO!Âfr. Robert ZubovicRZubovic@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 22 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4838/1/H-Telekonferencija-o-hrvatskim-povratnicima.html ÂTelekonferencija o HrvatskimPovratnicimaÂ21 Ozujka 2003Â16:00 Osijek - 10 AM New YorkPostovani!Obavijestavamo Vas da je zbog tehnickih razloga doslo do promjene adrese Webstranice, na kojoj ce biti izravan prijenos putem Interneta, kao i e-mailadrese na koju mozete slati svoja pitanja i komentare.Nova adresa Web stranice je:mms://tv.carnet.hr/ETFOsijekÂilimms://161.53.159.252/ETFOsijekÂe-mail adresa je:osijek@efos.hr Do pocetka prijenosa vrti se jedna zvucna podloga tako da svi mogu provjeriti svoju konekciju - sliku i zvuk. Molimo Vas da svim zainteresiranim prijateljima i poznanicima, iz Hrvatske ili inozemstva, proslijedite navedenu adresu web stranice. Lijep pozdrav. prof.dr.sc. Ante Lauc Postovani! U sklopu znanstveno-istrazivackog projekta "Razvitak Hrvatske izmedju autopoiesisa i alopoiesisa", odobrenog od strane Ministarstva znanosti i tehnologije, prof.dr.sc. Ante Lauc, redoviti profesor osjeckog Ekonomskog fakulteta, sa svojim suradnicima organizira Javnu raspravu o hrvatskim prognanicima putem telekonferencije. Telekonferencija ce se odrzati u petak, 21. ozujka 2003. godine u 16 sati, po hrvatskom vremenu, na Elektrotehnickom fakultetu u Osijeku, uz izravan prijenos putem Interneta, sa mogucnoscu Vaseg posrednog sudjelovanja u raspravi preko e-maila. Pozivamo Vas da pratite telekonferenciju te e-mailom postavljate pitanja i dajete svoje komentare, kao i da obavijestite svoje prijatelje i poznanike, iz Hrvatske ili dijaspore, o ovom dogadjaju. U attachmentu Vam saljemo kratki sazetak teme navedene rasprave kao i ciljeve koje njome zelimo postici, te takodjer sadrzaj projekta "Global Autopoietic University", za koji Vas molimo da ga proucite. O tocnom nazivu Web adrese, na kojoj cete moci pratiti raspravu, bit cete pravodobno obavijesteni. Imate li nekih pitanja ili prijedloga, slobodno nam se obratite. Srdacan pozdrav, prof.dr.sc. Ante Lauc Kontakt osoba: Zeljko Pozega, znanstveni novak mobitel: 098/612-565 telefon:031/224-454 e-mail: zpozega@efos.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 21 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4839/1/E-DELEGATES-OF-THE-CWC-IN-ZAGREB.html DELEGATES OF THE CROATIAN WORLD CONGRESS IN ZAGREBThree-day session will be held in Zagreb on March 26, 27 and 28, 2003 with members from 30 countries. They are to discuss the grave position of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina,Vojvodina, Kosovo and other important issue.ÂFor more information please contactJosip Ante SovuljSecretaryÂCroatian World Congress JSovulj@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 11 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4840/1/E-Prayer-for-Hilda.html ÂPray for our HildaDear Friends,I want to ask you on a personal level to please remember me in yourprayers. I just came back from my eye doctor - he is a Glaucomaspecialist, he informed me after some tests that my Glaucoma hasprogressed. The left eye already has lost some peripheral vision, whichI already knew from before, but now my right eye has gotten worse too.Don't have to tell you that it depresses me. Blindness to me is worsethan death - it is a living death. Not to see another sunset, all thebeauty of nature, our grandchildren growing, reading, all the things oneenjoys in life are mostly visual - at least to me. I would not havebecome a painter if seeing and appreciating beauty would not have meantthat much to me. Please pray that science comes up with a cure, or atleast stops the progression. My first eye drops for it have not worked,now the doctor is trying others, there is also the possibility of a laseroperation, with 74% success in stopping progression - but I don't knowwhat happens to the other 26%, if it makes the situation worse, possiblyblindness, than I would beÂreluctant to have it done. What miserable choices!Love,Hilda letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4841/1/EH-Hrvatski-profesionalni-vatrogasci-Vas-pozivaju.html ÂCroatian FiremanDear visitor!I would like to introduce you to an interesting profession whichunfortunately is not enough appreciated in Croatia. We are talking aboutprofessional fire fighting, a profession you have probably many times seenon TV. How many times have you wondered how it would be to do this job? Andwhy somebody goes out risking his own life to save other people's lives.People he probably does not even know.My name is Kruno and I am editing the pages of the Fire Department of thecity of Bjelovar.Through these pages we whish to bring this profession nearer to all thepeople who want to find out something more. Additionally we want to informthem about preventing a fire and how to properly put out a starting fire.The pages are translated into the English and the German language . This isbecause we connect with colleagues all around the world and through theInternet we make contacts and achieve cooperation. This way we learn howthis job is done in their countries and how much do people appreciate thework fire fighters do.Thanks to the pages, in the last two years (of their existence), we did thefollowing: a.. An article about our unit was published in a magazine in New Zealand b.. We have signed a friendship agreement (the only one's in Croatia) withthe rescue organization American Rescue Team International c.. Last year we hosted colleagues from the fire fighting unit of the cityof Zary in Poland and this year we will sign a friendly cooperation treatybetween the Fire Department Zary and the Fire Department Bjelovar d.. Our pages are accessed from around (literary) the whole world, fromall continents e.. Our old guestbook has around 350 entries from fire fighting colleaguesaround the world.In the near future we want to work on the promotion of fire fighting inCroatia and the acquaintance of fire fighters and other people around theworld with our fire-fighting unit in Croatia.This year we celebrate 130 years of fire fighting in the city of Bjelovar.For this reason, until October when the main ceremony is held, we whish tomark the anniversary in many different ways.For example, it is my wish to invite a musical band to do a video clip inour Fire Department (in the garage, among the fire trucks, the gear etc.).At first I thought of the band U2 because they, among other things, do a lotof humanitarian work. We fire fighters do humanitarian work, too, so wecould join these two activities.I would like to invite foreign news agencies that might find it interestingto make a report about how this profession is executed in Croatia.At the end I would like to invite our people, Croats, who live outsideCroatia and who can come to our ceremony in October, to contact us bye-mail.Greetings from the man of the Fire Department of the city of Bjelovar.Now I call you to visit our internet site ( www.vatrogasci.infoÂ) and get intouch with us by e-mail ( vatrogasci@bjelovar.comÂ).Krunokruno.fuckor@bj.hinet.hrÂPostovani!Zelio bih Vas upoznati sa jednim zanimljivim zanimanje koje nazalost nijebas cijenjeno u Hrvatskoj. Rijec je o profesionalnom vatrogastvu. Zanimanjekoje ste vjerojatno mnogo puta vidjeli na TV-u. Koliko ste puta se zapitalikako je raditi ovaj posao? I zasto netko ide riskirati svoj zivot da bispasio zivot druge osobe. Osobe koju vjerojatno i ne pozna.Moje ime je Kruno i uredujem stranice Javne vatrogasne postrojbe gradaBjelovara. S tim stranicama zelja nam je pribliziti ovo zanimanje svimljudima koji zele saznati nesto vise. Takoder informirati ih o tome kakomogu sprijeciti nastanak pozara, te kako na vrijeme pravilno ugasiti pocetnipozar.Stranice su prevedene na engleski i njemacki jezik. Zato jer se povezujemosa kolegama sirom svijeta, te preko interneta stvaramo kontakte i suradnju.I saznajemo kako se ovaj posao obavlja u njihovim zemljama. Te koliko ljudicijene posao koji vatrogasci obavljaju.Zahvaljujuci stranicama u ove dvije godine (koliko postoje), napravili smoslijedece:- objavljen je clanak o nasoj postrojbi u casopisu u Novom Zelandu,- potpisali smo prijateljski sporazum (kao jedini iz Hrvatske) saspasilackom organizacijom American Rescue Team International- prosle godine smo ugostili kolege iz vatrogasne postrojbe grada Zary uPoljskoj, s kojima cemo ove godine potpisani prijateljsku suradnju izmedjupostrojbe Zary i postrojbe Bjelovar- na stranicama imamo posjete iz (doslovno) cijelogasvijeta, sa svih kontinenata- u knjizi gostiju je oko 350 upisa od kolega vatrogasaca iz cijelogsvijeta.U skoroj buducnosti zelimo raditi na promoviranju vatrogastva u Hrvatskoj,te upoznavanju vatrogasaca i drugih ljudi sirom svijeta, sa nasomvatrogasnom postrojbom u Hrvatskoj.Ove godine obiljezavamo 130 godina vatrogastva u gradu Bjelovaru. Stogazelim do desetog mjeseca (kada ce se odrzati glavna svecanost), na raznenacine obiljeziti ovu obljetnicu.Npr. zelja mi je pozvati muzicku grupu da snimi spot u nasoj postrojbi (ugarazi, medu vatrogasnim vozilima, opremom i dr.). Najprije sam razmisljao ogrupi U2 zato jer se oni izmedu ostalog bave i humanim radom. Takoder ivatrogasci obavljamo humano djelo, tako da bi spojili ove dvije djelatnosti.Zelio bih pozvati strane novinske agencije, kojima bi mozda bilo zanimljivosnimiti reportazu kako se ovaj posao obavlja u Hrvatskoj.A za kraj zelio bih pozvati nase ljude Hrvate u inozemstvu koji mogu doci nanasu svecanost u desetom mjesecu, da nam se svakako jave na e-mail.Primite puno pozdrava od djelatnika Javne vatrogasne postrojbe gradaBjelovara! Pozivam Vas da posjetite nase stranice ( www.vatrogasci.infoÂ) i javite nam sevatrogasci@bjelovar.com .KrunoEdited for CROWN by Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4842/1/E-Touching-Come-Back-To-The-Roots-In-Gorski-Kotar.html ÂTouching "come back" to the roots in Gorski KotarAMERICAN MIHALEVICH PEOPLE HAVE VISITED A HOMELAND OF THEIR ANCESTORSTouching "come back" to the roots in Gorski KotarOur roots perform a big part of what we are. I would want that my daughter also see the land of her ancestors, because if we wait any longer, a connection with these roots will be lost.But,when we`ve come here and whenwe've visited our relatives, we`ve realized the meaning of the words that we are the sameblood, no matter how many kilometers we are separated, says JennyText writer: Smiljana RadovicCameraman : Roni Brmalj "With stomach for the bread", in exile in 19th and 20th century went a lot ofCroats, and they were,depending how much time has passed since they've left, becomingrelatives to whom one is coming once in a lifetime or those who has stood here simply has erased them from the generationmemory. Since that time America has, until nowadays, become in popular stories a land in which honey and milk flows and from where packages with Truman eggs arecoming. Today exiles are no longer illiterate farmers and they are highly educated youngmen, but for all of them the common thing is that this land couldn't afford conditions for a decent life. The story of parents of 86-years old John Mihalevich from the U.S.A. is one of the many similar stories that are talking about poverty and going over the Big Pond.But,why this story is different is that John has decided todiscover, together with his children, what does a land of his ancestors look like,what is hiding under the unknown name Fuzine,what kind of people are distant relatives whose ancestorsdidn't push off to a distant continent.... For the first time the land of his ancestors John met this summer,and conversation with that American man and other "culprits" for this adventure we`ve guided in a restaurant"Volta" in Fuzine,at a place that runs Renata Korica,who is also in family relations with Mihalevich people,where the reunion and companionship with music took place for american as well as croatian side of the Mihalevich family." My father has exiled from Croatia at the beginning of the last century, and the road has drifted him to Iowa.His first goal was to collect enough money so as to return to his homeland and find his wife,since he didn`t want to marry anyone but a croat girl.His plan has realized,they were married here and they have come back to the States.They`ve had 8 sons and 2 daughters,and the living ones are my brother Phillip and I and both sisters, Catherine and Margaret.He has settled again in Iowa and worked in a coal mine until the 1925.when he got a job in a hospital" said John. "This was one of the reasons why I later went to the medical school and became a doctor".The whole story is confirmed with data that were taken out from the arhives by Bosiljka Grubisic,an ancestor from the part of the Mihalevich family that has stood in a homeland.These data are saying that Phillip Mihalevich from Fuzine,Breg 214,on May,16,1908,married Katarina Rupe from Fuzine.Meeting full of emotions Besides the history of their family in the States,John and the other visitors from America have spoken much more about what was "wind out" in their hearts and soul since they`ve stepped on a soil from where a long time ago "with stomach for the bread" their ancestors pushed off." Tears were coming to my eyes when I`ve seen a birthplace of my parents.I am delighted that we are here;when we came to this beautiful land,to Gorski Kotar, one question has come to all of us on mouth:"why would anyone want to leave this wonderful country?"But,from the stories of my parents,and from the stories of many relatives from Croatia that I`ve met,I know that they were forced to do so because of the bad conditions,or what they simply said - bread.As far as I know,my parents had here a garden,but I don`t know whether my father has worked here,and I think if he had worked,he would be a wood-cutter",said John,looking all the time on his sons and daughter,messaging that in that adventure are all equally "ducked" with equally strong emotions when they met a land in which their parents or their grandfathers,has fell in love.ÂPrejudices are carburetted All the children of John Mihalevich Sr.,Don,Rick,John Jr.,Rob and Jenny,have pointed out the great hospitality of masters of the house in Gorski Kotar,because,as they emphasized,they`ve received them as they`ve never gone.To proove that they feel here as if they are at home,on question what do they think about our victory over Italy,Rick, the youngest son of John, has pulled out the dress of croatian national team,with a remark that when he returns home he will show it to everyone. One of the good indicators how they were emotionally shaken with the visit to the ancestors`land,was when they were asked who will win in a possible game between Croatia and USA- they simply didn`t know the answer. Besides they were surprised with natural beauties of a small country as Croatia is,in talking with their relatives and other Croats, they `ve understood that many of their comprehensions about our country were wrong.But,what was the most important,in touch with pure air of Gorski Kotar prejudices were carburetted.As well as many other strangersthey also couldn`t understand at all war events and that in Jugoslavia,in a same country,have lived same people.Phenomenal experience "This is one phenomenal experience,specially getting to know your customs and habits.American nation is actually a nation of exiles, and in honor of an american dream many of us have forgotten our roots.My family has decided to "visit" our roots because they perform a big part of what we are.I would want that my daughter can also see land of her ancestors,because if we wait any longer,a connection with these roots will be lost.But,when we`ve come here and when we`ve visited our relatives, we`ve realized the meaning of the words that we are the same blood,no matter how many kilometres we are separated.The best part of this trip was to see how my father experiences all that,specially the moment when we`ve visited the church in which his parents were baptized and married. Our two cultures are so different,because in our country there is no such a feeling of permanency,in difference from this place that seems so long lasting",said John`s daughter Jenny,once again coming back on a story about hospitality of people from Gorski Kotar because" here they gave them to eat and drink much more than they can consume" and suddenly she said that "women here are beautiful,and men look like manly".Family tree Among twelve Americans we found the main "culprit" for the visit of " a cradle of civilization",Gaylene Mihalevich Billington,a daughter of Andrew,son of Phillip Mihalevich,for whom this has been a second visit to Croatia. Before first visit the american side of the family have already finished their ancestry,but the missing parts were data from the 18th and 19th century. The group of 6 Mihalevich people with one of their friends visited our country 2 years ago;the only thing they `ve known was that they originate from Fuzine and they were searching whether there still exist some members of their family in Croatia.They have come over the "Atlas" agency who has found a relative and it was Bosiljka Golik Grubisic,whose mother was a syster of Katarina Rupe.First contacts of family Rupe with the Americans was realized by Ivica Hus, Bozidar Kauzlaric and Ervin Grubisic with his wife Jasna.Delighted with a landscape and a reception in the family,Gaylene has decided to bring along Mihalevich people in Fuzine.Intended - realized,so in June,together with 13 members of the Mihalevich family and their 3 friends,in Gorski Kotar came also 9 representatives of families Crnic,Iskra,Frkovic and Blaskovic,originally from Mrkopalj.After they`ve seen Mrkopalj and Begovo Razdolje,they`ve visited also a birthplace of Phillip Mihalevich, father of John Mihalevich,where the descendant of family Mihalevich, Ivana Sljepcevic,in the house in Street Breg,has done a reunion.As for an introduction in reunion of american and croatian relatives that was taken its place in "Volta",there was a big tablet with Mihalevich` family tree.Data burried in archives "To accomplish all that,data from registers of births,marriages and deaths for the 18th ,19th and 20th Century were needed to be gathered.Now we have data for the ancestor Peter Mihalevich and his wife Maria from the year 1775.The data were found in Register`s office Delnice,State Archives in Rijeka and Croatian State Archives in Zagreb.It lasted 2 years in full,and the most informations I`ve found in State Archives in Rijeka.If it hadn`t been a comprehensive help of M.S. Mladenka Merdzanic,leader of the library,who has patiently introduced me in all that and has been always here ready to jump to help,this would have never been done.On the other side,in Mrkopalj, a poet Ankica Crnic has offered me a big help; herhusband Franjo has the relations with families Frkovic and Blaskovic"said Bosiljka Grubisic,emphasized that because of the dislocation of sources the research lasted so long.Small districts and towns have no money so it exists no possibility here in near future that inarchives, on one place,one can find the books ,in which data about forgotten relatives long ago of nowadays depopulated Gorski Kotar are placed. Leaving Fuzine,after us,we`ve left numerous Mihalevich family whose members have long into the night tried to store as much memories as they can,never again to be lost.ÂIn family also a staged Mihalevich peopleOne of the curiosities connected to the Mihalevich family is that to this family belong also 2 well-knownCroatian musicians, Mario and Branimir Mihalevic,who pointed out that " there can be no more beautiful day than this one in which he has extended number of members of his family to such a big number and realize how yourrelatives are group of so many different people"My Uncle John Mihalevich and his first cousin Bosiljka Grubisic met for the first time and he is 86 and she is 77. What a meeting this was, you can only imagine the tears. Uncle John's mother and Bosiljka mother were sisters. If you would like anything else let me know, until then thanks a million for all your help this day.Gaylene Mihalevich Billington letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000